4 Best Android Cleaner Apps

Have you ever been annoyed by the applications or processes running in the background on your Android device? These processes have been proven to be the main cause of reducing the phone's lifespan. Therefore, keeping the system clean is an extremely necessary task. Android cleaning applications will help you do this. 

1. Files by Google

Google's official Android file manager has simple tools that make it the first Android cleaner anyone should try. Fire up the app and switch to the Clean tab at the bottom to access these options.

Here, you'll see a few areas that the app has identified as wasting space. These include junk files, duplicates, old screenshots, and unused apps. Select an option to see what's taking up the most space, check the ones you want to delete, and confirm; the app will take care of the rest.

While you can also use the Browse tab to manually explore your phone's storage, it's more efficient to let the app eliminate the biggest gaps using these automatic checks.

Lots of apps have handy cleaning features but also come loaded with RAM optimizers and other nonsense you don't need. Google Files is a great answer to these problems; it's one of the best ways to clean up your Android with a simple app that's actually free and doesn't come with too many unnecessary extras.

2. CCleaner

CCleaner for Android is a multi-functional app that works best to analyze and clean up junk files that take up your precious space. Its main function is the cleaning feature that can clear app cache data, purge empty folders, and delete various histories.

CCleaner helps you remove junk files from your Android phone. It clears your browsing history, app cache, and clipboard content. It also uninstalls unnecessary apps to free up space on your device.

This application has a very user-friendly interface, does not display any ads on websites. CCleaner will monitor both the RAM and internal memory of the phone. It will delete download folders, temporary files and message logs.

CCleaner also has an App Manager , which provides a simple interface that lets you select multiple apps to uninstall. Finally, the System Info page monitors your phone's resources (CPU, RAM, device details) so you can see what's going on at a glance.

No rooting required and it's completely free, although you can upgrade to a Pro subscription for some extra features. It's a little barebones in terms of features, but it works well if all you need is a quick way to reclaim some phone storage.

3. SD Maid

SD Maid provides perfect maintenance for your device. It monitors background folders and files, deletes unused apps and files to free up space on your Android device.

First, CorpseFinder, which searches for and deletes any orphaned files or folders left behind when you uninstall an app. SystemCleaner is another search and delete tool, this time looking for common files and folders that SD Maid believes it can safely delete.

AppCleaner will do the same for your apps. However, to use this feature, you need to upgrade to SD Maid Pro. There is also a Databases section to help optimize any app databases that are in use.

There are also memory analysis tools (which help you find and delete large files) and bulk app removal if you're considering tweaking your phone further.

SD Maid comes in two versions: a free version with basic features, and a premium version that offers more storage and more efficient device maintenance. Take a look at what's on offer to see if upgrading to the Pro version is worth it for your needs.

4. Norton Clean

As mentioned above, most of the biggest Android cleaning apps come from the same place: The same company that owns Avast, AVG, Avira, CCleaner, and Norton. We didn't want to include nearly identical apps on the list, and Norton's app hasn't been updated in a few years, but at least it has a different interface.

Norton claims to 'clean out the clutter' from your Android device. Like the other tools, it will find and clear caches, remove any junk files, and help you quickly delete any unused apps you have installed. The Manage Apps section lists all your apps, allowing you to sort them by last used, date installed, or how much storage space they use.

The app has a simple approach. Compared to some apps like SD Maid, Norton Clean has a cleaner, brighter interface. Everything you need is just a tap or two away, meaning you don't have to be an Android expert to find the options you need.

The app is also light on features—it's just a file cleaner and app remover, with prominent ads for other Norton apps. Still, if you're worried about space, Norton Clean is an easy enough way to help you reclaim some space. And there are no in-app purchases or subscriptions to worry about.

Jessica Tanner

Update 02 October 2024