Free up app storage

Free up TikTok storage

TikTok keeps a cache of videos you watch, plus downloads (effects, stickers, gifts) and drafts you have not posted. Posted videos stay on your account. Clearing cache does not delete them.

See how much space TikTok is using

1. Open TikTok and tap Profile.
2. Tap the menu (three lines) > Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Free up space (some versions list it under Cache and cellular).

You will see sizes for Cache, Downloads, and Drafts. That is what is on this phone, not your whole TikTok account.

Clear cache

1. Open Free up space (steps above).
2. Tap Clear next to Cache.
3. Confirm Clear.

This removes temporary watch files. Your profile, likes, and posted videos stay. Drafts stay too. Videos may take a moment to load again.

Clear downloads

1. Open Free up space.
2. Tap Clear next to Downloads.
3. Confirm. If TikTok lists types (effects, filters, stickers, gifts), pick what to remove.

These are editor assets saved on the phone. TikTok can download them again when you use them.

Delete drafts

1. Open Free up space.
2. Tap Manage next to Drafts.
3. Tap Select, choose the drafts you do not need, then tap Delete.

Clearing cache does not delete drafts. Deleting a draft is permanent on this phone. Save a copy to Photos first if you still want the video.

You can also open + (create) and manage drafts from the camera screen.

Stop TikTok from saving copies to Photos or Gallery

1. Open TikTok > Profile > menu > Settings and privacy.
2. Look under Content and display or privacy for a save-to-device toggle (wording varies).
3. Turn off automatic save to Photos or Gallery if you see it. When you post, uncheck save if the share sheet offers it.

Copies already in Photos or Gallery stay until you delete them, including Recently Deleted / Trash.

Clear TikTok cache on Android

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

Prefer Free up space inside TikTok first. Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to reset TikTok. That signs you out and can delete local drafts.

iPhone does not offer a separate TikTok cache button. Use Free up space inside TikTok instead.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

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

1. Posted videos stay on TikTok. Save drafts you still want to Photos before you delete them or reinstall.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install TikTok 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 TikTok is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.