# Phone constantly short on storage space **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 27, 2023, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721 "2023-03-27T18:04:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/21 "2023-03-28T02:36:07Z")
I forgot another thing I had to do to free up space: delete the old messages and pictures I did not need to have on the phone anymore. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/22 "2023-03-28T03:06:46Z")
“Other” usually refers to thing other than Apps. But it’s a bit weird on Samsung phones. I recommend following the advice in this article to get better info. > **[What is Other storage on your Galaxy phone](https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/what-is-other-storage-on-your-galaxy-phone/)** > > Find out more about the other category in your Samsung Galaxy phone’s internal storage and how to delete files from it with our guide and instructions. It’s likely at least some of this “Other” is user apps, which you could delete. You also should probably delete your cache, and possible even the “storage” on apps you rarely use. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/23 "2023-03-28T03:51:44Z")
> [@Jasmine](#): > > I’m afraid that your phone is woefully out of date in terms of the minimum amount of memory needed to function at even a primitive level. It was woefully out of date when it was released in 2020 let alone now; I’m shocked that even at low-end phone, released as recently as that, has so little internal storage. My S8 from mid 2017 has 64G internal storage and is still working fine. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/24 "2023-03-28T04:07:52Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > It was woefully out of date when it was released in 2020 let alone now; Mmmm. I wouldn’t describe it quite like that - it was absolutely a zero frills budget phone, ESPECIALLY in the 16G model (the 32 was much more common). It was often seen / presented as a family member’s first smartphone: cheap enough that giving it to a teen wasn’t too painful but with enough features / good enough camera to keep a new user happy. Or a freebie on an add-a-line promo. The N200 I listed upthread is the more modern equivalent of the same thing. You get juuust enough to do everything current in the world, but with zero future proofing, at an entry level price. GRANTED - the A01 was really, really borderline for even a budget phone, ESPECIALLY the 16G model. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/25 "2023-03-28T04:52:47Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > The N200 I listed upthread is the more modern equivalent of the same thing. I see that the latest in the A0 series (no, not the A0-0A, Tony Danza) starts out at 32 GB. You can pick up a 64 GB model (bundled with a free 32 GB MicroSD card) for $116. [https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-SM-A045F-DS-Unlocked-International/dp/B0BNLYHT8B](https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-SM-A045F-DS-Unlocked-International/dp/B0BNLYHT8B) ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/26 "2023-03-28T07:32:41Z")
Thanks, that was helpful. I’ve been diligent about cleaning out stuff from the phone storage I don’t need or use which is why it’s still useful, but an SD card will extend its life. Purchasing a new phone at this time would be problematic because, due to a recent emergency I haven’t discussed here and have no desire to do so at present, I currently owe thousands of dollars, potentially more than I have in savings, so until I can work out payment plans and the like (if that’s even possible) I can’t justify spending hundreds of dollars to upgrade my phone if the phone is still working. I will keep the advice in mind, though, as one day I will be forced to upgrade. Which pisses me off because this phone already is more than I need and a new one will have even more bells and whistles I have no use for and don’t want to be forced to pay for, but will be forced to do so nonetheless. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/27 "2023-03-28T13:52:26Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Thanks, that was helpful. I’ve been diligent about cleaning out stuff from the phone storage I don’t need or use which is why it’s still useful, but an SD card will extend its life. You’re very welcome, we’re all happy to help, and trust me, I understand unplanned expenses! If you were nearby and on T-Mobile, I’d probably give one to you, I have 3 spares that I got when T-Mobile was doing a ‘trade-in’ promo and got them for roughly $99 in taxes and fees, but haven’t kept any of them online enough to unlock yet. In some ways, you’re probably better off than @lumpy as the J3 isn’t being updated anymore so there isn’t as much system creep, but you’re also more at risk being compromised due to the out of date nature of he OS and security. But if the J3 is more than you need, you’re probably not using it for much that is likely to compromise you, although dirty stinking scammers are always a risk via email and embedded adds on webpages. Anyway, may the situation improve, and you be able to stick with what’s comfortable to you for as long as you like. Two last things, do be careful about - is that depending on the exact model year of your J3, it will support different memory amounts, see here for the manufacturer information: > **[What size SD memory card & capacity does my Galaxy phone accept? |...](https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/what-size-memory-card-does-my-smartphone-accept/)** > > Find out what size SD memory card and capacity your Samsung Galaxy phone accepts with our easy guide and instructions. Second, and back to @Darren_Garrison’s post - you can get a large number of low cost smartphones on the internet, but I’m wary when it comes to unlocked international models. Not because they’re all scams, but some are. More importantly though, their warranties may not be honored for US markets, and they may not be fully compatible with all local frequencies. Sure, they’re likely to work, but you’re a lot more likely to see 3G/Edge connections in areas you’d expect 4G/LTE. Which in fact was a complaint on the model linked above! Plus, if you have to upgrade, the minimum future proofing I’d want is 5g. You almost certainly don’t need the speed, but as carriers repurpose bandwidth in the future, it’s probably better to have than not all things considered. