Are you tired of seeing deleted items on your Android device, taking up valuable storage space and causing clutter? Do you want to know how to permanently delete these items and free up space on your device? Look no further. In this article, we will guide you through the process of deleting deleted items on Android, and provide you with some useful tips and tricks to help you manage your device’s storage.
Understanding Android’s Storage System
Before we dive into the process of deleting deleted items, it’s essential to understand how Android’s storage system works. Android devices have two types of storage: internal storage and external storage. Internal storage refers to the built-in storage capacity of your device, while external storage refers to the storage capacity of your device’s SD card or other external storage devices.
When you delete an item on your Android device, it’s not immediately removed from your device’s storage. Instead, it’s moved to a temporary storage area called the “Recycle Bin” or “Trash.” This allows you to recover deleted items if you need to. However, if you want to permanently delete these items and free up storage space, you need to take additional steps.
Deleting Deleted Items from the Recycle Bin
The process of deleting deleted items from the Recycle Bin varies depending on the type of item you want to delete. Here are the steps to delete different types of items:
Deleting Photos and Videos
To delete photos and videos from the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
- Open the Google Photos app on your device.
- Tap on the “Albums” tab.
- Select the “Recycle Bin” album.
- Choose the photos and videos you want to delete.
- Tap on the “Delete” button.
Deleting Files and Documents
To delete files and documents from the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
- Open the Files app on your device.
- Tap on the “Recycle Bin” folder.
- Choose the files and documents you want to delete.
- Tap on the “Delete” button.
Deleting Messages and Contacts
To delete messages and contacts from the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:
- Open the Messages app on your device.
- Tap on the “Recycle Bin” folder.
- Choose the messages you want to delete.
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Tap on the “Delete” button.
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Open the Contacts app on your device.
- Tap on the “Recycle Bin” folder.
- Choose the contacts you want to delete.
- Tap on the “Delete” button.
Permanently Deleting Deleted Items
Deleting items from the Recycle Bin is not enough to permanently remove them from your device’s storage. To permanently delete these items, you need to empty the Recycle Bin. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Tap on the “Storage” option.
- Tap on the “Recycle Bin” option.
- Tap on the “Empty Recycle Bin” button.
Alternatively, you can also use a third-party cleaning app to permanently delete deleted items from your device’s storage. These apps can help you identify and delete unnecessary files and data that are taking up storage space on your device.
Using Third-Party Cleaning Apps
There are many third-party cleaning apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you permanently delete deleted items from your device’s storage. Here are some popular options:
- CCleaner: This app can help you identify and delete unnecessary files and data that are taking up storage space on your device.
- Disk Cleanup: This app can help you delete temporary files, system files, and other data that are taking up storage space on your device.
- AVG Cleaner: This app can help you identify and delete unnecessary files and data that are taking up storage space on your device.
When using a third-party cleaning app, make sure to read the reviews and check the ratings before downloading and installing the app. Also, be careful when using these apps, as they can sometimes delete important files and data.
Tips and Tricks for Managing Storage on Android
Here are some tips and tricks for managing storage on Android:
- Regularly clean up your device’s storage by deleting unnecessary files and data.
- Use a third-party cleaning app to help you identify and delete unnecessary files and data.
- Use the “Storage” option in the Settings app to check how much storage space is available on your device.
- Consider upgrading your device’s storage capacity by adding an SD card or other external storage device.
- Avoid downloading and installing unnecessary apps that can take up storage space on your device.
By following these tips and tricks, you can help manage storage on your Android device and keep it running smoothly.
Conclusion
Permanently deleting deleted items on Android can help free up storage space on your device and keep it running smoothly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can delete deleted items from the Recycle Bin and permanently remove them from your device’s storage. Additionally, by using third-party cleaning apps and following tips and tricks for managing storage on Android, you can help keep your device running smoothly and efficiently.
What is the difference between deleting and permanently erasing data on Android?
Deleting data on Android only removes it from view, but the data remains on the device’s storage until it is overwritten by new data. Permanently erasing data, on the other hand, completely removes the data from the device’s storage, making it unrecoverable.
When you delete data on Android, it is moved to a temporary storage area, often referred to as the “recycle bin” or “trash.” This allows you to recover the data if you accidentally delete it. However, if you want to ensure that the data is completely removed from your device, you need to permanently erase it.
Why is it important to permanently erase deleted items on Android?
Permanently erasing deleted items on Android is important for maintaining your device’s security and protecting your personal data. When you delete data, it can still be recovered using specialized software, which can be a security risk if the data falls into the wrong hands.
By permanently erasing deleted items, you can ensure that your personal data, such as photos, messages, and documents, is completely removed from your device and cannot be recovered. This is especially important if you plan to sell or give away your device, as it prevents others from accessing your personal data.
How do I permanently erase deleted items on Android?
To permanently erase deleted items on Android, you can use the “Empty Trash” or “Clear Data” option in the Settings app. This option is usually found in the Storage or Device Maintenance section of the Settings app.
Alternatively, you can use a third-party app, such as a file manager or a data eraser, to permanently erase deleted items on your Android device. These apps can help you locate and delete temporary files, system files, and other data that you no longer need.
Will permanently erasing deleted items on Android affect my device’s performance?
Permanently erasing deleted items on Android can actually improve your device’s performance by freeing up storage space and reducing clutter. When you delete data, it can still occupy space on your device’s storage, which can slow down your device over time.
By permanently erasing deleted items, you can reclaim this storage space and improve your device’s performance. Additionally, permanently erasing deleted items can also help to reduce the risk of data corruption and errors, which can also impact your device’s performance.
Can I recover permanently erased data on Android?
No, permanently erased data on Android cannot be recovered. When you permanently erase data, it is completely removed from your device’s storage, and there is no way to recover it.
While there are some data recovery apps and software available, these tools can only recover data that has not been permanently erased. If you have permanently erased data on your Android device, it is gone forever, and you will not be able to recover it.
Is it safe to use third-party apps to permanently erase deleted items on Android?
While there are many third-party apps available that can help you permanently erase deleted items on Android, not all of them are safe to use. Some apps may contain malware or viruses that can harm your device or steal your personal data.
To ensure your safety, only use reputable and trustworthy third-party apps to permanently erase deleted items on your Android device. Always read reviews and check the app’s ratings before installing it, and be cautious of any app that asks for unnecessary permissions or access to your personal data.
How often should I permanently erase deleted items on Android?
It’s a good idea to permanently erase deleted items on Android on a regular basis, such as every week or every month. This can help to keep your device’s storage clean and clutter-free, and reduce the risk of data corruption and errors.
Additionally, if you notice that your device’s storage is running low, or if you plan to sell or give away your device, it’s a good idea to permanently erase deleted items to free up storage space and protect your personal data.