How to clear cache on Android

Nowadays, most Android devices come with at least 128 GB of internal storage.

However, over time, even the most advanced smartphones can become slow due to the accumulation of all kinds of files.

You’ve probably already freed up storage space on Android by deleting every app you don’t use, installing a Micro SD card (if you have a dual-SIM phone), emptying your Downloads folder, or deleting unnecessary photos and videos. to delete.

So, what else can you do without factory resetting your phone or buying a new Android handset?

It turns out that the solution to this problem may be much simpler than you think. Clearing the cache on your Android phone is a simple yet effective way to free up space and possibly improve performance.

What are cache files?

First, it’s important to understand what cache actually is. Simply put, cache refers to temporary files and data stored by apps and the Android system to speed up performance.

While cache files can improve the speed and efficiency of certain tasks, they can also accumulate over time and take up valuable space on your device.

How to clear cache on Android phone

Below are the steps that should apply to most Android phones running Android 14.

Although the process should look the same, keep in mind that the names and placement of the features and sections may vary depending on the brand and system version of your phone. With that in mind, we’ve included separate methods for Samsung and Google phones below.

1.

Identify the app with cached data

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

To do this, navigate to your device’s Settings menu and select ‘Apps’ or ‘Applications’.

Here you will see a list of all the apps installed on your device, along with the amount of storage space they use.

Tap individual apps to view detailed information, including the amount of cached data each app has stored.

2.

Go to the app’s storage settings

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

To do this, simply select the app from the list in the Settings menu and tap the ‘Storage’ option, ‘Storage & Cache’ or a similar option.

3.

Clear cached data

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

From here you will see an option to ‘Clear cache’. Tap this option to delete the cached data associated with the app.

Please note that clearing an app’s cache will not delete any personal data or settings within the app itself.

How to clear cache on Samsung phone

Samsung’s Galaxy phones run the Android operating system, but have its own user interface called One UI. Clearing the cache on a Samsung phone is easy:

1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung phone. You can usually find it in the app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping the gear icon
2. Look for the ‘Device Maintenance’ option in the Settings menu. On some Samsung devices, this may be labeled “Device Maintenance.”
3. In this section, tap the ‘Storage’ option. Here you will see an overview of your device’s storage usage
4. Tap the ‘Clean Now’ or ‘Optimize Now’ button to start a cleanup process. This will clear the cache and other unnecessary files from your device, improving its performance
5. If you want to clear the cache for specific apps, you can do so by going to Settings > Apps > App name > Storage > Clear cache

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

How to clear cache on Google phone

Google’s Pixel phones offer a standard Android experience, which means the cache clearing process is consistent across devices:

1. Open the Settings app on your Google Pixel phone.
2. Scroll down and select the ‘Storage’ option
3. You will see an option labeled “Cached data.” Tap it to continue
4. A confirmation dialog box will appear asking if you want to clear the cached data. Confirm by tapping ‘OK’
5. If you prefer to clear the cache for specific apps, you can do so by going to Settings > Apps > App name > Storage > Clear cache

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Clearing the cache on your Android phone should be a regular part of your maintenance routine to keep your device running smoothly. Try clearing the cache every few weeks or whenever you notice a significant decrease in performance or available storage space.

If you prefer a more automated approach to clearing the cache, you can also consider using cache cleaning apps available on the Google Play Store. These apps are designed to scan your device for unnecessary cache files and other temporary data so you can delete them with one tap.