Deleting video from Android TV only seems like a simple task - in practice, users are faced with a lot of nuances. Files can remain in the application cache, duplicated in cloud services, or even “hide” in system folders that are not accessible through the standard interface. The problem is especially pressing for owners of TV Sony Bravia, Xiaomi Mi TV or NVIDIA Shield, where the file system is organized differently than on smartphones.

In this article we will look at all possible removal methods —from basic (through the built-in file manager) to advanced (commands ADB and manually clearing the cache). We’ll separately focus on how to get rid of “undeletable” files that take up space but are not displayed in the gallery. If you tried to delete the video, but it appears again after a reboot, here you will find a solution.

We warn you right away: some methods require Developer rights or connecting to a PC. If you have never worked with ADB or are not sure of your actions, start with the first three methods. They are safe and do not require additional knowledge.

📊 What TV do you have on Android TV?
Sony Bravia
Xiaomi Mi TV / Redmi TV
NVIDIA Shield
Philips with Android TV
Another brand
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1. Removal through the built-in file manager

The most obvious way is to use the standard application "Files" (Files) or "Explorer" (File Manager), which is preinstalled on most Android TV. However, there are pitfalls here: not all models support full access to the file system, and some manufacturers (for example, LG in their hybrid TVs) limit the functionality of the manager.

To delete a video:

  1. Open the application "Files"** (the icon is usually blue or green with a folder image).
  2. Go to the section Local storage or Internal memory.
  3. Find video folder. Most often this is:
    • 📁 Movies — for movies downloaded via a browser;
    • 📁 Download — if the video was downloaded via Google Chrome;
    • 📁 DCIM or Pictures — for screen recordings or screencasts;
    • 📁 Android/data/com.your_application — for videos from specific apps (for example Kodi or VLC).
  • Select the file(s) and click Delete (the button is usually indicated by a trash can).

    • If the folder Android/data is not in the list, it means that your Android TV hides system directories. In this case, go to method with ADB.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some TVs (for example, Sony Bravia 2020-2022) the built-in file manager does not show files larger than 4 GB. If the video is heavier, use third-party applications like FX File Explorer.

    ☑️ What to check before deleting

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    Done: 0 / 4

    2. Deleting via Google Photos or other cloud services

    If the video was uploaded to Google Photos, Dropbox or OneDrive, deleting it through the file manager may not work. The file will remain in the cloud and will be downloaded to the device again the next time you connect to the Internet. To get rid of it forever:

    For Google Photos:

    1. Open the application Google Photos on your TV.
    2. Find the video in the library (section Photo or Video).
    3. Select the file and click ⋮ → Delete from device (this will delete only the local copy) or Delete from Google Photos (will also delete from the cloud).
    4. If the video is in data-i="107">— clear it manually (section Trash - clean it manually (section Trash → Empty Trash).

      5. For other clouds (Dropbox, OneDrive):

      • 🔄 Open the web version of the service on your PC or smartphone.
      • 🗑️ Find the video and delete it from there (this may not be available on the TV).
      • 📱 On the TV, go to the cloud application settings and click Synchronize or Update.
      ⚠️ Attention: If the video was automatically downloaded in Google Photos (for example, through the function Backup), deleting it from the TV will not stop it from being re-uploaded. Turn off backup for the video folder in the application settings.
      How to disable auto-upload in Google Photos

      Go to Settings → Backup and synchronization and disable the option for the folder Movies or Download.

      3. Using third-party file managers

      Standard applications for working with files on Android TV often trimmed down. If you do not see the necessary folders or cannot delete the video, install one of these managers:

      • 📂 FX File Explorer - supports root access (if it is unlocked) and shows hidden files.
      • 🔍 Solid Explorer - convenient two-panel interface, works with clouds.
      • 🗃️ X-plore File Manager - shows APKfiles and application cache.

    How to delete a video via FX File Explorer:

    1. Install the application from Google Play.
    2. Launch it and provide access to the storage.
    3. Go to /storage/emulated/0/ (internal memory) or /storage/USB_OTG/ (external storage).
    4. Find the video and delete it (hold the button OK on the remote to highlight).

    If the file is not deleted, check:

    • 🔒 Does it have the attribute Read only (in the file properties).
    • 🛡️ Is it being used by another application (for example, VLC can block files during playback).
    • 📛 Is it located on a protected section (for example, /system).
    💡

    If the video is not deleted due to “busy”, restart the TV and try again. Sometimes it helps to disable the application that uses the file (for example, Kodi or MX Player).

    4. Clearing the cache and application data

    Sometimes the video “disappears” from the gallery, but continues to take up space. This happens when the file is stored in application cache (for example, YouTube, Netflix or Kodi download a video for offline viewing). To clear the cache:

    Method 1: Through Android TV settings

    1. Go to Settings → Applications.
    2. Select the application that may have saved the video (for example, Google Play Movies or VLC).
    3. Click Storage → Clear cache and Clear data.

