Free up app storage

Free up Obsidian storage

An Obsidian vault is a folder of Markdown files plus an attachments folder (images, PDFs, audio). Those files are the vault. Plugin cache and workspace cache are smaller leftovers. Deleting a note or an attachment is permanent for that file unless you have Sync, iCloud, Git, or another copy.

See how much space Obsidian is using

iPhone

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

Android

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

You can also open the vault in Files and check the attachments folder (often named Attachments, assets, or extras). That folder is usually the large part.

Warn before you delete attachments

1. Search the vault for unused attachments only if you know they are unused.
2. Move or copy the file out of the vault before you delete it.

A note that links to an image will break if you delete that image. Attachments are not cache.

Plugin and workspace cache

The hidden .obsidian folder holds settings, plugins, and some cache. Removing a plugin you do not use can free a little space. Do not delete the whole .obsidian folder unless you mean to reset the vault configuration. Notes and attachments sit beside it, not inside it.

Sync

Obsidian Sync, iCloud, or a third-party folder sync is the backup. If the vault lives only On My iPhone or in app storage, a reinstall can wipe it. Copy the vault to Files or a computer first.

Clear Obsidian cache on Android

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

Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless the vault is also copied somewhere else. That can delete the local vault.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

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

1. Copy the whole vault (notes and attachments) to Files, a computer, or confirm Sync / iCloud finished. Attachments are the data. Reinstalling without a copy can permanently delete the vault.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install Obsidian 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 Obsidian is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.