Device storage

[fivefwdgears]

So I was trying to download a large app and it said my device didn't have enough memory. This made me curious so I went and checked out my device storage and seen my system memory was taking up a lot of space.

I have the 16GB version with a 16GB external SD. I'm not sure how to really clear the system memory to access more storage. Any tips?



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[B. Diddy]

Unfortunately, the S4 comes with lots and lots and lots of additional preinstalled stuff/bloatware, so the available storage to the user is only around 8 GB. See this article: Samsung defends 16GB S4's mere 8GB of usable storage | CNET UK

The only way to remove some of that bloatware would be to root the phone and delete the apps you don't want. But be careful--unless you back things up, you could do something that's irreversible.

 

[fivefwdgears]

Yeah, I've bricked my Nexus S4G going the rooted route so I definitely don't want to do that again. I really don't have many apps and most of what I do have is on the external storage. It's really disappointing having such little storage on a flagship device. Guess next time I'll go back to the Nexus line or get the larger capacity version.

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[HPferoxCraft]

Even if you root and delete the bloat ware you'll only free up around a gig.
The system will keep the 6+ gig for itself even if you do root and custom rom it.
Is it large games you have on there?

Posted via Android Central App

 

[B. Diddy]

Are you sure you have 7.15 GB of Apps and app data? I've seen a number of posts about S4's that report some weird storage stats. Sometimes it has to do with system backups from things like Titanium Backup, but that requires root. Other times, there doesn't seem to be an adequate explanation.

Try using App Cache Cleaner or something similar to see how big your app cache data has become, and clear them if necessary.

 

[fivefwdgears]

I don't have any large apps really, I think only Fast & Furious 6 but the rest are all lite.

I'll try the app cache and see if that clears things up a bit.

Thanks!

Sent from my Galaxy not so far far away...

 

[bobarry]

I have over 400 apps on mine with no problem. I have a 32gb external SD and put all my docs, downloads, backups, music there. Happy camper with new S4

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[Dave-in-Decatur]

This is curious. My Verizon S4 does not even have a "System memory" entry in the Storage display. It does, however, show 6.61 GB (!) in "Miscellaneous files." Could it be hiding the system stuff there?

 

[B. Diddy]

This is curious. My Verizon S4 does not even have a "System memory" entry in the Storage display. It does, however, show 6.61 GB (!) in "Miscellaneous files." Could it be hiding the system stuff there?

That's what I've seen in other posts. You haven't done any sort of system backups, have you? If so, that might take up a big chunk of storage.

 

[Dave-in-Decatur]

No, no system backups here. In this thread, I learned that I could tap on the Miscellaneous files entry, and when I did, the first item in the list was indeed "System memory 6.30 GB." I guess different carriers must put this information under different headings.

 

[bobarry]

I have over 400 apps and have 1/2 the available 9.9GB free, with no problems. Looking at the 'hidden' system./root memory that eats up the remaining 16gb, I only see about 1.5gb of apps, with no big ones. What is bloat ware, are small files considered bloat, or are they just apps you don't plan to use? Enjoying the S4!

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