Delete Files and Directories on Samsung Android

How to Delete Files and Directories on Samsung Android Devices.

Learn how to delete files and folders on your Samsung phone to free up storage space and keep your device clean.

If you are running out of space or just want to remove old photos, videos, or documents you no longer need, the built-in Samsung file manager makes it easy. You can delete single files, multiple files at once, or entire folders.

This guide uses a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra running Android 14 with OneUI 6.1. The steps are very similar on most other Samsung Galaxy phones.

A Warning Before You Start

Before deleting anything, make sure you do not need those files anymore. If you delete something important by accident, you might not be able to get it back.

If you have photos or videos you want to keep but do not need on your phone, consider moving them to a computer first. Then delete them from your phone. This way you keep your memories but free up space.

How to Delete Files Using the File Manager

Samsung phones come with a file manager app called My Files. You can also use the Files by Google app if you prefer. The steps below work for both.

Here is how to delete files:

· Open the My Files app (or Files by Google)
· Navigate to the folder that contains the files you want to delete
· Find the files you want to remove
· Long press on one file to start selecting
· Tap on any other files you want to delete to add them to your selection
· Tap the trash can icon or Delete button at the bottom

The Bin – Your Safety Net

When you delete files using the bin option, they are not gone right away. They move to a temporary storage area called the bin or recycle bin.

Important things to know about the bin:

· Files stay in the bin for 30 days
· During those 30 days, you can restore them if you change your mind
· Files in the bin still take up storage space on your phone
· After 30 days, they are permanently deleted automatically

If your goal is to free up storage space right now, using the bin does not help. You need to permanently delete the files instead.

How to Permanently Delete Files

Permanent deletion removes files completely. You cannot undo it. Use this option only when you are sure you will never need those files again.

Here is how to permanently delete files:

· Open My Files (or Files by Google)
· Navigate to and select the files you want to delete
· Tap the three dots menu in the top right corner
· Tap Delete permanently
· Confirm that you want to permanently delete the files

Once you confirm, the files are gone. They do not go to the bin. They do not wait 30 days. They are deleted immediately and cannot be restored.

How to Restore Files from the Bin

If you deleted files using the bin option and changed your mind within 30 days, you can get them back.

Here is how to restore files from the bin:

· Open Files by Google (this feature works best in this app)
· Tap the three lines menu (hamburger menu) in the top left corner
· Tap Bin
· Find the files you want to restore
· Select them by long pressing
· Tap Restore

The files will go back to their original location.

How to Delete Entire Folders

You can delete whole folders just like individual files. When you delete a folder, everything inside it gets deleted too.

Here is how to delete a folder:

· Open My Files
· Navigate to the folder you want to delete
· Long press on the folder
· Tap Delete or Delete permanently

There is no bin option for folders in most cases. Deleting a folder usually deletes everything inside it permanently. So double check what is inside the folder before you delete it.

Quick Summary

What you want to do How to do it Can you undo it?
Delete files to bin Select files > tap trash icon Yes, for 30 days
Permanently delete files Select files > three dots > Delete permanently No
Restore from bin Files by Google > three lines menu > Bin > Restore Yes
Delete a folder Long press folder > Delete.