In an increasingly connected world, our cell phones have become an extension of ourselves. With the accumulation of apps, photos, videos, and files received in conversations, it's common for the device's performance to start declining and for the "storage full" message to appear at the most inconvenient time. Fortunately, there are apps created specifically to clean up memory and free up space for the system.
We selected five options and checked each one on the Brazilian Google Play Store before publishing: who the developer is, whether the listing includes the "Contains ads" and "In-app purchases" labels, and what the app actually delivers. All remain available in the official store, and some are also available in the App Store — several famous cleaners from years ago are no longer there, as we explain later.
5 cleaning apps reviewed on the Play Store
1. Google Files
Google Files (com.google.android.apps.nbu.filesThis is the natural gateway to cleaning up your memory. It scans your storage and suggests what to delete in clear categories: temporary files, duplicate images, memes and chat stickers, large videos, and apps that haven't been running for months. Each suggestion tells you how much space will be freed up before you confirm, preventing you from accidentally deleting something.
It also functions as a file manager and transfers content between nearby phones without using data. On the Play Store, the listing doesn't say "Contains ads" or "In-app purchases": it's free, ad-free, and without any in-app purchases. Published by Google and available only for Android.
2. CCleaner
CCleaner – Cell Phone Cleaner (com.piriform.ccleaner, (from Piriform) offers temporary file cleanup and good management of installed applications, sorting them by size and inactivity time. This makes it easy to decide what to uninstall when space is running low. The storage and memory panel helps track what has started filling up again over the weeks.
The app store listing displays the warnings "Contains ads" and "In-app purchases," with items ranging from R$2.70 to R$199.99: the free version shows advertising, and automatic cleaning is part of the paid plan. CCleaner for mobile is available on Android and also in the Brazilian App Store.
3. SD Maid 2/SE
SD Maid 2/SE (eu.darken.sdmse, (from developer darken) is a powerful tool for those seeking detailed control over files and applications. It cleans unnecessary files, locates orphaned folders left by uninstalled programs, finds duplicates, and optimizes system databases. With a clear interface and customization options, it's ideal for those who want more than just a superficial cleanup.
Nothing is deleted without review: everything appears in lists before confirmation. The entry doesn't have an ad label and lists "In-app Purchases," from R$ 5.99 to R$ 11.99, to unlock advanced features. Note the name: SD Maid 1 is still in the store, but no longer receives updates — install version 2/SE.
4. AVG Cleaner
AVG Cleaner (com.avg.cleanerThis app, developed by AVG Mobile, stands out for combining memory cleaning with gallery organization. A quick scan identifies and removes unnecessary files, points out duplicate or blurry photos, and shows which apps consume the most battery, helping you decide what's worth keeping installed.
The listing on the Play Store shows "Contains ads" and "In-app purchases," with items ranging from R$ 1.29 to R$ 214.99. It's important to clarify: the free version is supported by advertising, and features like automatic cleaning are part of the subscription. It's available on Android and also in the Brazilian App Store.
5. Avast Cleanup
From the same group as AVG, Avast Cleanup (com.avast.android.cleaner, (from Avast Software) is a solution aimed at two major storage culprits: duplicate photos and idle applications. It gathers old screenshots, blurry images, and similar photo sequences in one place, and lists the programs you've installed but almost never open.
The page displays “Contains ads” and “In-app purchases,” ranging from R$ 1.29 to R$ 269.99. Basic cleaning is free; automatic app hibernation and ad removal depend on the paid plan. Since the offering is almost identical to AVG Cleaner, choose only one of the two.
The cleaners that left the store
If you were looking for Clean Master or Advanced Mobile Care, be warned: neither of them are available on Google Play anymore, nor are DU Speed Booster and Battery Doctor. The pages on the store return an error, and their removal is linked to a violation of Google's policies.
When an app is removed from the store, searches often lead users to websites that distribute the APK file. This bypasses the Play Store's security checks and may deliver a modified version of the program—which is why these names are not recommended here. If any of them are still on your device, uninstall them and switch to one of the options above.
Conclusion
Keeping your phone clean and organized is essential to ensure proper functioning and extend the device's lifespan, but it's worth adjusting your expectations: these apps recover space and help you decide what to remove, but they don't increase RAM or rejuvenate the processor. For most people, Google Files is free and ad-free; those who want fine-tuned detail prefer SD Maid 2/SE; CCleaner, AVG Cleaner, and Avast Cleanup deliver complete dashboards, remembering that they display advertising and sell plans.
Download only from Google Play, check the "Contains ads" and "In-app purchases" labels on the page before installing, and review the list before deleting anything. If you find any outdated information on this page, write to [email protected] and we will update it.
What to look for before installing
- Permissions requested. An app should only request what it needs to function. Requests for access to contacts, messages, or accessibility without reason are a red flag.
- Last updated and supported. An application without a recent update tends to break with the next system version.
- What the app actually does. Compare the description on the store page with recent reviews. The difference between the two often reveals what the advertisement omits.
- Billing model. Check if it's free with ads, pay-per-view, or subscription-based — and the price range for in-app purchases.
What these apps don't do
Before installing, it's worth managing your expectations: there are things that no app in this category delivers.
- They can't do what the device's hardware doesn't allow. A feature without a corresponding sensor doesn't exist in software.
- The free version often limits exports, applies a watermark, or restricts the number of uses per day.
- A high rating in the store doesn't guarantee quality: it's worth reading recent, negative reviews.
- An app that promises impossible results usually exists only to display advertising.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the app free?
Generally, the download is limited or may include advertising. Check the price range for in-app purchases on the store page.
Does it take up a lot of space?
The size appears in the store, but it increases with use due to caching. Clearing the cache frees up space without losing settings.
Is there a native alternative?
It's worth checking out. Android and iOS come with several ready-made functions that eliminate the need to install another app.
Does it consume a lot of battery?
Check the usage per app in the settings and restrict background activity for any that are high.
Does it work without internet?
It depends: those that process on the device work offline; those that depend on a server require an internet connection.
