To get more storage on your Galaxy S21, you need to clear local files and offload data to the cloud because the phone lacks a microSD card slot. The Galaxy S21 series has no external memory support, so freeing up phone storage space relies entirely on managing what is on the device and using Samsung Cloud for backup.
How to get more storage on Galaxy S21 by clearing apps
Apps accumulate temporary files over time, which can eat up your internal storage. To clear an app’s cache, go to Settings, then Apps, select the app you want to clean, and tap the option to clear its cache. This removes temporary data without deleting your personal files or app settings. You can also uninstall apps you no longer use from the same Apps menu or by long-pressing the app icon on the home screen and selecting uninstall. Regularly doing this keeps your storage from filling up with unnecessary data.
Free up space with Samsung Cloud
Samsung Cloud can sync data across multiple Samsung devices, not just back up to one phone. Samsung Cloud offers a Temporary Cloud Backup feature that lets you upload photos, videos, and files with no storage limit for up to 30 days. This is a direct way to move large files off your device without needing an SD card. To use it, open the Samsung Cloud settings on your phone, select Temporary Cloud Backup, and choose the data you want to back up. Once the upload is complete, you can delete the local copies of those files, instantly recovering space on your Galaxy S21. After 30 days, the backup expires, so you will need to either restore the files or extend the backup before that deadline.
Optimize photos and videos on your device
Photos and videos are often the biggest storage hogs. Start by manually reviewing your Gallery app for duplicates, screenshots, or blurry shots you no longer need. Delete those files directly from the app. This simple cleanup can reclaim several gigabytes without any cloud uploads or extra tools. You can use built-in tools to compress and resize media files to reduce their size without sacrificing quality. You can transfer photos and videos to an external storage device like a computer or external hard drive to free up space. Photo and video editing apps can offer optimization features to reduce file sizes.
Managing storage on the Galaxy S21 is straightforward once you know the phone has no SD card slot. By regularly clearing app caches, uninstalling unused apps, offloading files to Samsung Cloud’s Temporary Cloud Backup, and deleting unwanted media, you can keep your internal storage under control without needing extra hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Galaxy S21 support microSD cards?
No. Samsung’s support pages list the Galaxy S21 5G, S21+ 5G, and S21 Ultra 5G as having no external memory, so you cannot insert a microSD card to expand storage.
What is the storage limit for Samsung Cloud Temporary Cloud Backup?
Samsung states that Temporary Cloud Backup has no storage limit for up to 30 days. You can upload as many photos, videos, and files as you need during that period.
Will clearing app cache delete my login information or app data?
Clearing the cache removes temporary files like thumbnails and logs, but it does not delete your account logins, saved games, or personal settings. For that, you would need to clear app data, which is a separate step.
How do I permanently delete files from the Gallery Trash?
Open the Gallery app, tap the three-dot menu, select Trash, then choose the files you want to remove and tap Delete. Items in the Trash still occupy storage until you permanently delete them.
Can I move apps to an SD card on the Galaxy S21?
No, because the Galaxy S21 does not have a microSD card slot. The only way to manage app storage is by clearing caches, uninstalling unused apps, or using cloud backup for app data.
Can I add more storage to my Galaxy S21?
No, the Galaxy S21 lacks a microSD card slot, so you cannot add physical storage. You must rely on cloud services like Samsung Cloud or external storage devices to offload files.
Will adding a microSD card slow down my Galaxy S21?
The Galaxy S21 does not support microSD cards, so this is not applicable. Storage performance is determined solely by the built-in internal memory.
What type of microSD card is compatible with the Galaxy S21?
No microSD card is compatible. The Galaxy S21 series has no memory card slot, so you cannot use any type of external memory card.
Can I move apps to the microSD card on my Galaxy S21?
No, the Galaxy S21 has no microSD card slot, making it impossible to move apps to external storage.
How do I transfer photos and videos to a microSD card on the Galaxy S21?
You cannot transfer files to a microSD card because the Galaxy S21 lacks a card slot. Instead, transfer photos and videos to a computer, external hard drive, or cloud storage.
