App guide
Android
SD Maid SE: What It Can-and Can’t-Clean
Start with a reviewed SD Maid SE scan and understand permissions and paid cleanup limits.
SD Maid SE is an optional Android tool for reviewing leftovers and storage usage after basic cleanup. It is not necessary just to check free space.
Start with a scan
- Complete setup and read why each requested permission is needed. Enable access only for the functions you intend to use.
- Run Quick Access and inspect the results by tool.
- Exclude files you want to keep or do not understand. Review the intended cleanup before confirming deletion.
The developer provides a setup tutorial. Do not enable scheduled cleanup until you understand what a manual run removes.
Know the limits
All tools can scan for free, but some removal features need an upgrade. In particular, AppCleaner and duplicate-file deletion have paid restrictions; check the current developer FAQ before purchasing.
Android permissions limit what the app can access. Optional accessibility access can automate cache-cleaning actions; it is not a requirement for reading this guide. No tool can promise to remove the whole Other category.
Check the result
Compare free space in Android Settings after a reviewed cleanup. If findings are unclear, stop and use the Other storage checklist or device support.
Do not use a cleanup scan as proof that a folder contains nothing important. Keep a verified copy of personal files before deletion.