Where Does Kiwix Store ZIM Files and Library?
Kiwix ZIM content files, library index and bookmarks per platform.
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Kiwix reads offline ZIM archives (Wikipedia,Stack Exchange, Gutenberg and more) from wherever you put them, tracking the collection in library.xml plus bookmarks beside it. Content files are portable by design; the library index is per install.
Desktop builds let ZIMs live anywhere with a custom location, while the Play Store Android build only scans its reserved app directories. Move ZIMs out of app private folders before uninstalling or the OS deletes gigabytes with the app.
Where Kiwix stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\kiwix-desktop (library and default ZIM folder)
library.xml, bookmarks and downloaded ZIMs share the data root; settings in %LOCALAPPDATA%\kiwix-desktop. Portable mode keeps everything next to the exe. Copy ZIMs anywhere and re-add to the library.
~/.local/share/Kiwix (library, ZIMs and bookmarks)
Settings under ~/.config/kiwix-desktop (Flatpak under ~/.var). Point the library at existing ZIM archives on external drives to save duplicating tens of gigabytes.
Android/media/org.kiwix.kiwixmobile (public ZIM folder, file manager visible)
Play Store builds only scan reserved app directories; full builds open ZIMs anywhere via picker. Export bookmarks from settings before moving. Never leave sole copies in private app data.
Frequently asked questions
where should I keep Kiwix ZIM files on Android
In Android/media/org.kiwix.kiwixmobile on internal or SD storage, which survives uninstalls and shows in file managers. Private app data folders get wiped with the app, taking multi gigabyte ZIMs along.
how do I back up my Kiwix library
Copy the ZIM files themselves plus library.xml and bookmarks from the data root. On a new machine drop the ZIMs in place and let Kiwix rescan; bookmarks import from the export.
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