The store's download size is only the starting number. A game may fetch more assets after launch and keep data from later updates, so check the storage screen on your own phone before deciding what to delete.
Growth can be normal. Check the device's storage screen and the game's own download settings before deciding what to remove.
The store size is a floor, not a total
Some Android games use install-time, fast-follow or on-demand asset packs; the latter two can add data after installation. Other games package more up front. Google documents these delivery modes, so the store download figure should not be treated as a universal final size.
The number you see in a store may therefore differ from the space the app uses after playing and updating. Inspect the current app-storage figure on your own device.
What the space is actually made of
Possible contributors; their sizes vary by game
- Textures and models
- Detailed art can take substantial space. The amount and number of quality tiers depend on the game.
- Audio and voice
- Voice and language packs can add space. Remove optional packs only through the game's own settings when available.
- Cached downloads
- Temporary files can be re-created. An in-game cache tool may remove some of them, but check the game's description of what it clears.
- Update leftovers
- Updates may temporarily need extra space while new content is downloaded or installed.
- Your save data
- Progress and settings may be stored locally, online or both. Their size is not the main question: losing them can be costly.
What is safe to clear
Use the game's own storage settings first
If the game offers controls for optional voice packs or downloaded content, use its own instructions to remove them.
Then clear cache, if your platform offers it
On Android, Google's Clear cache action removes temporary data and may slow the next launch. Clear storage is different: Google says it permanently deletes all app data. Read the button label before tapping.
Offload rather than delete, where supported
On iPhone, Offload App removes the app while keeping its documents and data. Apple distinguishes it from Delete App, which removes both. Still confirm how that particular game restores progress.
Only then consider uninstalling
And before you do, read the next section.
Things that do not help as much as people think
- Third-party cleaner apps. Start with the storage controls built into your phone and the game; a cleaner cannot tell you whether a guest save is backed up.
- Deleting photos to make room for a game. This may free space, but first check whether the game has optional downloads you can remove.
- Restarting the phone. Frees memory, not storage. Different problem.
- A memory card. Whether a game can use removable storage depends on the device and the app; check before buying one for this purpose.
If you are chronically short
If the storage screen shows several large games, compare their actual device usage and remove optional downloads first. You may need to rotate games in and out if the remaining space still falls short.
Rotating is less painful than it sounds, provided every account is properly linked. Which brings it back to the same check: do that before you need it, not after.
How we worked this out
Based on current Android asset-delivery and storage guidance plus Apple's iPhone storage guidance. Delivery methods and storage controls vary by game and device; no specific game's install size is quoted.
Sources
- Reduce game size (opens in a new tab) — Android Developers (accessed )
- Clear up space (opens in a new tab) — Android Help (accessed )
- How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad (opens in a new tab) — Apple Support (accessed )
Corrections and updates
Updates
- — Updated the cover with a sourced photograph and recorded its creator and licence.
- — Replaced universal size and cache claims with platform-specific storage guidance and primary sources.
