How to Clear App Cache on Android & Why you Should (Guide 2025)

How to Clear App Cache on Android? To improve app performance, clear the cache by going to Settings > Apps > Select App > Storage & cache > Clear cache. To reset the app completely, tap Clear storage instead. On Google Pixel, follow the same steps under See all apps, then restart your phone for better performance.

If your Android phone feels sluggish or takes longer to open apps, you might think about upgrading to one of the best Android phones for battery life. 

However, a simpler solution could be just what you need—clearing app caches. Over time, cached files and images accumulate as your phone does an incredible job managing resources, but too much unnecessary data can slow things down. 

By going into your settings or using third-party apps, you can quickly remove these stored files and give your device a fresh start.

Many computer systems use a cache to store temporary data, but when it builds up, it can cause issues like overheating or apps behaving strangely. 

If your phone isn’t performing well, clearing the system cache and browser cache can help troubleshoot common problems. If the problem persists, you might need to check for viruses or even ransomware. 

As the new year begins, it’s a great time to refresh not only your digital devices but also your personal life. Whether you use a tablet or a phone, small tweaks like freeing storage, speeding up processes, or simply restarting your device can significantly improve performance.

Clear App Cache on Android- The Short Answer

What is a Cache, and What Information Does it Store?

Every Android phone relies on cache memory to store temporary data, helping apps like browsers, games, and streaming apps run faster. 

This stored information includes thumbnails, video snippets, and search history, allowing apps to process content quickly and reduce load times. 

Whether you’re using YouTube, Spotify, or the gallery app, caching ensures frequently accessed content is readily available. 

However, while caching improves performance, over time, it can take a toll on your device’s storage, potentially slowing it down.

What’s the Difference Between Clearing App Caches and Clearing Data on Android

Many Android users think clearing cache and clearing data are the same, but they serve different purposes. When you use an app like Spotify, it saves information such as artists viewed, album art browsed, and search history as part of its cache. 

Clearing this removes temporary files, making space without affecting personal preferences. However, an application also stores user settings, databases, and login details as data. 

If you clear data, it erases both the cache and stored settings, making it feel like a clean slate, as if it were installed for the first time.

Why Should you Clear the App Cache?

Over time, cache files build up in an application, taking up storage and affecting performance. While clearing the cache can help free space, it also resolves issues when an app misbehaves due to corrupted files or buggy software. 

Sometimes, untested server-side changes or a new OS update on Android can cause unexpected problems. 

Additionally, poorly written or sandboxed apps might store sensitive user information, posing a security threat. In such cases, it makes sense to clear both the cache and data to restore smooth functionality.

How to Clear App Cache and Data

To clear app cache, go to Settings, select Apps, choose the app, and tap Storage & cache to remove temporary files. 

To clear data, follow the same steps but select Clear storage, which resets the app to its default state.

How to Clear App Cache and Data on a Google Pixel

1. Open Settings on your Google Pixel and tap Apps.
2. Select See all apps and choose the specific app you want to clear.
3. Tap Storage & cache to access the cache and data settings.
4. Press Clear cache to remove temporary files that might slow down your device.
5. If the app is misbehaving, tap Clear storage to reset it to its default state.
6. This will delete all data, including settings, login details, and saved files.
7. Restart your phone for better performance after clearing the cache.

How to Clear app Cache and Data on Samsung Galaxy phones

If your Samsung Galaxy phone is slowing down, clearing the app cache and data can help.

Cached files store temporary data to make apps run faster, but sometimes they cause issues. Removing them can free up storage and fix performance problems.

1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
2. Find the app name that you want to clear the cache for.
3. Tap Storage and then select Clear cache.
4. If the app is still not working properly, tap Clear data to remove saved settings.
5. This will reset the app, but it won’t delete your personal files.
6. Regularly clearing cached files can keep your device running smoothly.

How to Clear App Cache and Data on OnePlus Phones

If your OnePlus phone feels slow or an app is not working properly, clearing the app cache can help. 

