How to delete cache on your Android phone

Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

CacheAndroidData ManagementPerformanceSmartphoneDevice ManagementStorageOptimizationTroubleshootingMobile OS

Clearing the cache on your Android phone can make your phone work more smoothly and get back some storage space. Cached data are temporary files that are created by apps, games, and websites for faster performance. Over time, this data can accumulate and slow down your device. This article will walk you through the process of clearing the cache at both the app level and the system level. Let's get started.

Understanding cache

Cache is a set of temporarily stored data that helps apps, games, and websites load faster. For example, when you open an app, it temporarily stores some data in the cache to load faster the next time. However, if too much data is stored, it can slow down your phone.

Why clear the cache?

• Free up storage space: Cached data can take up a lot of storage over time. Deleting it can free up space.
• Improve performance: Clearing the cache can make your phone run more smoothly.
• Fix app problems: If an app isn't working properly, clearing its cache often solves the problem.
• Improve privacy: Clearing the browser cache can remove saved web data and cookies, improving your online privacy.

How to clear the cache of individual apps

Sometimes, you only need to clear the cache for specific apps that aren’t working or taking up a lot of storage.

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Scroll down and select Apps & notifications.
3. Tap See all apps to see a list of all the apps installed on your phone.
4. Select the app you want to clear the cache for. Let's take Example App as a placeholder.
5. Tap Storage & cache.
6. Click Clear cache.

Now you have successfully cleared the cache of that specific app.

How to clear the system cache

Clearing the system cache is a bit different as it involves clearing the cache partition. This is useful when your phone is running slow or you are experiencing unusual bugs.

1. Turn off your Android phone.
2. Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously until the phone logo appears.
3. When the logo appears, release all buttons. This will take you to the recovery mode.
4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe Cache Partition and use the Power button to select it.
5. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
6. Wait for the process to complete, then select Reboot System Now.

Your phone will restart, and the system cache will now be cleared.

How to clear browser cache

Clearing the browser cache improves browser performance and privacy protection. Here's how to do it for a common browser:

Google Chrome

1. Open the Chrome app on your Android phone.
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down and tap Privacy.
4. Select Clear browsing data.
5. Check the box for Cached images and files.
6. Tap Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the Firefox app on your Android phone.
2. Tap the three-line menu icon in the bottom right corner and select Settings.
3. Under Privacy, tap Clear cache.
4. Confirm by tapping Clear.

Using third-party apps to clear the cache

There are many third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that can help you clear large amounts of cache. Some of the popular options are as follows:

• CCleaner: A well-known cleaning app that can clear cache, residual files and free up storage.
• Files by Google: A Google app that helps with file management and can clear cache and junk files.
• SD Maid: A powerful tool for maintenance that can clean cache, system and app files.

You can use the Files by Google app to clear the cache as follows:

1. Download and install Files by Google from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and grant the required permissions.
3. Tap Clean at the bottom.
4. Under Junk Files, tap Confirm and Free Up.

The app will then clear cached data and junk files from your device.

Frequently asked questions

Will clearing the cache delete my data?

No, clearing the cache does not delete your app or personal data. It only removes temporary files. Your app settings, saved data, and preferences remain intact. However, some apps may take a little longer to load the next time you open them because they need to rebuild the cache.

How often should I clear the cache?

It's generally a good idea to clear the cache every few months or when you notice your phone starting to slow down. There's no hard and fast rule, and it often depends on your usage and performance needs.

Is it safe to clear the system cache?

Yes, clearing the system cache is generally safe. It helps improve performance and resolve minor glitches. However, if you are uncomfortable using recovery mode to clear the cache partition, you can seek help from customer support or a professional.

Conclusion

Clearing the cache on your Android phone is a useful practice for maintaining optimal performance, freeing up storage, and resolving minor issues. Whether you're clearing the cache for individual apps, the entire system, or just your browser, following the steps in this guide will make the process simple and stress-free. Remember to only use trusted third-party apps for clearing cache and maintenance tasks. Clearing the cache regularly can make the smartphone experience better and more efficient.

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