Mastering the process of emptying the trash on a Samsung phone It's essential to keep your device optimized and with the maximum amount of storage space possible. Many people are unaware of the importance of managing deleted files, which can lead to a decrease in their device's performance and the inability to save new data due to the accumulation of files in the trash. Although deleting files seems simple, the options for completely emptying the trash can may be somewhat hidden or vary depending on the app or Android version. This article guides you step-by-step, with detail and clarity, so you can effectively manage the trash on your Samsung and explore alternatives and advanced tips.
Where is the trash can located on Samsung phones?
The first step to keeping your device clean is knowing Where to locate the recycle bin on your SamsungSamsung smartphones offer several trash locations, depending on the app you deleted files from (such as Gallery, Messages, Contacts, My Files, and Mail). Here's how to locate the main trash in Gallery:
- Open the application Gallery of Samsung.
- At the top right, tap the three point icon to access the options menu.
- Select option "Paper bin". All recently deleted photos and videos are saved here.
- Files remain in this section for a specified period (usually up to 30 days) before being permanently deleted.
This procedure is similar in other Samsung applications, such as My Files, where you can find a recycle bin for documents, and in messaging and contacts apps, ensuring that different types of files are easily recoverable before final deletion.
Steps to easily empty the Samsung trash
Now that you know where the trash can is located on your Samsung device, it is essential to know how to empty the trash correctly to free up space and avoid storage issues. The process varies slightly between apps, but in most cases, it's quick and easy:
- Open the application Gallery.
- Access the menu of the three points located in the upper right.
- Select option Trash.
- Inside the trash, you'll see a list of deleted files.
- You can choose Empty all (to permanently delete all files) or Edit to select specific files, restore, or permanently delete only certain items.
- After selecting Empty, a notification will inform you that these files will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to finish.
Remember It is not mandatory to empty the Samsung trash manually., as the system automatically deletes files after 30 days, but doing it manually can help you free up space immediately when you need it.
How to empty the trash in other Samsung apps
In addition to the Gallery, Other Samsung apps Apps like My Files, Messages, and Contacts also have their own trash cans where temporarily deleted files are stored. Here's how to empty the trash in these apps:
- My files:
- Open the app My files on your Samsung.
- Press the menu three lines in the upper left.
- Choose Trash.
- You can Empty the entire trash or select specific files to delete.
- Messages:
- Open the application Messages.
- Go to the menu of three points and click on Trash.
- Delete messages individually or tap Empty to permanently delete everything.
- Contacts:
- From the app Contacts, access the menu and look for the option Trash.
- There you can restore deleted contacts or empty the trash if you want to permanently delete them all.
Samsung Trash: Why is it important to empty it?
The Recycle Bin acts as a temporary "safe zone" where deleted files are stored, allowing you to recover them if you accidentally delete them. However, These files still take up space until you empty the trash or they are automatically deleted after a set period (usually 30 days). For more details on how to manage these files, you can consult How to empty the Android trash easily.
- Advantages of emptying the trash: You'll quickly recover storage space, optimize device performance, and avoid slowdowns.
- Consequences of not emptying it: You may see full storage messages, experience slowdowns, and be unable to install new apps or save photos.
It's a good idea to periodically check your trash to decide whether you want to recover a file or permanently delete it.
Many people regularly manage their email from their mobile phone. Deleting emails is not enough to free up space in the account.; you also need to empty the trash: to do this, you can follow the guide in How to find the recycle bin on Android.
- Open your email application (e.g., Gmail).
- Access the side menu (three horizontal bars).
- Scroll down and tap Trash.
- Press on Empty Trash Now to delete all emails stored in that section.
This same procedure applies to other email apps like Outlook or Yahoo Mail. It will allow you to not only free up space on your phone but also optimize your email account's cloud storage.
Emptying the trash is not essential, but it can be very useful. under certain circumstances. Samsung's system automatically deletes files stored in the Recycle Bin after the retention period (usually 30 days), allowing you to recover files deleted by mistake. However, if you urgently need to free up space or don't want to accumulate junk data, emptying it manually is the best option.
On the other hand, You can disable the trash function in certain applications If you prefer that the files be deleted immediately and not take up additional space: To do so, check how to disable Bixby or similar options on your device.
- Open the app Gallery and access the menu three-point.
- Choose Settings.
- In the advanced section, locate the option referring to the trash and deactivate it.
- The system will inform you that all files in the trash will be permanently deleted.
Caution: Once the recycle bin is disabled, deleted files cannot be recovered.
Alternative methods to empty the trash and clean junk files
In addition to manually emptying each app's trash, there are alternatives and advanced tools to more effectively clear trash contents and free up space:
- From device settings:
- Accede to Configuration and select Device care o Battery and device care.
- Click on Storage to view a summary of your files and find shortcuts to empty different trash cans from the same menu.
- Third party cleaning tools: Applications like Coolmuster Android Assistant They allow you to scan your device and delete junk files (images, videos, privacy logs, useless apps, etc.) with a single click, helping to optimize storage.
How to recover or delete files individually from the trash
- Open the Trash from the corresponding application.
- Press on Edit or long press the file you want to restore or permanently delete.
- Choose Restore if you want to return the file to its original location, or Delete to permanently delete it.
This feature is very useful to prevent accidental loss of important files and keep control over what you really want to delete.
Properly managing the trash on your Samsung not only maximizes the lifespan and performance of your phone, but also gives you peace of mind when faced with potential errors. Whether by manually emptying the trash in the Gallery, My Files, Messages, Contacts, or email apps, or by using cleaning tools, you'll keep your device optimized and ready for any task. If you follow these tips and check your trash from time to time, you'll enjoy a faster and more efficient phone every day.