Over time, cached data takes up space and might cause performance issues. Here’s a simple way to clear it:

1. Open Settings on your OnePlus device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps.
3. Select App management and find the app you want to fix.
4. Tap on the app and go to Storage usage.
5. Tap Clear cache to remove temporary files.
6. If needed, tap Clear data to reset the app completely.

Clearing the app cache does not delete personal data, but clearing app data will reset it to default settings. 

This method ensures your OnePlus device runs smoothly without unnecessary files slowing it down.

How to Clear Cache and Data on Xiaomi phones

Over time, app cache and data can take up space and slow down your Xiaomi phone. Clearing them helps free up storage and improve performance. Here’s how you can do it easily.

1. Open Settings on your Xiaomi phone and scroll down to find Apps.
2. Tap Manage apps and select the app name whose cache you want to remove.
3. Go to the Storage option, where you’ll see details about how much space the app cache and data are using.
4. Tap Clear cache to remove temporary files that might be causing performance issues.
5. If the app is still slow or not working correctly, tap Clear data to delete all stored information, including app settings.
6. Restart your Xiaomi phone to ensure the changes take effect and enjoy a smoother experience.

This method works on most Xiaomi models and helps keep your device running fast by removing unnecessary app cache and data.

Why not use a Third-Party App Cache Cleaner?

Using a cache cleaner may seem like a quick fix, but many third-party apps come with risks. These apps often claim to boost performance, but they might collect user data and send it to foreign servers. 

Some apps follow shady practices, demanding excessive permissions or displaying full-screen ads. They also run in the background, consuming system resources instead of actually helping to speed up your phone. 

If you need a reliable solution, consider SD Maid or Files by Google. SD Maid helps remove redundant files, clean duplicate documents, and even optimize the app database. 

Meanwhile, Files by Google works as a file manager, letting you free up space by detecting junk files, blurry photos, and large files.

There’s More Than One Way to Speed Up Your Phone

If your phone feels slow, clearing the cache is a quick fix, but there are other ways to speed up your device. 

Removing unnecessary apps, updating software, and managing storage can also help improve performance. Keeping your Android optimized ensures a smoother experience.

How to Clear Browser Cache on Android

1. I’ve dealt with browser issues where pages won’t load properly, and the fix is often clearing the cache. On Android, this process is simple. Open Chrome, tap the three dots, and select Settings.
2. Go to Privacy and security—it may not seem obvious, but that’s where you’ll find the option. Tap Clear browsing data, and you’ll see two choices: Basic and Advanced.
3. If you just want to remove stored images, files, cookies, and site data, the Basic option works fine. But for a deeper clean, Advanced lets you pick what to delete, like history or saved logins.
4. I always select cached images and files because they take up space and sometimes cause website issues. Once you’re ready, tap Clear data, and everything is gone.
5. This won’t remove app cache, though—that’s different from web cache. If you need to clear both, you’ll have to do it separately in your device settings.

How to Clear System Cache on Android

Clearing system cache isn’t as straightforward as app cache and takes more effort. There are a couple of ways to do this, so choose the one that makes the most sense for your device.

How to Clear System Cache Using Recovery Mode

1. Turn off your device completely.
2. Press Volume up + power button or Volume down + home + power button to enter Recovery Mode.
3. Use volume buttons to navigate since touch is disabled.
4. Select wipe cache partition using the power button.
5. If this option is missing, a factory reset is the only solution.
6. Choose a reboot system once the process is complete.
7. Your cache partition is now cleared!

What are Cookies, and Are They Related to Cache? 

Cookies and cache both store temporary data, but they serve different purposes. While cache saves images, videos, and other generic data to speed up web browsing, cookies store user-specific information like login status and settings. 

For example, when you visit Facebook, your timeline loads instantly because of cookies managing your session. 

However, tracking cookies can also monitor your activity for targeted advertisements, like when you see ads for something you recently searched.

Clearing cookies will log you out of websites, while deleting cache only removes stored files without affecting logins.

So, Why Clear Cache or Cookies? 

