How to remove unnecessary files and close background apps on your Samsung Galaxy phone

Last Update date : Dec 18. 2025

Your Galaxy phone includes Device care, which helps secure storage, remove unnecessary files, close background apps, check abnormal battery usage, and scan for malware. You can use this feature to quickly remove unnecessary files and close background apps to maintain stable performance. By using Device care regularly, you can keep your phone running smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Optimise your Galaxy device

Device care analyses your phone’s performance, storage, memory, and battery condition and fixes detected issues with a single tap. During this process, it also checks for unusual battery usage and potential security risks. Follow the steps below to optimise your device.

Settings app icon highlighted Settings app icon highlighted

Step 1. Tap Settings.

Device care menu highlighted Device care menu highlighted

Step 2. Select Device care.

Optimise now button highlighted Optimise now button highlighted

Step 3. Tap Optimise now.

About Galaxy Device care

Device care provides an overview of your phone’s performance, security, and battery life. You can quickly identify issues and view detailed self-diagnostic results. In addition to diagnostics, it helps you monitor apps that consume excessive battery power or affect your phone’s stability and security. By using this tool regularly, you can maintain stable performance and ensure your device runs smoothly.

Check your device condition with Self diagnostics

The Self diagnostics feature in Device care allows you to inspect your phone’s battery, app safety, and overall performance. Follow the steps below to run diagnostics.

Settings app icon highlighted Settings app icon highlighted

Step 1. Tap Settings.

Device care menu highlighted Device care menu highlighted

Step 2. Select Device care.

Diagnostics option highlighted Diagnostics option highlighted

Step 3. Select Diagnostics.

Diagnostics options displayed Diagnostics options displayed

Step 4. Choose Phone diagnostics, App battery usage diagnostics, or App safety diagnostics.

Run diagnostics using Samsung Members app

Open the Samsung Members app and use the Phone Diagnostics tool to check your device condition.

Diagnose your Galaxy phone with Samsung Members app

Note:

  • Self diagnostics is available only on Galaxy devices with the Samsung Members app installed.
  • If Diagnostics doesn’t start, open it using the Samsung Internet browser.

Free up memory on your Galaxy phone

The Memory feature in Device care helps enhance performance by automatically removing unused apps and temporary data. Regularly cleaning memory helps maintain smooth operation. After cleanup, the released memory amount is displayed, helping your phone stay fast and responsive.

Settings app icon highlighted Settings app icon highlighted

Step 1. Tap Settings.

Device care menu highlighted Device care menu highlighted

Step 2. Select Device care.

Memory section highlighted Memory section highlighted

Step 3. Select Memory.

Memory screen with clean option Memory screen with clean option

Step 4. Select the apps you don’t need, then tap Clean now to close them and free up memory.

Note: Menu names, paths, and screen layouts may vary depending on your device model, software, or app version.

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