Are you tired of constantly running out of storage space on your Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra? With the constant influx of high-quality photos, videos, and apps, it’s easy to fill up your device’s internal storage. Fortunately, there are several ways to expand your storage capacity and free up space on your S21 Ultra. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to increase your storage, from built-in features to external storage solutions.
Understanding Your S21 Ultra’s Storage
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand how your S21 Ultra’s storage works. The device comes with a range of internal storage options, from 128GB to 512GB. However, the actual available storage is lower due to the operating system and pre-installed apps taking up space.
To check your available storage, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down and select “Battery and device care”
- Tap on “Storage”
- You’ll see a breakdown of your used and available storage
Internal Storage vs. External Storage
When it comes to expanding your storage, you have two options: internal storage and external storage. Internal storage refers to the built-in storage capacity of your device, while external storage refers to additional storage solutions that can be connected to your device.
Internal storage is generally faster and more convenient, but it’s limited by the device’s hardware. External storage, on the other hand, offers more flexibility and scalability, but may be slower and require more maintenance.
Method 1: Free Up Internal Storage
Before exploring external storage options, let’s focus on freeing up internal storage space. Here are a few methods to help you reclaim some space:
Delete Unused Apps and Files
One of the simplest ways to free up space is to delete unused apps and files. Go through your app drawer and uninstall any apps you no longer use. Also, delete any files, such as photos, videos, and documents, that you no longer need.
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down and select “Apps”
- Tap on the three-dot menu icon
- Select “Uninstall”
- Choose the apps you want to uninstall
Use the Device Maintenance Feature
The S21 Ultra comes with a built-in device maintenance feature that can help you free up space. This feature can delete temporary files, clear cache data, and remove unused apps.
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down and select “Battery and device care”
- Tap on “Device care”
- Select “Storage”
- Tap on “Clean now”
Use the Smart Switch Feature
If you’re upgrading from an older device, you can use the Smart Switch feature to transfer your data and free up space on your old device.
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down and select “Accounts and backup”
- Tap on “Smart Switch”
- Follow the prompts to transfer your data
Method 2: Expand Your Storage with a MicroSD Card
One of the most popular ways to expand your storage is by using a microSD card. The S21 Ultra supports microSD cards up to 1TB, making it an excellent option for those who need more storage.
Choosing the Right MicroSD Card
When choosing a microSD card, make sure to select one that is compatible with your device. Look for a card with a high storage capacity and a fast read and write speed.
- Check the device’s manual or manufacturer’s website for recommended microSD cards
- Choose a card with a high storage capacity (at least 128GB)
- Opt for a card with a fast read and write speed (at least U3 or V30)
Inserting the MicroSD Card
To insert the microSD card, follow these steps:
- Locate the microSD card slot on the top of your device
- Open the slot by inserting a paper clip or the SIM ejector tool
- Carefully insert the microSD card into the slot
- Close the slot and make sure it clicks into place
Method 3: Use Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is another excellent option for expanding your storage. By storing your files in the cloud, you can access them from anywhere and free up space on your device.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a popular cloud storage service that offers 15GB of free storage. You can upgrade to a paid plan for more storage.
- Go to the Google Drive app
- Tap on the “+” icon
- Select the files you want to upload
- Choose the folder where you want to store the files
OneDrive
OneDrive is another popular cloud storage service that offers 5GB of free storage. You can upgrade to a paid plan for more storage.
- Go to the OneDrive app
- Tap on the “+” icon
- Select the files you want to upload
- Choose the folder where you want to store the files
Method 4: Use a USB-C Storage Device
If you need to transfer large files or expand your storage temporarily, a USB-C storage device is an excellent option. These devices plug into your device’s USB-C port and offer additional storage.
Choosing the Right USB-C Storage Device
When choosing a USB-C storage device, make sure to select one that is compatible with your device. Look for a device with a high storage capacity and a fast read and write speed.
- Check the device’s manual or manufacturer’s website for recommended USB-C storage devices
- Choose a device with a high storage capacity (at least 128GB)
- Opt for a device with a fast read and write speed (at least USB 3.2 Gen 1)
Using the USB-C Storage Device
To use the USB-C storage device, follow these steps:
- Plug the device into your device’s USB-C port
- Go to the Files app
- Select the device from the list of available storage devices
- Transfer files to and from the device
Conclusion
Expanding your S21 Ultra’s storage capacity is easier than you think. By using a combination of built-in features, external storage solutions, and cloud storage, you can free up space and enjoy more storage on your device. Remember to always choose the right storage solution for your needs and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
By following the methods outlined in this article, you can boost your storage and enjoy a more seamless user experience on your S21 Ultra.
