To delete files on an Amazon Fire tablet, you need to use one of the tablet's built-in methods because Fire OS does not include a standard Android "File Manager" app. The three main ways to delete files and free up space are through the Storage settings, the Files or Docs app, and directly from your content libraries like Kindle or Video. If you accidentally remove something important, you can find deleted photos on Amazon Fire tablet using the cloud backup tools.
How to delete files on Amazon Fire tablet: The real way it works
Amazon Fire tablets run a customized version of Android called Fire OS, which does not come with a pre-installed app explicitly called "File Manager." Instead, you manage your files through dedicated content libraries for Amazon purchases, a basic "Files" or "Docs" app for general downloads, and the device's Storage settings. Understanding these three paths is the key to managing Fire Tablet storage effectively.
Before you delete: Understanding Fire tablet storage
Before you start removing files, it is important to know what happens when you delete content from your Fire tablet. Digital content you purchased from Amazon, like books, videos, and music, is automatically saved to your Amazon Cloud account. Deleting a book or video from your device does not remove it from your account; you can re-download it later at no extra cost. However, essential system programs and folders required for the Fire tablet's operation cannot be modified or removed by the user.
Method 1: Delete files through Settings
The primary method for deleting files and freeing up space is through the device's Settings menu. This is where you can see a breakdown of what is using your storage and remove items by category.
- Open the Settings app on your Fire tablet.
- Navigate to Device Options, then tap Storage (or simply go to Settings > Storage).
- You will see a list of content categories, such as Apps & Games, Videos, Books, and Audio.
- Tap on a category to view the individual file names and sizes stored on your device.
- Select the specific items you want to remove, then tap the Remove button to delete them from the device.
Some Fire tablets also feature a 1-Tap Archive option within this Storage menu. This tool automatically identifies and removes recently unused items from the device, while keeping them accessible in your Amazon Cloud for future re-download.
Method 2: Delete downloaded books and videos from their libraries
If you want to remove a specific book or video you downloaded, the quickest way is to do it directly from the content library where you access it.
Delete downloaded books
- Open the Kindle app or your Books library.
- Tap the Downloaded tab to see only the books stored on your device.
- Long-press the cover of the book you want to remove.
- Tap Remove from Device or Remove Download.
Delete downloaded videos
- Open the Prime Video app or your Video library.
- Navigate to the Downloaded section.
- Long-press the video or tap the menu icon next to it.
- Select Remove from Device or Delete Download.
Remember, because your purchased content is saved in the Amazon Cloud, removing it from your device does not permanently delete it from your account. You can always re-download it later.
Method 3: Delete general downloads with the Files app
For files that are not Amazon content, such as PDFs, images, browser downloads, or email attachments, you will use the built-in Files or Docs app on your Fire tablet.
- Open the Files or Docs app from your home screen or app drawer. The app icon typically looks like a folder.
- Navigate to the Downloads folder, or browse to the folder where your file is saved.
- Long-press the file you want to delete. You can also select multiple files by tapping each one after the first long-press.
- Tap the Trash icon or the Remove option that appears at the top or bottom of the screen.
- Confirm the deletion if prompted.
If you need more comprehensive file management capabilities, like browsing internal storage and SD cards in a traditional folder view, you can install a third-party file manager app from the Amazon Appstore. Popular options include AnExplorer, ES File Explorer, File Commander, or Total Commander.
How to delete files from a child profile
If your Fire tablet has a child profile set up through Amazon Kids, you can delete downloaded content from that profile directly.
- From the parent profile, switch to the child's profile.
- Tap the content library you want to manage, such as Books or Videos.
- Press and hold the downloaded item you want to remove.
- Tap Remove from Device.
This process works the same way as deleting content from your own profile, ensuring that files are removed from the device while remaining available in the Amazon Cloud for the child's account.
Extra tips for freeing up space
Beyond deleting files, there are two additional ways to reclaim storage on your Fire tablet without permanently removing your important data.
Clear app cache vs. clear data
Clearing an app's cache removes temporary files, such as thumbnails and downloaded web pages, and can free up space without affecting your app settings or login information. In contrast, "Clear Data" resets the app to its initial state, which removes downloaded settings and will sign you out of the app. For routine space-saving, clearing the cache is the safer and more useful option. You can find these options under Settings > Apps & Games, then tap the specific app.
Move content to an SD card
If your Fire tablet has a microSD card installed, you can move supported content to the SD card as an alternative to deleting it. Go to Settings > Storage > SD Card to set the SD card as the default download location for new content, or to move existing content. Note that not all apps or content types can be moved to the SD card.
