Kodi can gradually build temporary files, thumbnails, artwork, and add-on data. If your device is running out of space, Kodi is slow, or streams are buffering, learning how to delete Kodi cache can help. The correct method depends on whether Kodi is installed on Android, Windows, Linux, or another platform.
Before deleting anything, understand that Kodi does not have one universal “clear cache” button. Some cached files belong to Kodi itself, while others are created by individual add-ons or your device’s operating system.
What Kodi Cache Does
Cache files are temporary data stored to make Kodi and its add-ons work faster. Examples include:
- Video thumbnails and artwork
- Temporary streaming files
- Add-on images and metadata
- Database and browsing information
- Downloaded subtitles or temporary files
Clearing cache can recover storage and fix problems such as missing artwork, failed playback, or an add-on that repeatedly displays outdated information. However, it usually will not improve internet speed or permanently stop buffering caused by a slow connection.
Kodi settings, media libraries, and add-on configuration may also be stored in the same application-data area as cached files. Always back up important settings before deleting Kodi’s data.
How to Delete Kodi Cache on Android and Fire TV
Android phones, tablets, Android TV devices, and Amazon Fire TV products provide the simplest way to clear Kodi’s temporary cache.
Android TV or Google TV
- Open Settings on your device.
- Select Apps or Apps & notifications.
- Choose See all apps, then select Kodi.
- Open Storage & cache.
- Select Clear cache.
- Reopen Kodi and test playback.
The exact menu names vary by manufacturer. Choose Clear cache, not Clear storage or Clear data, unless you want to reset Kodi completely.
Amazon Fire TV
- From the Fire TV home screen, open Settings.
- Select Applications.
- Choose Manage Installed Applications.
- Select Kodi.
- Click Clear cache.
- Launch Kodi again.
Fire TV may show a cache size of only a few megabytes even when Kodi has accumulated substantial add-on data. If storage remains low, review other installed apps and remove unused downloads.
Android phones and tablets
Go to Settings > Apps > Kodi > Storage, then select Clear cache. Android may automatically rebuild thumbnails and temporary files the next time Kodi starts, so some storage usage is normal.
How to Delete Kodi Cache on Windows
On Windows, Kodi stores its user data in a folder inside your Windows user profile. The location is usually:
``text C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\Kodi\ ``
The AppData folder is hidden by default. To open the folder quickly:
- Close Kodi completely.
- Press Windows key + R.
- Enter:
``text %APPDATA%\Kodi ``
- Press Enter.
For a safer cleanup, remove only temporary or thumbnail-related folders you recognize. The userdata\Thumbnails folder contains artwork and can become large, but deleting it means Kodi will need to download images again.
Do not delete the entire Kodi folder unless you intend to reset Kodi. That folder can contain your media-library databases, profiles, add-on settings, and customizations. If you are unsure, copy the folder to another location first as a backup.
After cleaning the folder, start Kodi and allow a few minutes for artwork and add-on information to rebuild.
How to Delete Kodi Cache on Linux, macOS, and Other Devices
On Linux, Kodi’s user-data folder is commonly located at:
``text ~/.kodi/ ``
Close Kodi, open your file manager or terminal, and inspect folders such as userdata before removing anything. Thumbnail files are often stored under the Kodi userdata area, but the exact layout can vary by distribution and Kodi version.
On macOS, Kodi data is typically stored under:
``text ~/Library/Application Support/Kodi/ ``
The Library folder may be hidden. In Finder, select Go > Go to Folder, enter the path, and press Return after closing Kodi.
For Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad, access to Kodi’s files is restricted by Apple’s operating system. You generally cannot browse and remove individual cache folders without advanced device-management methods. The practical option is to uninstall and reinstall Kodi, but this can remove settings and local data. Back up your Kodi setup first if possible.
On any platform, avoid deleting files while Kodi is running. Kodi may recreate damaged databases or lose information if its files are changed during use.
Clear Add-On Cache Carefully
Some Kodi add-ons create their own temporary files, and their cache controls may appear inside the add-on’s settings. Look for menus labeled Settings, Tools, Maintenance, Clear cache, or Delete temporary files.
Use only maintenance options supplied by a trusted add-on. Avoid unofficial “one-click cleaner” tools that promise to boost Kodi dramatically. They may delete repositories, settings, or databases, and some add-ons may be unsafe or violate copyright rules.
If only one add-on is malfunctioning, clearing that add-on’s cache or resetting it is usually better than wiping all Kodi data. You may need to sign in again or configure the add-on after a reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does clearing Kodi cache delete my add-ons?
Usually, selecting Clear cache through Android or Fire TV removes temporary files only. Selecting Clear data, Clear storage, or deleting Kodi’s full data folder can remove add-ons, settings, profiles, and library information.
Will deleting Kodi cache stop buffering?
It can help if corrupted temporary files or insufficient storage are causing playback problems. It will not fix slow internet, weak Wi-Fi, overloaded streaming servers, or video sources with limited bandwidth.
How often should I clear Kodi cache?
There is no required schedule. Clear it when Kodi has performance problems, your device is low on storage, or an add-on reports cache-related errors. Frequent manual cleaning is unnecessary on most devices.
Conclusion
The safest way to learn how to delete Kodi cache is to use your device’s built-in Clear cache option first. For Windows, macOS, and Linux, remove only identifiable temporary files and back up Kodi data before making changes. Avoid clearing full application data unless you are prepared to set Kodi up again.