What are the storage expansion options available for the S21 Ultra?
The S21 Ultra offers a few storage expansion options to boost its capacity. One of the most popular options is using a microSD card. The phone supports microSD cards of up to 1TB, allowing users to significantly increase their storage capacity. Additionally, users can also use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store their files and access them from their phone.
It’s worth noting that the S21 Ultra does not have a dedicated microSD card slot, but it does have a hybrid SIM card slot that can accommodate a microSD card. This means that users will have to choose between using a microSD card or a second SIM card. However, for users who need more storage space, using a microSD card is a convenient and cost-effective option.
How do I insert a microSD card into my S21 Ultra?
Inserting a microSD card into the S21 Ultra is a relatively straightforward process. First, make sure to purchase a microSD card that is compatible with the phone. Then, locate the hybrid SIM card slot on the top of the phone. Open the slot by inserting a paper clip or the SIM ejector tool into the small hole. Once the slot is open, carefully insert the microSD card into the slot, making sure it is properly seated.
Once the microSD card is inserted, close the slot and make sure it is securely locked. Then, go to the phone’s settings menu and select “Storage” to format the microSD card. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the formatting process. After the microSD card is formatted, it will be ready to use, and users can start storing their files and data on it.
Can I use any microSD card with my S21 Ultra?
Not all microSD cards are compatible with the S21 Ultra. The phone supports microSD cards with a capacity of up to 1TB, but it’s essential to choose a card that meets the phone’s specifications. Look for microSD cards that have a UHS-I or UHS-III rating, as these cards are designed for high-speed data transfer and are compatible with the S21 Ultra.
When selecting a microSD card, also consider the card’s speed class. The S21 Ultra supports microSD cards with a speed class of U1 or U3. These cards are designed for high-speed data transfer and can handle demanding tasks like 4K video recording. Avoid using microSD cards with a lower speed class, as they may not provide the best performance.
How do I transfer data from my internal storage to my microSD card?
Transferring data from the internal storage to the microSD card is a relatively simple process. Go to the phone’s settings menu and select “Storage.” Then, select the internal storage option and choose the files or data you want to transfer. Tap the “Move” or “Copy” button to transfer the files to the microSD card.
Alternatively, users can also use the “Smart Switch” feature to transfer data from the internal storage to the microSD card. This feature allows users to transfer data, including files, photos, and videos, from the internal storage to the microSD card with just a few taps. To access the Smart Switch feature, go to the phone’s settings menu and select “Advanced features.”
Can I use my microSD card as adoptable storage?
Yes, the S21 Ultra allows users to use their microSD card as adoptable storage. Adoptable storage allows users to format the microSD card as internal storage, allowing the phone to use it as an extension of the internal storage. To use the microSD card as adoptable storage, go to the phone’s settings menu and select “Storage.” Then, select the microSD card option and follow the on-screen instructions to format the card as adoptable storage.
Using the microSD card as adoptable storage has its advantages. It allows users to install apps directly on the microSD card, and the phone can use the card as an extension of the internal storage. However, keep in mind that formatting the microSD card as adoptable storage will erase all data on the card, so make sure to back up any important files before doing so.
How do I safely remove my microSD card from my S21 Ultra?
To safely remove the microSD card from the S21 Ultra, go to the phone’s settings menu and select “Storage.” Then, select the microSD card option and tap the “Unmount” button. This will unmount the microSD card from the phone, allowing users to safely remove it.
Once the microSD card is unmounted, locate the hybrid SIM card slot on the top of the phone and open it by inserting a paper clip or the SIM ejector tool into the small hole. Carefully remove the microSD card from the slot, taking care not to touch any of the internal components.
What are the benefits of expanding my S21 Ultra’s storage capacity?
Expanding the S21 Ultra’s storage capacity has several benefits. One of the most significant advantages is that it allows users to store more files, photos, and videos on their phone. This is especially useful for users who take a lot of photos or videos, as they can store more of their media files on the phone.
Additionally, expanding the storage capacity can also improve the phone’s performance. When the internal storage is full, the phone’s performance can slow down. By expanding the storage capacity, users can free up space on the internal storage, allowing the phone to run more smoothly. Furthermore, expanding the storage capacity can also allow users to install more apps and games, making the phone more versatile and fun to use.