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/28 "2023-03-28T13:55:09Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > Second, and back to @Darren_Garrison’s post - you can get a large number of low cost smartphones on the internet, but I’m wary when it comes to unlocked international models. Not because they’re all scams, but some are. The one I linked is being sold on Samsung’s official Amazon storefront. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/29 "2023-03-28T14:06:20Z")
Yes, I saw. That’s why I said “not because they’re all scams, but some are” and went on to discuss my normal issues with them. If I’m not buying through a carrier, I prefer to purchase unlocked through the manufacturer directly, makes it much easier to establish ownership if something goes wrong and the warranty comes into play. Unknown third party, used, and international can all become complicated very quickly in those circumstances. I say this because (as stated in other threads) I worked tech support for T-Mobile for several years, and at least twice I week I’d get a call where a ‘new’ phone stopped working suddenly because of IMEI blocks / incompatible settings, or the like because it was an international model and/or the prior ‘owner’ of the phone had stopped paying after they ‘sold’ it or reported it lost. Just not worth the risk in many cases. ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/30 "2023-03-28T14:22:20Z")
@Broomstick, I’m no expert on smartphones, but before I bought my IPhone 12, I used to buy Android phones from HSN or QVC online. These phones ranged from $60.00 - $100.00 and came with 1500 texts, 1500 minutes talk, and 1.5 gigs of internet. You have to activate them on Tracfone, and if I can do it, anyone with a pulse can do it. Hope this helps. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/31 "2023-03-28T14:35:11Z")
If you go with TracFone, you have some really cheap options. When my Motorola G-series phone died unexpectedly, my replacement was whatever was available at a nearby store. That turned out to be this phone, which despite being a new model has an old-fashioned removable battery like the J3. And it isn’t bad for a basic phone except that the camera is garbage (and the reason I’ll be replacing it soon). Costs 40 bucks, runs rings arount the J3. > **[Alcatel TCL A3 (A509DL) Review: Simple and Reliable](https://tracfoneusermanual.net/alcatel-tcl-a3-review/)** > > This Alcatel TCL A3 review concludes the phone as largely favorable. An affordable device for casual smartphone consumers, with some interesting key features. Alcatel TCL A3 smartphone was released in… ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/32 "2023-03-28T18:08:32Z")
I might pay to upgrade, except after quadrupling my internal storage would it be completely filled again in nine weeks? 😠 ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/33 "2023-03-28T20:42:32Z")
9 weeks? Probably not. Unless you have a lot of music / video / apps downloaded to the phone. It is a trope that as you add space, you get complacent about putting more stuff on the phone. Upgrading to any 64G model, and I’d assume you’d be good for 2-4 years before bloat starts creeping in via OS, apps, and of course, your own personal use. 128G storage, and normal usage and you’ll probably be fine past the expected life of the phone’s components (4-6 years). ---
**Author:** ![raspberry\_hunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b19c9b/32.png) [@raspberry\_hunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raspberry_hunter)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/34 "2023-03-28T20:55:11Z")
I had this short-on-storage-space problem constantly with my Samsung Galaxy S5 and S6 models. They’d always show they were out of space even after I deleted a bunch of apps, cleaned all my caches, and there was almost literally NOTHING left on my phone! I wonder if there is something sort of like a memory leak somewhere that no one bothered to catch. I’ve had the same problem with our cheap-o Kindle Fires. Anyway, the only solution I found in the end was to wipe the memory and start again. Somehow THEN it found a bunch of space left over. I used my S6 recently when I busted the screen on my Pixel 3a (my current phone) and it worked fine, though of course I can’t download any recent apps because it stopped updating the OS ages ago. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/35 "2023-03-28T21:04:06Z")
I can’t put any music/video etc. on my phone because it’s full! It can’t even buffer stuff long enough for me to transfer it to the SD card. > [@raspberry\_hunter](#): > > They’d always show they were out of space even after I deleted a bunch of apps, cleaned all my caches, and there was almost literally NOTHING left on my phone! This. