The application Google Play Movies (now part Google TV) automatically saves watched and downloaded videos on the device, taking up precious memory space. Even after viewing, files may remain in hidden folders, and purchases may remain linked to your account. If you want free up memory, delete viewing history or unlink movies from your profile Google —this instruction will help you do it without a trace.

The problem is that standard deletion through the app interface often does not work correctly: movies disappear from the library, but continue to take up space in /Android/data/com.google.android.videos or /storage/emulated/0/Download. We'll cover 5 proven methods from basic cleaning to manual deletion of system files (including hidden ones). We'll also learn how to permanently delete purchases from your Google account if you no longer plan to use them.

1. Standard removal via the Google Play Movies application

The easiest method is to use the application’s built-in tools. It fits if the film was downloaded for offline viewing or added to the library, but not yet purchased. Important: this method does not delete files from the cache does not clear the browsing history in your Google account.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open application Google Play Movies (or Google TV on new devices).
  • 🔍 Go to the section Library → Movies.
  • 🗑️ Find the movie you want, click on the three dots (⋮) next to it and select Delete download (if the movie has been downloaded) or Remove from library (if added to favorites).
  • 🔄 For purchased movies, click Archive —this hides them from the main list, but does not delete them forever.

Disable mobile data (so as not to waste traffic on synchronization)

Close all background applications (especially Google Play Services)

Check the free space on the device (minimum 500 MB for stable operation)

Make a backup copy of important data (if you plan to reset the cache)-->

If after these steps the movie still takes up space, proceed to the next method - clearing the cache and application dataPlease note: archived movies can be restored within 30 days via the web version Google Play.

💡

On devices Samsung s shell One UI the path to the movie library may be different: Menu → My movies → Downloads. If there is no section, update the application to the latest version.

2. Clearing the cache and application data

When movies are deleted through the interface, but memory is not freed, the culprit is application cache or temporary files. They cannot be seen through a standard Explorer, but they occupy from 100 MB to several gigabytes. Clearing the cache is safe - it does not delete your account or purchases, but it will reset application settings (for example, video streaming quality).

How to clear:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Find Google Play Movies (or Google TV) and tap on it.
  3. Go to Memory → Clear cache.
  4. For a complete reset, click Clear data (this will delete all downloads and settings).
Action What is being deleted Consequences
Clearing the cache Temporary files, thumbnails, video buffer The application will take longer to load when first launched
Clearing data All downloads, browsing history, quality settings You will have to log in to your account again and configure the settings
Removing updates Return to the factory version of the application Some functions may disappear (for example, downloading in 4K)

On devices s Android 12+ after clearing the data may be required rebootas the system automatically restores some files. If the memory is not free, check the folder /Android/data/com.google.android.videos/files through the file manager (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Manager).

What to do if the "Clear data" button is inactive?

This means that the application is a system application and its data is protected. Solutions:

1. Disable the application in the settings (button Disable), then turn it back on - this will reset some of the data.

2. Use ADB-command:

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.videos

3. On some firmware (for example MIUI) root access is required for complete cleaning.

3. Manually deleting movie files through a file manager

If the previous methods did not work, you will have to delete the files manually. Movies from Google Play are stored in hidden folders that are not displayed in the standard Explorer. You will need a file manager with support root access (for example, Root Explorer) or at least with the ability to show hidden files (ES Explorer, Total Commander).

Where to look:

  • 📁 Main folder: /Android/data/com.google.android.videos/files/Downloads (here are downloaded movies in format .mp4 or .mkv).
  • 📁 Thumbnail cache: /Android/data/com.google.android.videos/cache.
  • 📁 Temporary files: /storage/emulated/0/Android/obb/com.google.android.videos (sometimes fragments of downloads remain here).
  • 📁 For Samsung DeX: /Android/data/com.sec.android.app.sbrowser/files (if the films were downloaded via a browser).

Action algorithm:

  1. Open the file manager and enable the display of hidden folders (in settings).
  2. Go to one of the paths above.
  3. Select all files with extensions .mp4, .mkv, .tmp and delete them.
  4. Empty the trash (if the manager supports it).
💡

Do not delete folder com.google.android.videos entirely - this may disrupt the operation of the application. Delete only the files inside it.

On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI) access to these folders is blocked even through third-party managers. In this case, it will help resetting access rights:

adb shell pm grant com.estrongs.android.pop APP_OPS_SERVICE

adb shell pm grant com.estrongs.android.pop MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE

These commands will give ES Explorer full access to the file system (requires ADB and debugging via USB).

4. Deleting viewing and purchasing history from your Google account

If you want completely erase traces watched or purchased movies, it is not enough to delete them from the device - the information is stored in your Google account. This is important if, for example, you're selling a phone or don't want recommendations based on old views. Please note: deleting purchases is irreversible —it will be impossible to restore the film after this.

