How to fix "low storage or memory problem" on Android phones

Lack of working space is the cause of the "low Storage/memory Available" error that periodically bedevils Android users. Adding insult to injury, there are several possible causes for the lack of sufficient working storage.

Android apps use three sets of storage space: for the apps themselves, for the apps' data files, and for the apps' cache. Those caches can grow quite large, yet they are reported as free space by Android -- though in fact that space is not available as a working space for app installation.

If you get the "low Storage Available" error, empty your app cache to see if that clears up enough working space for the installation. How to do so depends on what version of Android you are running, as well as from what device maker. (The screens here are for Android Lollipop running on a Samsung Galaxy S6.)



In most cases:

1. Open the Settings app, tap Apps, Applications, or Applications Manager option. (Applications Manager might be an option after either Apps or Applications.)
2. Scroll sideways to the Downloaded section. You'll see a list of all apps and how much storage space they're taking.
3. Tap the Menu or More button and choose Sort By Size to arrange the apps by which take the most storage. 
4. Tap an app to see how much storage it is taking, both for the app and its data (the Storage section) and for its cache (the Cache section).
5. Tap Clear Cache to remove its cache and free up that space. You could also tap Clear data, but that removes your files, which is probably a bad idea.
6. Repeat for each app.

In some devices, there's a faster way to clear all the apps' cache in one fell swoop:

1. Open the Settings app, tap Storage (it should be in the System tab or section). You'll see how much storage is used, with details for cached data broken out.
2. Tap Cached Data. In the confirmation form that appears, tap Delete to free up that cache for working space, or tap Cancel to leave the cache alone.

Most Android devices that support external storage usually have too little internal storage (to get to a cheaper price). Thus, you may not be able to install what you think you have room for, even after cleaning up the internal space. Next time, get a device with at least 32GB of internal storage.