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Google Pixel⏱ 4 min

How to Delete Temporary Files on Google Pixel

Remove temp files and system junk left behind by installations and updates.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Android's equivalent of temp file cleanup is handled primarily by clearing per-app caches through Settings > Apps and by using the Clean section of the Files by Google app, which bundles several cleanup categories into a single scan. The OS manages its own internal system caches automatically and doesn't expose them for manual deletion, unlike Windows where system temp folders are user-accessible. Running the device's manufacturer care app (Samsung Device Care, Xiaomi Cleaner, etc.) typically provides the most thorough single-pass cleanup tailored to that specific device's storage layout.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Open the Files by Google app, tap Clean, and accept the junk file removal suggestions.
  2. 2Also open Disk Cleanup from the Start menu (Windows) or use Storage Recommendations (macOS) for deeper system temp file removal.
  3. 3Empty the Recycle Bin or Trash after deleting to complete the cleanup.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to delete temporary files on Google Pixel?
Yes. The Files by Google or built-in storage cleaner safely identifies junk files without touching your personal data.
How much space will deleting temp files free on Google Pixel?
Varies significantly — anywhere from a few hundred MB to several GB depending on how long since the last cleanup and how heavily the device is used. Active development machines and gaming PCs accumulate much more temp data than light-use devices.
Why do temp files come back so quickly after I delete them on Google Pixel?
Temporary files are a normal side effect of using apps — browsers, editors, and the OS constantly generate them during normal operation. Deleting them is not a permanent fix; it's routine maintenance. They are harmless unless they grow very large or become corrupted.
What is the difference between temp files and junk files on Google Pixel?
Temporary files are created intentionally by apps for active tasks. Junk files is a broader informal term covering temp files, leftover installer packages, duplicate downloads, and orphaned app data. Both are safe to remove via the built-in Storage Sense or Disk Cleanup tools.

Same task, different device

Windows 11Windows 10macOSSamsung GalaxyChromebook

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