Android · Storage & Backup
Browse files and free up space
Files by Google is Android's built-in file manager, letting you browse, search, and organize files on your device, plus a Clean tool that surfaces junk files, duplicate photos, and unused apps you can remove in a couple of taps.
How to open Files by Google
- Open the Files by Google app (or install it from Play Store).
- Tap the Clean tab to review junk files, duplicates, and cleanup suggestions.
- Select the items you want to remove and confirm deletion.
- Use the Browse tab to navigate storage manually by folder or file type.
What you should know
- The Clean tab scans for cache files, duplicate photos, memes, screenshots, and old downloads.
- The Browse tab lets you navigate storage by category (Images, Videos, Documents, Apps) or by folder.
- Files can be shared offline to nearby devices without internet or mobile data using a built-in nearby-sharing feature.
- A Backup section can send selected files or photos directly to Google Drive or Google Photos.
Deletions made through the Clean tool are generally permanent, so double-check duplicate-photo and screenshot suggestions before confirming.
Why it matters
Most people don't realize how much space downloads, duplicate images, and forwarded media quietly consume, and this app is one of the fastest ways to find and clear it without hunting through folders manually.
Best practices
- Review the Clean tab's suggestions before confirming a bulk delete, since duplicate detection isn't always perfect.
- Use the Browse tab's storage-category view to spot which type of file (video, apps, documents) is eating the most space.
- Take advantage of offline file sharing when transferring large files to a nearby phone without using mobile data.
Common problems and fixes
- The Clean tool suggests deleting files that are actually still needed.
- Uncheck any suggested item before confirming — the suggestions are heuristic-based and not always accurate for every user.
- Files by Google isn't preinstalled on the device.
- Download it free from the Google Play Store; it's optional on some phones though preinstalled on many.
Tips and tricks
- Use the in-app offline sharing feature to transfer large files to a nearby phone at high speed without spending any mobile data.
Frequently asked questions
Is Files by Google the same as a phone's default file manager?
On many phones it is preinstalled as the default, but manufacturers like Samsung also ship their own file manager, so both can be present.
Does the Clean tool delete photos backed up to Google Photos?
It can suggest removing device copies of backed-up media, but it typically flags them separately from files that have no backup at all.
Related settings
- Storage & CleanupStorage settings show a breakdown of what's using space on your device — apps, photos, videos, and cached data — and offer one-tap tools to clear space safely.
- Google Photos BackupGoogle Photos backup automatically uploads your camera roll to your Google Account, so photos and videos survive a lost, broken, or replaced phone and stay accessible across all your devices.
- SD Card StorageSD card storage settings let you choose how a microSD card is used — as portable storage for easily removable files, or formatted as internal storage that extends the phone's built-in space (adoptable storage).
More Storage & Backup guides for Android
- Backup & RestoreAndroid can automatically back up app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and photos to your Google Account, making it easy to restore everything on a new or reset device.
- Free Up Space ToolThe Free Up Space tool scans the device for large files, unused apps, duplicate downloads, and old screenshots, then suggests safe items to delete to reclaim storage.
- Cached Data ManagementLets you view and clear the temporary cache files each app stores for faster loading, either per app or across all apps at once, without deleting saved account data or settings.
- Download ManagerThe built-in Download Manager (accessible via the Files app or browser downloads) lists files downloaded from browsers, email, and other apps, letting you open, share, or delete them from one place.
- Google Drive Storage ManagementControls which folders and files sync to Google Drive, shows how much of your Google storage quota is used, and lets you free space by removing large or duplicate cloud files.
- Switch & Transfer Data from Old PhoneGuides you through transferring contacts, photos, apps, messages, and settings from an old Android or iPhone to a new device, using a cable, Wi-Fi, or cloud backup.