    Method 2: For Kodi and the like media players

    • 📂 Open the file manager and go to /Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata/Database/.
    • 🗑️ Delete files with the extension .db (these are databases with information about media files).
    • 🔄 Reboot Kodi — the application will rebuild the library without “ghost” videos.

    If you use YouTube or Netflix in offline mode:

    • 🎬 Open the application and go to the section Library → Downloads.
    • 🗑️ Delete the video from there - this will clear the cache.
    Application Path to cache How to clear
    YouTube /Android/data/com.google.android.youtube/cache/ Through application settings or file manager
    Netflix /Android/data/com.netflix.ninja/cache/ In the application: Menu → Settings → Delete downloads
    Kodi /Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/ Delete folder Thumbnail (thumbnails) and files .db
    VLC /Android/data/org.videolan.vlc/files/ Clearing the cache in the application settings
    💡

    Clearing the cache does not delete downloaded videos from applications like Netflix or YouTube. To do this, you need to use their built-in download management features.

    5. Removal via ADB (for experienced users)

    If the video is stored in system folder or is not visible through file managers, it will help ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method requires connecting the TV to the PC and turning on USB debugging.

    What you will need:

    • 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
    • 🔌 Cable USB-A → USB-C (or Micro-USB, depending on the TV model).
    • 🔧 Enabled USB debugging on the TV (see instructions below).

    Steps:

    1. Enable USB debugging on Android TV:
      • Go to Settings → About TV → Build number.
      • Click on Build number 7 times until the message appears You have become a developer!.
      • Go back to Settings → For developers and enable Debugging by USB.
  • Connect the TV to the PC and open Command Line (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux).
  • Enter the commands: 
    adb devices

    (the name of your TV should appear)

    adb shell

    (go to the Android shell)

    su

    (if you have root access)

    find /storage -name ".mp4" -o -name ".mkv"

    (search for all video files)

    rm -f /path/to/video/filename.mp4

    (deleting a specific file)

    • ⚠️ Warning: Commands rm and su can permanently damage the systemif used incorrectly. Do not delete files from the /system or /vendor folders - this will cause the TV to crash.

    If you do not have root access, try deleting the file via ADB without superuser rights:

    adb shell rm /sdcard/Download/your_video.mp4
    What to do if ADB does not see the TV?

    1. Check the cable (it is better to use the original one from the TV manufacturer).

    2. In the developer settings, enable USB Debugging (Safe Mode).

    3. On your PC, update the drivers for Android ADB Interface via Device Manager.

    6. Resetting the TV to factory settings (extreme case)

    If the video is not deleted in any way (for example, due to a file system failure or a virus), the last option remains - full reset. This will delete all dataincluding installed applications, accounts and settings.

    How to reset Android TV:

    1. Go to Settings → Storage and reset → Data reset (on some models: Settings → Support → Reset).
    2. Select Delete everything or Reset to factory settings.
    3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code).
    4. Wait reboot (will take 5-15 minutes).

      5. After the reset:

      • 🔄 The TV will return to its out-of-the-box state.
      • 📥 You will have to re-configure Wi-Fi, log into your Google account and install applications.
      • 🗑️ All videos, including those that were not deleted, will be erased.
    ⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony Bravia and Philips resetting may block some functions (for example, data-i="276">), if they were activated through the manufacturer's account. Before resetting, check whether your account is linked to the device. Google Assistant or Chromecast), if they were activated through the manufacturer's account. Before resetting, check whether your account is linked to the device.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting videos from Android TV

    ❓ Why is the video deleted, but appears again after a reboot?

    Most likely, the file is synchronized with the cloud (Google Photos, Dropbox) or restored from a backup. Disable auto-upload in the cloud service settings or check the folder /Android/data/com.google.android.apps.photos/ for cached copies.

    ❓ How to delete a video that is not visible in file managers?

    Such files may be stored in the application cache or system folders. Try:

    1. Clear the cache of all media applications (Kodi, VLC, Gallery).
    2. Use ADB to search by extensions (find / -name "*.mp4").
    3. Check the folder /data/media/0/ —sometimes files are duplicated there.
    ❓ Is it possible to recover a deleted video?

    If the file was deleted without emptying the recycle bin (for example, in Google Photos), it can be restored within 30-60 days. For local files, try apps like DiskDigger (requires root). The chances are low - Android TV often overwrites deleted data.

    ❓ Why can’t I delete videos from an external hard drive?

    Possible reasons:

    • 🔒 The disk is formatted in NTFS — Android TV supports read only for this format. Reformat in FAT32 or exFAT.
    • 🛡️ The file is write protected (check the attributes on your PC).
    • 🔌 The power of the USB port is not enough for stable operation of the disk (connect through a hub with power).
    ❓ How to prevent applications from saving video to the TV memory?

    Open the settings of a specific application (for example, YouTube or Browser) and:

    • Disable Automatic downloading or Video caching.
    • Limit access to storage in Settings → Applications → Permissions.
    • For the browser (Chrome), set Ask where to save files.