Offline downloads consume phone storage because when you make files or folders available offline, the app downloads and stores those files directly onto your device rather than keeping them on remote servers[3]. Cloud-based services such as Google Drive normally store files on remote servers, but when you choose to access files offline—by marking them for offline availability—a local copy is temporarily saved on your phone, increasing the use of internal storage[6]. Similarly, offline functionality in mobile apps requires data (ranging from text and images to heavier media and database files) to be stored on the device to keep the app working without an internet connection, which means the app reserves a portion of your device's storage for this purpose[5]. Additionally, downloads from browsers or dedicated apps not only include user-initiated file transfers such as documents, music, or videos but also involve automatic caching, which can accumulate over time and further consume valuable storage space on your phone[8]. Finally, some applications (like Box Drive) may remove locally stored files if you log off or change settings to free up space, yet while offline files remain on your device, they continue to use storage until manually cleared or managed by the app[9].
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