Android devices may sometimes have a lot of downloads occupying the storage capacity. Downloads, sometimes labeled “File Manager” or “Download Manager” in your device, can lead to a decrease in storage space. Too many downloads on an Android device can cause it to slow down, and it can be challenging to navigate the device quickly. To solve the problem, this article gives various methods on how to get rid of downloads on Android.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Get Rid of Downloads on Android
Android devices have limited storage space, and too many downloads can take up a considerable amount of the device’s storage. With a lot of downloads on the device’s internal or external storage, it can slow down the device. Also, finding a particular file among several downloads can be challenging. Getting rid of downloads can free up the device space and enable it to operate smoothly.
Method 1: Via Settings
One of the ways to remove downloads on Android is through the Settings method. Here are the steps to follow to remove downloads via Settings:
1. Go to the device’s ‘Settings’ option.
2. Scroll down to ‘Storage’ and tap it.
3. Under the ‘Storage’ option, click on ‘Downloads.’ This will provide you with all the downloads on the device.
4. Tap and hold on the download you want to remove.
5. Click on the ‘Delete’ option.
6. A prompt will appear, asking you to confirm the deletion. Click ‘Ok’ to delete the download.
Pros:
– It is easy to follow.
– The method does not require any extra software.
– It is one of the quickest methods to delete downloads.
Cons:
– Deleting one download file at a time can be tedious for devices with many downloads.
– The process takes time if there are many downloads.
Method 2: Using Google Files
Another way to delete downloads is through the use of Google Files. Google Files is a file manager app that’s effective in managing storage space on your device. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Download and install Google Files from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the app, and on the home screen, click on ‘Downloads’ at the bottom of the app.
3. All the downloads in the device will be listed. Click on ‘Select All.’
4. A prompt asking if you want to delete all the downloads will appear. Click ‘Delete.’
5. A final confirmation prompt will appear. Click ‘Ok’ to confirm the decision.
Pros:
– It is easy and effective for deleting several downloads at once.
– The process of deleting multiple files is fast and convenient.
Cons:
– The app requires downloading from the Play Store, which requires internet data and storage space.
Method 3: Via Third-Party Apps
Apart from Google Files, there are other third-party apps also used to delete downloads on Android. Such applications provide several other features, such as duplicate finding, memory boost, cache cleaning, etc.
1. Download and install Clean Master from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the application, click on ‘Junk Files’ and wait for the app to scan for junks.
3. Click on ‘Clean Junk’ and wait for the app to clear the junk files.
4. Click on ‘Downloads,’ and all the downloads on the device will be displayed.
5. Tap on the ‘Select All’ option for all downloads.
6. Click on ‘Delete’ and wait for the app to delete all the downloads.
Pros:
– Third-party apps can delete all downloads entirely.
– The app can clear other irrelevant files, leaving the device running smoothly.
– The process is fast and requires fewer clicks.
Cons:
– Third-party apps often have paid versions with features that require payment.
– They usually require internet data to download and install.
What to Do If You Can’t Get Rid of Downloads on Android
If you can’t get rid of downloads on Android, try clearing the device’s cache and data. To clear the cache and data, follow these steps:
1. Go to ‘Settings’ on your Android device.
2. Click on ‘Apps or Application Manager.’
3. Swipe to the ‘All’ tab.
4. Click on ‘Downloads.’
5. Clear Cache and Clear Data.
After clearing the cache and data, try deleting the downloads again using any of the methods discussed above.
Bonus Tip
To keep your Android device running smoothly and prevent unnecessary storage consumption, try downloading fewer files. Delete files as soon as possible, as downloads can quickly build up. Regularly clear the device cache to free up storage space. To prevent repeated downloads, enable Google Photos or cloud storage options.
5 FAQs About Deleting Downloads on Android
Q1: Will deleting the downloads affect my applications?
A: No, your applications won’t be affected by deleting downloads.
Q2: Does deleting downloads remove them permanently?
A: Yes, deleting downloads remove them permanently from the device’s storage.
Q3: Can I recover deleted downloads on my Android device?
A: No, once you delete downloads from your Android device, they are entirely removed from the device’s storage, and you can’t recover them.
Q4: Can I delete downloads on an Android tablet the same way I do on a phone?
A: Yes, the steps for deleting downloads on an Android device are the same. There are no differences between an Android phone and tablet.
Q5: Can I delete downloads without affecting other files or media on the device?
A: Yes, deleting downloads will not affect any other files on the Android device.
Final Thoughts
The accumulation of downloads on an Android device can cause the device to lag or become slow. Thus, it is essential to regularly free up your device storage space. In this article, we discussed several methods on how to delete downloads effectively. Use the method that best suits you and deletes the downloads that you don’t need. Applying the bonus tips will enable you to manage your Android device’s storage space, preventing the device from slowing down.