Which folders can not be deleted on Android and which ones can

  1. Android folders
  2. Folders that cannot be deleted
  3. Removal methods

If the device runs out of space, it becomes necessary clean the memory from extra files and folders . Android includes a large number of directories, but then the question arises - which folders can be deleted and which ones can not be touched?

Before deleting folders, read the article. How to increase memory on Android .

This article is suitable for all brands that produce phones on Android 9/8/7/6: Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, LG, Sony, ZTE, Huawei, Meizu, Fly, Alcatel, Xiaomi, Nokia and others. We are not responsible for your actions.

We are not responsible for your actions.

Android folders

The folder list may differ depending on the version of Android. Some applications can create their own directories in memory - for example, instant messengers. However, in general, the list of folders on all versions of Android will be the same, so you only need to know what is stored in them.

  • Cache - folder with temporary update files. If you are not going to update the system, you can delete it.
  • data / app - installation files of all third-party applications. If you do not use them, you can delete.
  • data / data - settings, saving and other service information necessary for the applications to work. If you do not use the installed programs, delete the directory.
  • data / clipboard - the clipboard with the latest screenshots. It is not recommended to delete.
  • data / dalvik-cache is a cache area for a java virtual machine that allows the phone to run APK files. It is necessary to clean the files regularly, but not to delete them. (read How to install cache for the game on Android )

Documents are stored in the Documents folder. If their content does not interest, quietly delete the catalog. The same applies to the Bluetooth directory in which the files received by this wireless technology are located.

The same applies to the Bluetooth directory in which the files received by this wireless technology are located

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The DCIM folder stores photos taken on camera. If you do not have the necessary photos, you can safely erase the catalog. The removal of the Images, Pictures, Musi, Audio, etc. folders will not affect the operation of Android.

Read: How to recover deleted photos on Android

Folders that cannot be deleted

There are folders in Android that cannot be deleted completely, since without them the system will not work correctly. Remember these names:

  • efs - information about IMEI, Mac, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
  • etc - configuration files used when booting the system and processes of various embedded programs.
  • lib - the libraries necessary for work of programs and modules.
  • mnt - images of mounted systems.
  • proc - key information about the installed system.
  • sbin - executable files of all programs involved in system management.
  • sys - system configuration at the moment.

In no case can you delete the system folder with all the directories attached to it. System is the backbone of the system, so if you delete some data from here, you will be reinstalling the phone again.

Removal methods

To delete system folders, you need superuser rights - root. If you do not have them, then you definitely can not break Android. In the presence of root rights you need to be extremely careful - deleting important system files will result in you having to flash the device again.

Read: Android does not see a microSD memory card (flash drive)

If you figured out which folders you can safely delete, then proceed to clearing the memory using standard functions:

  1. Open the main menu of Android and launch the file browser (file manager).
  2. Locate the folder which can be removed. Click on it and hold your finger.
  3. When the menu appears, select "Delete."

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On screenshot A variant of the manager with support for multiple choice. The delete button is in this case at the top right in the form of a basket icon.

In the standard file manager, all Android files and folders are not displayed. To clean your device's memory well, use ES Explorer or another third-party file manager.

  1. Run ES Explorer.
  2. Choose what you want to clean — internal storage or a memory card.
  3. Hold your finger on the folder you want to delete. As soon as it is marked, start selecting other files and folders.
  4. After selecting all items to delete, click on the "Delete" button in the bottom menu.

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You can not use the file managers on Android, but simply connect the phone to a computer by selecting the media device mode, in which you can view and change the contents of the memory.

Read: Android does not connect to the computer via WiFi

Read:   Android does not connect to the computer via WiFi

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After connecting to a computer, you can open the internal memory of the smartphone in the explorer and delete unnecessary folders, free space.

Which folders can not be deleted on Android, and which ones can

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Android includes a large number of directories, but then the question arises - which folders can be deleted and which ones can not be touched?

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