Clearing cache and cookies can fix app issues, improve performance, free up storage, and prevent tracking. Here’s why:

• Fix App Issues – If an app is not working properly after an update, clearing app cache can help.
• Free Up Storage – Cache files, especially from music or video streaming, can take up gigabytes of space.
• Improve Performance – A heavy cache can slow down your device instead of speeding it up.
• Fix Web Login Issues – If you can’t log in to a website, clearing cookies might resolve the login conflicts.
• Prevent Tracking & Protect Data – Cookies store user-specific information; clearing them can stop targeted ads and protect sensitive data.

Clear cache for Social Media (YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram)

Over time, social media apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram store cached data that can fill up storage. Clearing the cache helps free space and improve performance.

Steps to Clear Cache:

1. Open Settings, go to Apps, and select the installed app you want to clean.
2. Tap Storage & Cache, then choose Clear cache.
3. Confirm to remove temporary files, like liked photos or half-watched videos.

Clearing the cache won’t delete important account details since they are saved in the cloud. However, you may need to log in again, so ensure you have your username and password ready.

What are Hidden Cache Files?

Android’s hidden cache stores pictures, files, and scripts from apps and websites to help them load faster. 

Over time, this cache data can build up, causing your device to slow down. Clearing these hidden cache files can free up space and improve battery life.

How to Clear your Hidden App Cache on Android

Clearing hidden cache helps free up space and improves device performance. Here’s how you can do it quickly:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Tap Apps to see installed apps.
3. Select the app you want to clear cache for.
4. Go to Storage and tap Clear cache.
5. Repeat the process for other apps to remove their hidden cache.
6. This helps in freeing up space and making the device run smoother.
7. Cached data may rebuild over time, so repeat these steps regularly.

Hidden cache files store temporary data that can slow down your device. Clearing them ensures apps perform at their best without unnecessary storage buildup.

What Happens When you Clear the Cache?

When you clear cache, all stored data like photos, videos, and files are removed from the app or browser, making them load files from the internet instead of your phone. 

However, essential settings, contacts, and messages remain safe. Removing junk files frees up RAM, improves performance, and helps your Android device run smoothly by fixing app errors caused by corrupted or overloaded data. 

It also prevents websites from using too much data to track your activities and ensures everything functions efficiently.

How Often Should you Clear Cache on an Android Phone?

You should clear the cache on your Android phone every few months to keep it running smoothly. If Android apps start behaving erratically, like not loading correctly or closing unexpectedly, clearing app data can help. A slow Chrome cache can also make your browser feel sluggish. 

But don’t do it too often—temporary files are meant to improve your browser and app experience, so clearing cache too frequently can be counterproductive. 

Using a cleanup app helps in managing this process better. Also, always update your phone and its apps whenever a new OS version is released for better performance and security benefits.

How do I Clean Up Firefox on my Android?

1. Open the Firefox app on your Android device and tap the menu.
2. Go to Settings, then tap Delete browsing data.
3. Ensure Cached images and files are checked before proceeding.
4. Tap Delete browsing data again to confirm and remove unnecessary files.

How to Clear the Cache from Chrome

Open Chrome on your Android phone or tablet, go to Settings, tap Clear browsing data, select Cached images and files, and confirm to clear stored data slowing down your device.

1. Go to History Settings in Chrome

Open Chrome on your Android device, tap the three-dot menu, go to History, and select Clear browsing data to remove stored files.

2. Choose the Data you want to Delete

When clearing the cache in Chrome, you can select cookies, site data, or cached images and files. Decide the time range for the data you want to remove. 

Keep in mind that clearing cookies will log you out of websites, while deleting cached images might make sites load slower at first. Once you’ve picked the data, tap the Clear data button to finish.

Optional: A Simpler way to Clear Chrome’s Cache

If you want a simpler way to clear Chrome’s cache, just tap the menu button, go to Settings, and select Privacy and security. Then, choose Clear browsing data, pick a time range, and hit Clear data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final remarks

Clearing the cache on your Android device helps free up storage, fix app issues, and boost performance. Whether you’re clearing app cache, browser cache, or system cache, it’s a quick and easy way to keep your phone running smoothly. Regularly clearing unnecessary files ensures your device stays fast and responsive.

That’s all! You can also check out How to Find Recently Deleted Apps on Android/iPhone 2025 and How to Reset Android Auto: A Step-by-Step Guide

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