To delete RAW photos on Android, filter your gallery for the RAW or .dng format in Google Photos or Samsung Gallery, then bulk-delete the ones you have already backed up or no longer need. Flagship phones with an Expert RAW or Pro mode fill storage fast because RAW files are far larger than normal shots.
TL;DR
- A RAW (
.dng) file is uncompressed sensor data, typically 20-100 MB per shot versus 2-5 MB for a JPEG. - One Pro-mode session can add 5-10 GB to your phone.
- Find them by searching RAW in Google Photos or filtering Types › RAW in Samsung Gallery.
- Bulk-select and delete RAW files you have edited or backed up.
- Turn off Pro / Expert RAW in the camera to stop the buildup repeating.
Why are RAW files so heavy?
A RAW photo stores the unprocessed data straight off the camera sensor, while a JPEG or HEIF is processed and compressed in-camera. That difference is huge in storage terms.
| Format | What it stores | Typical size per shot |
|---|---|---|
| JPEG / HEIF | Processed, compressed image | 2-5 MB |
| RAW (.dng) | Uncompressed sensor data | 20-100 MB |
A single photoshoot in RAW mode can add 5-10 GB to your phone. Unless you are editing in a desktop tool like Lightroom, RAW output is mostly storage you do not need.
How do I filter my gallery for RAW photos?
Gallery apps mix JPEG and RAW into the same view, so filtering by format is the fastest way to find them. Exact paths:
Google Photos:
- Open Google Photos.
- Type RAW into the search bar.
- Long-press to select multiple, then tap Delete.
Samsung Gallery:
- Open Samsung Gallery.
- Tap the search icon.
- Scroll to Types and tap RAW.
- Long-press to select, then move to Trash.
Is it safe to delete RAW photos?
Deleting RAW files is safe as long as you still have the version you actually use. Most phones save a normal JPEG alongside each RAW, so deleting the .dng keeps the everyday photo intact. The risk is only if you planned to do serious desktop editing and the RAW was the master copy. Back up any RAW you might edit before deleting, and remember Samsung Gallery moves deletions to Trash first, where they keep using space until the bin is emptied.
How do I stop RAW buildup in the future?
If you do not edit on a computer, turn off Pro or Expert RAW mode in your camera so the same cleanup problem does not repeat. In the Samsung camera, open Pro / Expert RAW › settings and disable RAW capture; in third-party camera apps, look for a RAW or RAW+JPEG toggle in capture settings. Leaving the camera in standard mode means each shot lands as a single compact JPEG or HEIF instead of a heavy sensor file.
FAQ
Will deleting RAW photos remove my normal pictures?
No, as long as your camera saved a JPEG alongside each RAW, which most phones do by default. Deleting the .dng keeps the standard photo. Confirm before bulk-deleting if you shot RAW-only.
How much space do RAW photos take on Android?
Each RAW (.dng) file is usually 20-100 MB, roughly ten times a normal photo. A single Pro-mode session can consume 5-10 GB.
Where are RAW files stored on Android?
They usually sit in the same camera folder as your JPEGs, often in a DCIM/Camera or a dedicated RAW subfolder, mixed into the main gallery view, which is why filtering by type is the easiest way to isolate them.
Should I keep any RAW files?
Keep only the ones you intend to edit on a desktop tool like Lightroom. For everyday photos the compressed JPEG is identical to the eye and a fraction of the size.
Reclaim gigabytes from your camera roll
RAW files are often the single biggest hidden drain on a photographer's phone. Once they are gone, tackle the next culprits: read the hidden cost of 4K and 8K video, what is taking up space on my Android phone, and how to free up space on Android. If you are about to install something big, see how to free up space on Android before installing a new app. For the full guided path, use the clean up phone storage solution. To clear duplicates and bloated media in a tap, Cleanor for iPhone does it locally without uploading your photos.