Apps installed manually using APK or XAPK files often leave behind extra data even after uninstalling. These leftover files especially OBB folders can take up a lot of storage and may cause problems if you reinstall the app later. This guide shows you how to remove everything quickly and completely.
Why APK / XAPK Apps Leave Files Behind
Apps installed outside the Google Play Store don’t always follow Android’s standard uninstall process. Because of that, some files are stored separately and are not removed automatically.
This usually includes OBB files (game data), additional folders in storage, and cached or temporary files. That’s why simply uninstalling the app is not enough.
Method 1: Manual Removal (Recommended)
This is the most reliable method and only takes a few minutes once you know where to look.
Step 1: Uninstall the App
Go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and tap Uninstall. This removes the main APK file, but not the extra data.
Step 2: Delete OBB Files
Open your file manager and go to:
Internal Storage > Android > obb
Look for a folder with the app’s package name (for example, com.game.name) and delete it. These files can be very large, so removing them will free up significant space.
Step 3: Delete App Data Folder
Next, navigate to:
Internal Storage → Android → data
Find the same package name and delete that folder. This removes saved data and additional resources linked to the app.
Step 4: Check Other Locations
Some apps store files outside the usual folders. Take a moment to check places like Download, Documents, or any folder named after the app. Delete anything related to complete the cleanup.
Method 2: Use a File Manager with Search
If you’re not sure where the files are stored, using the search function in your file manager is a faster option.
Open the file manager, search for the app name or package name, and delete all related results. This helps you find hidden or uncommon file locations.
Method 3: Remove via XAPK Installer Apps
If you originally installed the app using a third-party XAPK installer, you can remove it from there as well.
Open the installer, find the app in the installed list, and delete it. Some installer apps also remove temporary files and leftover packages automatically.
How to Verify Everything Is Removed
After deleting the files, it’s a good idea to double-check.
Look at your storage space before and after, search again for the app name, and confirm that no folders remain in the Android/obb and Android/data directories.