Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Here's how you can quickly clean your device*

*in software terms, that is.

NO MATTER HOW much free space you have on your device, there will come a time where it will begin to slow down or become congested.

That’s a problem in itself, but mostly that’s because what you’re running takes up a lot of memory, either immediately or by saving data into your cache.

If you find your phone or device isn’t really performing as well as it should, then it might be worth taking a moment or two to remove some apps and services and clean up your cache.

PC

While there are a vast number of cleaning tools out there for Windows, few are as good or as reliable as CCleaner. Removing unused files from your computer as well as being a registry cleaner, it’s one of the most comprehensive versions out there and it’s free too (although there are paid versions should you need something a little extra).

CCleaner / YouTube

Mac

The options on Mac aren’t as comprehensive as the PC, but there is still a decent selection of apps out there for you to choose. One nice example is Disk App, a minimalist yet powerful cleaner which breaks everything up into pie charts for easy access.

Alternatively, you could go for something a little more comprehensive look at your disk usage. Services like OnyX or Disk Inventory X would serve you better.

screen-shot-2014-09-29-at-19-40-29-626x500 Thejournal Thejournal

iOS

In the case of your iPhone or iPad, you’re actually better off doing it manually. Doing this requires you to check your usage which is found by going to Settings > General > Usage > Manage Storage.

Here you will be presented with all the apps you have downloaded and tapping any of them will present you with a breakdown of how that storage is used (if applicable). Handy for freeing up a little bit of space if needed.

iPhone storage usage

Android

Much like PC, you have a few options to choose from but a good choice would be The Cleaner, which sets regular reminders to clean up your cache and free up storage. It also allows you to go a little bit deeper and highlight apps that have access to features like SMS, location and camera as well as uninstall unused apps.

Alternatively, CCleaner (which was mentioned earlier) has an Android app which brings a lot of the same elements as its desktop counterpart to the small screen.

The Cleaner The Cleaner / Google Play The Cleaner / Google Play / Google Play

Windows Phone

One of the best ways to clean your device is already on your phone in the form of Storage Sense. It gives an overview of your free space on both internal storage and your SD and allows you to micromanage your apps or sections, moving them to your SD card if required.

Windows Phone Storage Sense

Read: Apple’s €16 billion profit ‘the biggest in history’ >

Read: Here we go again? Microsoft Windows is starting to slide >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
10 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds