Smart TVs secretly run out of storage — here’s how to free it up
Most smart TVs ship with just 8GB of storage, and the operating system eats a big chunk of it. Pre-installed apps and cached data fill the rest, but there are ways to reclaim space or bypass the limit entirely.
Smart TVs are everywhere. By 2026, more than half of all households are expected to own one, according to Engadget. They offer built-in streaming, voice assistants, and automatic updates — but these conveniences come with a hidden constraint: surprisingly little storage.
The storage squeeze
Most new smart TVs come with approximately 8GB of internal storage. The operating system alone consumes a large share of that. On Samsung TVs, for example, system files can take up to 20% of the total space. That leaves less room for the apps and data you actually use.
What fills the remaining space?
Pre-installed apps — often called bloatware — are a major culprit. Most TVs arrive with popular streaming services like YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video already loaded. Then there are the apps you install yourself, which stack on top of the pre-loaded ones.
Cache and temporary data also accumulate quietly. Apps store small pieces of data to speed up performance. Netflix, for instance, keeps thumbnails of shows you've recently viewed so it doesn't have to fetch them again. Over time, this cache grows, especially if you switch between many apps.
Freeing up space
The first step is to clear app caches and temporary data. On most smart TVs, this is done through the settings menu, though the exact process varies by model. Clearing the cache is safe and won't uninstall anything. But it's not a permanent solution — the data will rebuild as you continue using apps.
For a more lasting fix, uninstall apps you haven't touched in months. Start with the ones you never open. However, removing pre-installed bloatware isn't always allowed by the manufacturer. Some TVs restrict uninstallation, so you might have to check your manual or rely on workarounds that are better avoided.
The external device alternative
If the ongoing storage struggle isn't worth your time, an external streaming device — such as a Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Google TV Streamer — can sidestep the issue entirely. These devices come with their own storage, operating system, and app store. Just plug one into your TV, set it up, and download your favorite apps. The smart TV's limited internal space becomes irrelevant.
This shift toward external devices also affects the wider tech market. TV manufacturers face pressure to offer more storage or lighter operating systems, while streaming device makers benefit from users looking to bypass their TV's built-in limitations. For now, the most practical answer for many people is to clean up what's already there — or simply add a dedicated streaming stick.