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/36 "2023-03-28T21:28:51Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > In some ways, you’re probably better off than @lumpy as the J3 isn’t being updated anymore so there isn’t as much system creep, but you’re also more at risk being compromised due to the out of date nature of he OS and security. But if the J3 is more than you need, you’re probably not using it for much that is likely to compromise you, although dirty stinking scammers are always a risk via email and embedded adds on webpages. That’s why I do not access any financial information on my phone whatsoever, use only a very limited number of apps, and do almost nothing on the web (CNN lite, my schedule from work, and train schedules from Amtrak). I glance at e-mails, but generally wait to open them/do anything until I get home. Most of the scammy stuff these days is texts, actually, but when I get a link from someone I know I call them to make sure it’s legit, and if I don’t know them I delete it. My phone spends most of the time with the WiFi off and I just use the cell network. Even then, I use about 1/50th of my minimal data plan. Mostly I make phone calls and texts. I have a crossword app, Duolingo, and that’s about it really. Uber if I’m traveling, along with Amtrak stuff if I’m going by train, but I usually uninstall them when I get back home just to save on space. I have a firewall on my home internet and up to date security on my PC, so that’s what I use to websurf and do other stuff that might potentially pose a hazard. I’d use it even less but with all the damn 2-step verification I have to have the phone. I’m moving most of my back up/confirmation/restoration e-mail to one that I do NOT access ever on my phone as additional security, but all these sites want to be able to call or text me for me to get into my account so… well, what choice do I have? ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/37 "2023-03-28T21:38:46Z")
You shouldn’t be blaming yourself, you’re NOT doing anything wrong. Let me repeat: you aren’t doing anything wrong, and your frustration is reasonable. For over a decade now, smartphone carriers and producers have been rolling out very cheap entry level devices that are just sufficient to do what is possible right at that moment. But add much of anything, or let time and updates apply, and they’ll fail. It’s like the jokes about the old “Dude, you’re getting a dell!” or Acer machines. There’s enough power to do everything as assembled with ZERO leeway. Add a device, run newer software, update to a newer OS and the RAM / Power Supply / CPU was just not enough. When it was my job to do this, and someone was trying to get off their baby pics, or key texts, and their iPhone (which was the worst about this before they got a lot more aggressive about increasing storage) would just crash due to insufficient space, I was always frustrated on their behalf. I do think our use 2-3 years and throw away lifestyle on these devices is insane, but that’s the current culture. I don’t have a tech fix for it. ☹ > [@Broomstick](#): > > well, what choice do I have? (sorry for the snip). Little to none, and you’re doing it right. But as the founder of the Scam Omnibus thread, I’d have been ignoring my duty to not mention that there are the additional risks. See my reference to “dirty stinking scammers”. 🙂 One thing I’d do is keep your eyes on your provider/carrier. The major ones frequently offer good options for low cost to free updates especially when they phase out frequencies or are encouraging customers to embrace 5G. Such as my box of spare phones above. It may be worthwhile to call your carrier and see what they can/will do for you. But, again, very carrier specific. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/38 "2023-03-28T21:44:36Z")
> [@medstar](#): > > @Broomstick, I’m no expert on smartphones, but before I bought my IPhone 12, I used to buy Android phones from HSN or QVC online. These phones ranged from $60.00 - $100.00 and came with 1500 texts, 1500 minutes talk, and 1.5 gigs of internet. You have to activate them on Tracfone, and if I can do it, anyone with a pulse can do it. Hope this helps. But could I keep my current phone number? That’s important to me. > [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > If you go with TracFone, you have some really cheap options. Again, could I keep my current phone number? > [@ParallelLines](#): > > 128G storage, and normal usage and you’ll probably be fine past the expected life of the phone’s components (4-6 years). See, that’s part of my “problem” - I usually keep my cell phones 10-12 years! > [@raspberry\_hunter](#): > > I wonder if there is something sort of like a memory leak somewhere that no one bothered to catch. I’ve had the same problem with our cheap-o Kindle Fires. I have that same problem with my Kindle! > [@ParallelLines](#): > > One thing I’d do is keep your eyes on your provider/carrier. The major ones frequently offer good options for low cost to free updates especially when they phase out frequencies or are encouraging customers to embrace 5G. Such as my box of spare phones above. It may be worthwhile to call your carrier and see what they can/will do for you. > > But, again, very carrier specific. Yes, my carrier regularly sends me information on that. When I’m ready to/have to upgrade I’ll probably take advantage of one. That’s actually how I got my current phone - I upgraded from a flip “stupid” phone. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2023, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/39 "2023-03-28T21:47:30Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Again, could I keep my current phone number? Yes. (Plus more text because Discourse thinks my answer is too short.) ---
**Author:** ![medstar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f07891/32.png) [@medstar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/medstar)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2023, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721/40 "2023-03-29T15:11:41Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > But could I keep my current phone number? That’s important to me. Yes, whenever I activated a new phone on Tracfone, I was able to keep my phone number. I made sure to activate my phone before my service expired or else my phone number could have been changed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phone-constantly-short-on-storage-space/981721.md?page=3)