How to delete history and purchases:

  • 🌐 Go to website Google Play Movies (via a browser on a PC or phone).
  • 🔍 In the section Library find a movie, click on the three dots (⋮) and select:
    • 🗑️ Remove from viewing history —hides the movie from recommendations.
    • 🚫 Archive purchase —removes it from the library, but saves it in your account.
    • ❌ Delete the purchase forever — completely erases the movie from your account (not available for all regions).
  • 🔄 For mass deletion, use Settings → Browsing history → Clear all history.

Not enough memory on my phone|I want to hide my browsing history|No more purchases needed|Other-->

Important: in some countries (for example, the EU) there are laws about Right to be forgottenthat allow you to request data deletion from Google. If the option Delete the purchase permanently is not available, please send a request via Support form. In your response, please indicate that the film was purchased in error or violates your rights.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting purchases from your Google account will revoke access to the film on all devicesincluding Smart TV, Chromecast other gadgets linked to this profile. If the film was gifted, it also cannot be transferred to another user.

5. Resetting application settings via ADB (for experienced users)

If standard methods did not help, and manual deletion of files did not produce results, the only option left is reset via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting your phone to a PC and basic knowledge of the command line, but is guaranteed to clear all traces of the application, including system settings.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times.
  2. Activate USB debugging in the section For developers.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB drivers (for example, via Minimal ADB and Fastboot).
  4. Enter in the command line:
adb devices

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.videos


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.videos

The last command completely removes application (but not system updates). To return it, find Google Play Movies in Play Store and install again. This method also helps if the application is stuck or not updating.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10+ command pm uninstall may not work for system applications. In this case, use:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.videos

This will disable the application, but will not delete its files.

6. Alternative methods: unlinking the account and resetting the phone

If none of the methods worked, radical measures remain: Unlinking a Google account or Full reset. Use these methods only as a last resort, as they affect all data on the device.

Unlinking a Google account:

  • 🔗 Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
  • 👤 Select your profile and click Delete account.
  • 🔄 Confirm the action. This will delete all data associated with the account, including movies, music and contacts.

Reset your phone to factory settings:

  • ⚙️ Open Settings → System → Factory reset.
  • 🗑️ Select Delete all data (on some devices - Erase everything).
  • 🔐 Enter your PIN or pattern to confirm.

After the reset, the phone will be “clean”, as it was after purchase. All movies, cache and settings Google Play will be deleted. Before doing this, be sure to back up your important data via Google Drive or locally on your PC.

💡

On devices Xiaomi c MIUI before resetting, disable MI account protection in the security settings, otherwise after rebooting the phone will require you to enter the old password.

Common errors and how to do them avoid

When deleting movies from Google Play users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

Problem Cause Solution
The movie was deleted, but the memory was not freed The files remained in the cache or hidden folders Use a file manager with root access or clear data via ADB
You cannot permanently delete a purchase Google restrictions for your region Archive the movie or contact support with a deletion request
The application freezes when uninstalling Damaged files or conflict with other Google services Clear the cache Google Play Services and restart the phone
After the reset, the movies appear again Automatic synchronization with your Google account Disable synchronization Google Play Movies in your account settings

Another common mistake is deleting the wrong files. For example, users confuse the folder com.google.android.videos with com.google.android.gallery3d (gallery) and erase personal photos. Always check file extensions before deleting!

Is it possible to delete a movie from Google Play if it was gifted?

No, you cannot delete a gifted movie - this option is only available for purchases made in person. However, you can archive it to hide it from the library. If the movie was gifted in error, contact Google support and provide a receipt (if you have one).

Why does it appear in recommendations again after deleting a movie?

This happens because sync your browsing history between devices. To completely remove a movie from recommendations:

  1. Remove it from the history on the website Google Play Movies.
  2. Clear the application cache Google Play Services.
  3. Disable personalization of recommendations in your Google account settings.
How to delete movies downloaded via Google Play, but not displayed in the library?

Most likely, the files are in a hidden folder. Try:

  • Use a file manager with root access (for example, Root Explorer).
  • Search using keywords: enter manager in the search .mp4 or .mkv.
  • Check the folder /Android/obb/ - sometimes movies are saved there in encrypted form.

If nothing is found, the files could be deleted automatically due to lack of memory (setting Auto cleanup in Google Play Movies).

Will there be a movie available on other devices after deleting from the phone?

Yes, if you just deleted the download or archived the movie. Purchases are linked to your Google account, so you can:

  • 📺 Watch on Smart TV with the same account.
  • 🖥️ Download on another phone or tablet.
  • 🌐 View via the web version Google Play Movies.

Exception: if you deleting the purchase forever (where available), the film will disappear from all devices.

Can I return a deleted movie if I change my mind?

It depends on the deletion method:

  • 🗑️ Remote download: you can download it again from the library (if the movie is purchased or rented).
  • 📁 Cleared cache: movies are not restored, but they can be downloaded again.
  • ❌ Remote purchase: cannot be restored (except when Google complies with a support request).

If the movie was deleted within the last 30 days, check Trash on the website Google Play - sometimes files are saved there.