How to free up 280 MB of space

[onwithsean]

I want to free up 280 MB of space on my phone. When I go to Settings > Storage > Pictures, videos it says 280 MB. I want to copy whatever is there to my computer and then delete it. I have tried using Android File Transfer. I looked in /DCIM and /Pictures but I don't see the 280 MB. I have tried connecting it as a Media Device (MTP) and as a Camera (PTP).

What else can I try?

I'm very low on space on my phone. I've already deleted any unnecessary apps, cleared the cached data and used the "Free up space" feature of Google Photos.

Phone: Nexus 4
Android version: 5.1.1

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! They might be from thumbnails. Use a file manager app and look in the /DCIM/.thumbnails directory. If you don't see it, make sure the file manager is set to show hidden folders/files. Delete the files in the thumbnails directory, but keep in mind that in the course of normal usage, the system will start creating thumbnails again.

 

[Mr Mendelli]

I want to free up 280 MB of space on my phone. When I go to Settings > Storage > Pictures, videos it says 280 MB. I want to copy whatever is there to my computer and then delete it. I have tried using Android File Transfer. I looked in /DCIM and /Pictures but I don't see the 280 MB. I have tried connecting it as a Media Device (MTP) and as a Camera (PTP).

What else can I try?

I'm very low on space on my phone. I've already deleted any unnecessary apps, cleared the cached data and used the "Free up space" feature of Google Photos.

Phone: Nexus 4
Android version: 5.1.1

My Advanced File Transfer Guide might be able to help you. I also recommend trying the mobile version of CCleaner. It's reputable, and mostly free. The pro version is $1.95.

 

[onwithsean]

B. Diddy: Thank you for replying. There is only about 30 MB in the thumbnails folder. I’m using Android File Transfer. I don’t think it has a way to show hidden folders/files. I think that it shows them by default. Is there anything else I can try?

Mr Mendelli: Thank you for replying. I followed your Advanced File Transfer Guide. I don’t get a "File transfer" notification on my phone though. Is there anything else I can try?

 

[B. Diddy]

The Pictures category will include all images on the phone, not just the ones in the /DCIM directory. So there might be other images created or used by other apps in separate directories. Try looking through all possible directories, either from your computer or using a good file manager app like Total Commander.

See this guide for some more tips on freeing up space: http://forums.androidcentral.com/am...y-how-deal-insufficient-storage-warnings.html

Thanks for registering -- when you get a chance, head over to the Introductions forum and tell us something about yourself! http://forums.androidcentral.com/introductions/

 

[onwithsean]

I looked through the guide and didn't see anything in there that solved my problem.

Will using Total Commander let me see directories that Android File Transfer won't?

I went through all of the directories with a fine tooth comb. I didn't see any that took up a lot of space. Except for this:

Pictures > cache > com.google.android.googlephotos

In that folder is download-cache, several folders (picasa—0, picasa—2, etc) and some files. In that folder (com.google.android.googlephotos), there is about 225 MB of .screen files. I don’t use Picasa (on my computer or as an app on the phone). Can I delete the com.google.android.googlephotos folder?

 

[B. Diddy]

Ok, then you've already cleared all cached app data? That's one of the main things to do to temporarily recover some storage space.

Since that folder you mention is in a directory called "cache," it should be safe to delete.

 

[onwithsean]

Yes, I already cleared the cached app data.

I will delete the "com.google.android.googlephotos" folder. If there's a problem, I'll post back here.