Free up app storage

Free up Microsoft Word storage

Word stores documents in OneDrive, SharePoint, or on this phone. AutoSave cache and Recents downloads can grow even when the real file is already in the cloud. Clearing cache does not delete OneDrive files. Deleting a local document that was never uploaded does.

See how much space Word is using

iPhone

1. Open the iPhone Settings app.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. Tap Word.

Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps.
2. Tap Word.
3. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.

Offline files and Recents

1. Open Word and go to Open / Recents.
2. For a file stored on this device, note whether it also has a cloud icon (OneDrive / SharePoint).
3. Remove the offline copy or close it if Word offers Make available offline / keep offline only for files you still need without a network.

Cloud documents stay in OneDrive. Files under On My iPhone / device storage are user files. Copy those somewhere else before you delete them.

Autosave cache

AutoSave writes to OneDrive while you work. If Word shows Saving or recovered files, wait until that finishes. Recovered / Autorecover files are unsynced user work, not disposable cache. Open them and Save to OneDrive or Files before you clear app data.

Downloads saved outside Word

Save a Copy and email attachments opened in Word can leave .docx files in Files or Downloads. Delete those copies there if you already have the OneDrive original.

Clear Word cache on Android

1. Open your phone Settings > Apps > Word.
2. Tap Storage or Storage and cache.
3. Tap Clear cache.

Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to reset Word. Local unsynced documents and Autorecover files can be lost.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

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

1. OneDrive and SharePoint documents stay. Save or copy any file that lives only on this phone, including Autorecover and Drafts that have not finished AutoSave.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install Microsoft Word again from the App Store or Google Play.
5. 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 Microsoft Word is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.