CapCut is a powerful and intuitive video editing app used by creators around the world. However, sometimes you might encounter bugs, lag, or features not working (like brightness settings being grayed out). When troubleshooting doesn’t help, a clean install — uninstalling and reinstalling the app — can often fix persistent problems. But here’s the catch: you don’t want to lose your unfinished projects in the process.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to clean-install CapCut safely while keeping your projects intact, whether you are using CapCut on mobile (iOS/Android) or PC.
What is a clean install?
A clean install means:
- Uninstalling the app completely.
- Removing any corrupt cached data.
- Reinstalling the latest version from scratch.
This can resolve issues like:
- Grayed out or missing features
- Crashes and freezes
- Sync problems or import errors
Step 1: Back up your projects
Before doing anything, ensure your projects are saved and backed up.
If you are signed in to CapCut:
CapCut automatically backs up your projects to the cloud if you are signed in with a TikTok, Apple, Google, or Facebook account.
To check:
- Open CapCut.
- Tap on your profile icon.
- Make sure you’re signed in.
- Check your “Cloud Projects” or “Drafts”.
Tip: You can also enable cloud sync to make sure your edits are stored online.
If you are not signed in:
You must manually back up your projects.
On PC:
- Open File Explorer.
- Go to this folder (for Windows):
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\CapCut\User Data - Copy the entire folder to a safe location (like a USB drive or cloud storage).
On Android:
- Use a file manager app.
- Navigate to:
Internal Storage > Android > data > com.lemon.lvoverseas - Back up the
filesorprojectsfolder.
On iOS:
CapCut on iOS keeps projects in the app’s internal storage. The safest bet is to:
- Export important drafts as full videos to your Camera Roll.
- Or, screen record the timeline if you want to recreate it later.
Step 2: Uninstall CapCut
Once your data is backed up:
- On iOS: Long-press the app > Tap Remove App > Delete App.
- On Android: Long-press > Uninstall.
- On PC: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps > CapCut > Uninstall.
If prompted, choose delete data/cache (Android only).
Step 3: Reinstall the app
Go to the official store:
Download and install the latest version.
Step 4: Restore your projects
If you used cloud sync:
- Open CapCut.
- Sign in with the same account.
- Your cloud drafts and previous projects should reappear.
If you manually backed up:
On PC:
- Close CapCut completely.
- Copy your backed-up folder back into:
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\CapCut\User Data - Launch CapCut, and your projects should show up again.
On Android:
- Use a file manager to paste your backed-up folder back into:
Android > data > com.lemon.lvoverseas > files
On Android 11 and above, file access might be restricted. You can use tools like X-plore File Manager or connect to a PC for full access.
Bonus Tips
- Export drafts as videos before uninstalling if you’re unsure about backup.
- Use CapCut’s cloud project feature regularly to avoid data loss.
- Keep a copy of key assets (photos, music, overlays) outside CapCut.
- If you’re on PC, consider using project export (JSON) if available.
Signs you might need a clean install
- App crashes frequently
- Export settings missing (like 4K option)
- Features not working (brightness, keyframes, transitions)
- UI feels sluggish even after clearing cache
CapCut Pro Users: Will You Lose Your Subscription?
No! Your CapCut Pro subscription is linked to your account (Apple ID, Google, or CapCut login). As long as you reinstall and log in with the same account, your subscription and features will be restored automatically.
What if you forgot to back up?
If you’ve already deleted CapCut without a backup:
- On PC: Try using recovery tools like Recuva to retrieve deleted folders.
- On Android: Check the Recycle Bin or Google Drive backups if enabled.
- On iOS: Unfortunately, deleted app data is not recoverable unless backed up to iCloud/iTunes beforehand.
CapCut Alternatives (just in case)
If reinstalling CapCut still doesn’t fix your issue, here are some excellent alternatives:
- VN Video Editor (easy UI, good for mobile)
- InShot (feature-rich, watermark-free on Pro)
- Adobe Premiere Rush (cross-platform and professional)
Frequently asked questions
Will reinstalling CapCut delete my Pro subscription?
No. Just make sure you sign in with the same account used for the original purchase.
Can I transfer CapCut projects between devices?
Yes, but only if you use CapCut Cloud Projects or export the project files manually (on PC).
How do I export a project as a backup?
Export it as a video file to your device.
On PC, check for any available project export or share feature.
📈 Final Thoughts
A clean install can breathe new life into CapCut when it’s not working properly—but only if you’re careful with your projects. By following the steps above, you can reset the app without losing your valuable edits.
Have you tried a clean install recently? Did it fix your issue? Let me know in the comments!
Watch a video guide below on how to install CapCut on your laptop:
