Phone is low on memory

It's common for mobile devices' storage and system memory to fill up with files, background apps and other clutter from general use.

When your device's available operating memory is low the device might have issues running apps, become slow or freeze entirely.

When your storage is low you can't download new files (e.g., documents, images, etc.), take new photos or videos or install new apps.

Memory (or RAM) is temporary processing data your device needs to run programs and apps. Your iPhone or Android's memory may be full because:

• Too many apps are running at once.
• An app or process is running that's using a lot of system resources (e.g., downloading a big file, doing a software update, recording your screen, etc.).

To help free up the available memory on your mobile device try these:

• Restart your phone or tablet.
• Under Settings > General, use Offload Unused Apps to remove apps without deleting their data.
• Close these apps:
  • Background apps.
  • Apps you aren't using.
  • View all apps that use a large amount of system resources.
• Clear the app's cache.
• Delete unused apps

If these suggestions don't resolve your issue, visit our Troubleshooter

To free up device storage you can:

• Remove downloaded files, delete photos or videos from the phone's gallery or camera roll.
• Move files, photos and other items to a cloud storage solution (e.g., iCloud, Verizon Cloud, Google Drive, etc).
• Move files to an SD card if your device supports one (A Secure Digital card is a removable memory card).
• Check your phone's Settings menu to see if functions are available to help close system processes or clear temporary files. This helps maximize system resources:
  • Android: Check Settings > Storage to view and manage internal storage.
  • iPhone: Use Review Large Attachments to review and delete files.
• If this doesn't solve your issue, visit our Troubleshooter.

Device storage is used for long-term or permanent storing of files and apps. Your phone or tablet has a limited amount of space available to save photos, videos, messages, apps and files.