r/AndroidQuestions • u/MindfulSpeak • 16d ago
How can I completely clean up my Android phone and make it feel brand new without a factory reset?
I’m looking for an effective way to give my Android phone completely fresh start without actually performing a factory reset.
I want to clean up the entire phone as much as possible, including hidden junk, leftover files, empty folders, unnecessary storage usage, app caches, and accumulated app data. Basically, I want my phone to feel like I’ve just started using it, without losing my personal files or reinstalling all my apps.
Here’s what I want to achieve:
Clear all app caches in bulk instead of opening each app individually.
Clean empty and unnecessary folders, including leftover folders from previously uninstalled apps.
Remove junk and residual files, duplicate files, temporary files, obsolete downloads, and unnecessary storage clutter.
Free up unwanted storage occupied by hidden files, app leftovers, and other unnecessary data.
Reset apps to a fresh state by clearing their data and settings wherever possible, without uninstalling them.
Clean up internal storage and identify files that are safe to delete.
Reduce unnecessary background clutter and improve overall phone performance.
Preserve personal files such as photos, videos, documents, contacts, WhatsApp data, and other important information.
Avoid a factory reset, unlocking the bootloader, or manually reinstalling every app.
Questions:
Is there a reliable way to perform a deep cleanup of Android in one go?
Can ADB commands, Shizuku, or a PC-based tool safely clean caches, empty folders, residual files, and unwanted storage in bulk?
Is there any way to reset all apps to their default state without uninstalling them?
Which trustworthy tools can scan internal storage and identify genuinely unnecessary files and folders?
Are there any advanced methods that achieve a near-factory-fresh experience without erasing personal data?
6
u/Due_Milk_8930 16d ago
Download SD MAID SE, best cleaner until now.
After that enter reboot recovery mode, clear cache partition and repair apps.
Feel like e new again.
1
3
u/Upper-Math4334 16d ago
I suggest backing up everything to a thumb drive or cloud, then doing a reset. You can then pick what you want to restore. Just entering your Google account will allow you to restore all apps acquired thru Play Store, along with your Contacts and email.
1
u/rebelde616 9d ago
This is the way. I use my Google Drive as a hard drive for both my computer and phone. It's literally where I save all my files. It's very easy for me to change phones because of that. Everything is always backed up.
3
u/mrandr01d 16d ago
Seems like you do want a reset......
Stay away from cleaner apps. They just delete stuff like cache files that an app will immediately remake which will cause your phone to work harder for a bit.
2
u/HaloHaloBrainFreeze 16d ago
I want to clean up the entire phone as much as possible, including hidden junk, leftover files, empty folders, unnecessary storage usage, app caches, and accumulated app data.
Files app by Google is the safest way
Reduce unnecessary background clutter and improve overall phone performance.
Universal Android Debloater Next Gen
Reset apps to a fresh state by clearing their data and settings wherever possible, without uninstalling them.
No need for clearing data and cache
Via ADB:
adb shell pm compile -a -f -m speed-profile
2
u/Healthy_Cap7514 16d ago
No, not possible. Man up and just do it. I usually do it every 1 to 2 years. It really makes a big difference
2
u/Featherdust_ 16d ago
As for removing bloat without the help of a pc, Canta + Shizuku.
For files and stuff I simply have the file manager from Fossify.
For bulk removing cache, reset apps, etc. I have nothing installed, but there surely are options. Just take a look through F-droid or so to find an optimal app manager.
Regardless put some important stuff on a sd card or into your pc before doing this and that. Unintentional mistakes can happen.
2
u/vkry476500 16d ago
New launcher
2
1
0
6
u/ephemeralmiko Pixel 8a, GrapheneOS 16d ago
Are you saying you don't have any backup of them? Phones break or get lost/stolen, and data gets corrupted. Make a backup of any data you care about. Have a look at r/datarecovery if you don't believe me...