Free up Google Earth storage

Google Earth caches satellite imagery, 3D buildings, and tour media so the globe spins without waiting. That cache can grow. Projects and saved places stay in your Google account if you are signed in. Clearing cache does not delete those cloud projects.

See how much space Google Earth is using

iPhone

Open the iPhone Settings app.
Tap General > iPhone Storage.
Tap Google Earth.

Android

Open your phone Settings > Apps.
Tap Google Earth.
Tap Storage or Storage and cache.

Clear cache inside Google Earth

Open Google Earth and open the menu.
Tap Settings.
Look for cache size, Clear cache, or offline / cached imagery controls.
Clear the cache or lower the cache size if Earth lets you set a limit.

Labels move between versions. If there is no in-app clear, use Android Clear cache or offload on iPhone. Imagery downloads again as you fly around.

Projects, tours, and KML files

Delete local KML / KMZ files in Files or Downloads if you imported large tours.
Projects saved to Google Drive stay in Drive. Clearing Earth cache does not delete Drive files.

Clear Google Earth cache on Android

Open your phone Settings > Apps > Google Earth.
Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
Tap Clear cache.

Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to sign out and reset Earth on this phone.

iPhone does not offer a separate Google Earth cache button. Offload or reinstall if the total stays high.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

If you already cleaned media and Google Earth still looks huge, a fresh install can clear leftover cache and temp files that are hard to reach by hand.

Projects stay in your Google account if you saved them there. Keep any KML files you only have on this phone. Cached imagery downloads again after reinstall.
Delete the app from your phone.
Restart your phone.
Install Google Earth again from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign in and restore from backup if the app offers it.

This often frees a lot of space. You may need to download some media again after restore.

What to do next

After Google Earth is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.