Free up app storage

Free up VLC storage

VLC keeps a playback history, network-stream cache, and copies of files you save or download into the app. Videos that already live in Photos, Files, or a folder on the phone stay there. Clearing VLC cache does not delete those originals.

See how much space VLC is using

iPhone

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

Android

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

VLC does not have a WhatsApp-style storage screen. Check History, Network, and any files saved inside the VLC folder.

Clear history

1. Open VLC and go to History (or the Recents / History section).
2. Swipe or tap and hold an item, then delete it, or clear all history if that action is shown.

History is a list of what you played. Clearing it removes local thumbnails and some cached stream data. It does not delete the original file on the phone.

Remove saved network streams and downloads

1. Open Network, Streams, or the VLC media library.
2. Delete saved network streams you no longer use.
3. If you downloaded or copied a video into VLC, delete that copy from the VLC folder or the app library.

Network streams can leave a large playback cache after a long watch. Files you imported from Files or Downloads may also sit in VLC storage.

Clear VLC cache on Android

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

Do not tap Clear storage / Clear data unless you mean to reset VLC on this phone. That wipes history, saved streams, and files stored only inside the app. Videos in Photos, Files, or other folders stay.

iPhone does not offer a separate VLC cache button. Clear History in the app, delete saved files, or offload VLC in iPhone Storage if the system total stays high.

Reinstall the app if storage is still high

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

1. History, network streams, and files stored only inside VLC will be gone. Videos that already live in Photos, Files, or another folder stay on the phone. You will need to add streams and local folders again.
2. Delete the app from your phone.
3. Restart your phone.
4. Install VLC 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 VLC is lighter, check your photo library for duplicates and similar shots. That is what Dedupo is for.

More app guides: Free up app storage.