In today's digital age, smartphones have become indispensable tools in our daily lives. We use these devices for communication, entertainment, work, and payments. However, with continuous use, cell phones accumulate cache, temporary files, and remnants of uninstalled applications, which means less free space and, in more modest devices, noticeable slowdowns. Performing periodic maintenance helps to recover storage and keep the system predictable.
This guide brings together six cleaning and optimization apps that were individually reviewed on the Brazilian Google Play Store. For each one, you'll find information on what it actually does, who publishes it, and what the store listing says about ads and in-app purchases. All the titles mentioned are currently on Google Play, and two of them are also on the App Store—none depend on an externally downloaded APK file. Further on, you'll see which popular cleaners have been removed from the store and why it's not worth looking for them.
What to check before installing a cleaning app
Before clicking “Install,” it’s worth opening the app’s listing on the Play Store and reading three pieces of information. The first is the developer: prefer identifiable companies with other published products. The second are the “Contains ads” and “In-app purchases” labels, which appear right below the developer’s name and indicate, respectively, that the app displays advertising and that there are paid items or subscriptions. The third is the date of the last update, a sign that the product is still being maintained.
It's also important to be wary of exaggerated promises. No app "doubles RAM" or transforms an old phone into a top-of-the-line device. The real gain comes from freeing up storage, clearing cache, and uninstalling what you don't use—and Android already does much of that automatically.
6 cleaning and speed-up apps reviewed on the Play Store
1. Google Files
Google Files (package) com.google.android.apps.nbu.filesThis is the safest starting point. It combines a file manager and a cleaning assistant: it suggests deleting temporary files, duplicate images, memes received in conversations, large videos, and apps you haven't opened in months. It also transfers files between phones without using internet data and sends items directly to Google Drive.
On the Play Store listing, Google Files doesn't have the "Contains ads" or "In-app purchases" labels—meaning it's truly free, without advertising or in-app purchases. It's published by Google itself and is only available for Android.
2. CCleaner
Known for its computer version, CCleaner – Cell Phone Cleaner (com.piriform.ccleaner, (from Piriform) cleans the cache, removes residual files, shows which applications are taking up the most space, and allows you to uninstall several at once. It also has a panel showing memory and storage usage, useful for monitoring what has started to fill up again.
Pay attention to the business model: the listing on the Play Store displays the warnings "Contains ads" and "In-app purchases," with items ranging from R$ 2.70 to R$ 199.99. The free version works, but shows advertising and reserves automatic cleaning for the paid plan. It is available on Android and also on the Brazilian App Store, published by the same company, Piriform.
3. SD Maid 2/SE
SD Maid 2/SE (eu.darken.sdmse, (from developer darken) is the choice for those who want detailed cleaning. It locates so-called "corpses"—folders left behind by uninstalled applications—duplicate files, system cache, and databases that can be compressed. Each cleanup is presented in a list, with the option to review each item before confirming.
The listing doesn't have an ad label, but it does list "In-app Purchases," with prices ranging from R$ 5.99 to R$ 11.99 that unlock advanced features. It's an Android-only app, recommended for those who like to understand exactly what's being removed. SD Maid 1, an older version by the same author, is still listed in the store, but it no longer receives updates—version 2/SE is preferable.
4. Avast Cleanup
Avast Cleanup (com.avast.android.cleanerIt focuses on two storage villains: idle photos and apps. It identifies blurry images, repeated screenshots, and similar photos taken in sequence, suggesting what to delete, and points out programs you've installed but rarely open.
The listing on the Play Store shows "Contains ads" and "In-app purchases," with items ranging from R$ 1.29 to R$ 269.99. Basic cleaning is free; automatic app hibernation and ad removal are part of the subscription.
5. AVG Cleaner
From the same group as Avast, AVG Cleaner (com.avg.cleaner, (Published by AVG Mobile) has a very similar purpose: it analyzes storage, separates hidden files and cache, organizes the gallery, and shows battery consumption per application. In practice, it's worth choosing between it and Avast Cleanup — installing both offers no benefit.
It also comes with the warnings “Contains ads” and “In-app purchases”, priced from R$ 1.29 to R$ 214.99, and is only available for Android.
6. Norton Cleaner
Norton Cleaner (com.symantec.cleansweep, (published by NortonMobile) is the most discreet of the group. It removes residual files and cache, groups similar photos, and lists rarely used applications, all in a straightforward interface with few screens and no excessive alerts.
It's one of the few on the list without the "Contains ads" label. The listing only shows "In-app purchases," ranging from R$ 5.99 to R$ 119.00. Don't confuse it with Norton 360, which is the brand's antivirus and works with an annual subscription.
Apps that have been removed from the Play Store — and why not install them?
If you've arrived here searching for Clean Master, DU Speed Booster, Battery Doctor, or Advanced Mobile Care, it's important to know: these apps are no longer available on Google Play. Their pages on the store return an error, and the reason for their removal is related to violations of Google's policies.
In these cases, the search usually pushes the user to websites that offer the APK file. Installing via this method means forgoing the store's security checks and accepting a package that may have been modified by third parties. Therefore, none of these methods are recommended here. If the app you were using is no longer available in the store, the solution is to uninstall it from your device and switch to an alternative that continues to be officially distributed.
Conclusion
There's no single winner: the choice depends on what bothers you most about your device. For most people, Google Files solves the problem — it's free, ad-free, and without in-app purchases. Those who want fine control over what is deleted tend to do better with SD Maid 2/SE. CCleaner, Avast Cleanup, AVG Cleaner, and Norton Cleaner offer more complete dashboards, remembering that the first three display advertising and that all four sell extra features within the application.
Whichever option you choose, always install from Google Play, review the list before confirming any deletions, and keep a backup of your photos. Regular maintenance doesn't work miracles, but it frees up space and prevents that "storage full" message at the wrong time. Did you find any outdated information on this page? Write to [email protected] and we'll check and correct it.
