How to free up storage and clear cache on Android TV, Google TV and Fire TV
TVs often have just 8 GB of storage, and the system takes half. When it fills up, apps fail to update and everything slows down.
Short answer
Open Settings > System > Storage (Google TV) or Settings > Device Preferences > Storage (Android TV) to see what uses space. Clear the cache of large apps under Settings > Apps, uninstall apps you don’t use and turn off preinstalled ones. On Fire TV use Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications. Aim to keep at least 1–2 GB free.
Find out what is using space
| Platform | Menu path |
|---|---|
| Google TV | Settings > System > Storage > Internal shared storage |
| Android TV | Settings > Device Preferences > Storage |
| Fire TV | Settings > My Fire TV > About > Storage |
Clear app cache
- Open the apps listGoogle TV: Settings > Apps > See all apps. Fire TV: Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications.
- Pick the biggest apps firstStreaming apps, browsers and app stores usually hold the most cache.
- Choose Clear cacheRepeat for each large app. Use Clear data only if you accept signing in again.
Remove what you don’t use
Uninstall apps you installed and no longer open. Preinstalled apps often can’t be uninstalled from Settings, but they can be turned off; see how to debloat Android TV.
Let the TV clear reclaimable cache in one go
Android can trim caches across all apps when asked through ADB. TVHomeX shows available storage and asks the TV to clear reclaimable cache on supported devices, then shows the new free space.
Keep it clean
- Avoid installing apps “just to try” on a nearly full TV.
- Move to a lighter launcher that doesn’t cache artwork.
- Check storage after big system updates.
Questions people ask
How much free storage does an Android TV need?
Keep at least 1–2 GB free so apps can update and the system can cache.
Can I add storage with a USB drive?
Some Android TV devices can format a USB drive as internal storage. Check your model’s storage settings.
Official sources
Written and checked by BiHai Song, developer of TVHomeX and TVRemoteX