Cache in Android 11 are temporary files that are created by applications and the system to speed up work. Over time, they accumulate, taking up precious space and sometimes even slowing down your smartphone. If your device starts to slow down and the memory is filled with unknown things, it’s time to do some spring cleaning. But how to do it correctly so as not to harm the system?

In this article we will look at all possible methods of clearing the cache: from manual deletion through settings to using hidden functions Android 11. You'll learn which files can be safely deleted and which ones should be left alone, and how to automate the process so you don't have to return to it every month. Regardless of the model of your smartphone - Samsung Galaxy S20, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 or Google Pixel 4a - the instructions will work equally effectively.

Why you need to clear the cache on Android 11

The cache is not just garbage. It performs an important function: it speeds up the loading of frequently used data. For example, when you open Instagram, the application does not download the photos again, but takes them from the cache. But over time, these files accumulate, and instead of being useful, they begin to cause harm.

Main reasons for cleaning:

  • 📉 Slowdown - an overfilled cache can cause lags and freezes, especially on budget smartphones with 3-4 GB of RAM.
  • 📱 Lack of memory - cache can take up gigabytes of space, which is critical for devices with 32 or 64 GB of internal memory.
  • 🔄 Errors in applications — damaged cache files can lead to failures, for example, in Google Play Market or YouTube.
  • 🔒 Privacy —some applications store personal data in the cache, which is better to delete.

However Do not clear the cache too often - this can lead to the opposite effect: applications will have to re-download data, which will increase the consumption of traffic and time. The optimal frequency is once every 1-2 months or when obvious problems appear.

📊 How often do you clear the cache on your smartphone?
Once every week
Once a month
Only when the memory runs out
Never cleaned it
I don’t know what it is

How to clear the cache of individual applications

The safest way is to delete cache for specific apps. This does not affect system files and does not require superuser rights. The instructions are suitable for all smartphones on Android 11, including OnePlus 8T, Realme 7 Pro and others.

Steps for cleaning:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
  2. Go to section Applications (or Applications and notifications on some firmware).
  3. Click on View all applications (if there is such an option).
  4. Select the desired application, for example Facebook or Telegram.
  5. Tap on the item Storage (or Memory).
  6. Press the button Clear cache.

For convenience, you can sort applications by cache size:

  • 📊 In the list of applications, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
  • 🔍 Select Sort by size —this way you will see the most "voracious" memory consumers.

☑️ Preparing for clearing the cache

Done: 0 / 4

Some applications, for example Google Chrome or Spotify, can store the cache in several places. In this case:

  1. Clear the cache through the settings Android (as described). above).
  2. Then open the application itself and find the clearing option in its settings (for example, in Chrome this is Settings → Privacy → Clear data).
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Clear cache i Clear data. The second action will delete all application settings, including logins and passwords, and return it to the “as after installation” state.

Bulk clearing the cache of all applications

If you need to free up space quickly, you can delete the cache of all applications at once. This method saves time, but requires caution - some apps may run slower after clearing until they restore their temporary files.

Instructions for Android 11:

  1. Open Settings → Storage.
  2. At the top of the screen you will see a memory usage chart. Tap on the section Other applications (or Applications).
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sort by size.
  4. Scroll down and find the button Clear cache (it may be hidden under the menu or in the section Free up space).
  5. Confirm the action.

On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from Oppo) mass clearing of the cache can be implemented differently:

  • 🔧 In MIUI: Settings → Applications → Cleaning → select Deep cleaning.
  • 🔄 In ColorOS: Settings → Device care → Memory cleaning.

After mass cleaning:

  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone - this will help the system correctly recalculate the free space.
  • 📶 Connect to Wi-Fi, as applications will need to re-download some of the data.
💡

If, after mass clearing the cache, some applications begin to work unstable, try restarting them or updating them through the Google Play Store.

Clearing the cache of system applications

System applications (for example, Google Play Services, Android System WebView or Phone services) also accumulate cache, but you need to delete it more carefully. Incorrect actions can lead to malfunctions of the smartphone.

Safe way:

  1. Open Settings → Applications.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper corner and select Show system (or Show all applications).
  3. Find the desired system application (for example, com.google.android.gms for Google Play Services).
  4. Tap on it, then select Storage → Clear cache.

Some system applications that often require cleaning:

Application Package name What it does Is it possible to clear the cache
Google Play Services com.google.android.gms Responsible for operation Google services Yes, but carefully
Android System WebView com.google.android.webview Displays web content in applications Yes
Phone services com.android.phone Manages calls and network It is better not to touch
Google Play Store com.android.vending App Store Yes
⚠️ Attention: Never clear data (Clear storage) of system applications unless absolutely necessary. This can lead to. to a malfunction of the smartphone, up to the inability to connect to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.

If problems occur after clearing the system application cache (for example, notifications stopped coming or GPS does not work), try:

  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
  • 📥 Update the problematic application via Google Play Store.
  • ⚙️ Reset network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

Using a file manager to manually clear

Some cache files are stored in folders that can be accessed through the file manager. This method is suitable for experienced users, as it requires an understanding of the structure Android.

How to find and delete the cache manually:

  1. Install a file manager with access to root folders, for example Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
  2. Open the manager and give it access to storage.
  3. Go to the folder /storage/emulated/0/Android/data —the cache and data of user applications are stored here.
  4. Find the folder with the name of the package of the desired application (for example, com.instagram.android for Instagram).
  5. Inside there will be folder cache — its contents can be deleted.

You can also clear the cache of system applications (required root access):

  • 📁 Folder /data/data — data of all applications is stored here, including system.
  • 🔍 Look for folders with package names (for example, com.android.providers.media for Media storage).
  • ⚠️ Delete only the contents of the folder cache, not touching other files.

Advantages of manual cleaning:

  • 🎯 Targeted removal of unnecessary files.
  • 🗃️ Ability to clear the cache for applications that are not displayed in the settings.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Risk of deleting important files.
  • 🔧 Requires time and care.
What happens if you delete the wrong folder?

If you accidentally delete files from folders lib, databases or shared_prefs, the application may stop working. In the best case, it will simply be reset to factory settings, in the worst case, it will start producing errors or crashing. It will be impossible to restore data without a backup.

Clearing the cache using ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to control your smartphone via a computer. This method is suitable for clearing the cache of system applications or when the device does not respond to commands.

What you will need:

  • 💻 A computer with installed drivers ADB.
  • 📱 Smartphone with USB debugging enabled (Settings → About phone → Build number - press 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download Platform Tools from the official website Android Developers i unpack the archive.
  2. Connect your smartphone to the computer and confirm permission to debug.
  3. Open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
  4. Enter the command to check connection: 
    adb devices

    The serial number of your device should appear.

  5. To clear the cache of all applications, do: 
    adb shell pm trim-caches 100G

    (where 100G is the maximum cache size that can be cleared).

  6. To clear the cache of a specific applications (for example, Google Chrome): 
    adb shell pm clear com.android.chrome
    Attention! This command deletes all data applications, not just the cache.

If you need to clear only the cache (without deleting data), use:

adb shell "run-as com.android.chrome rm -rf /data/data/com.android.chrome/cache/*"

(replace com.android.chrome with the package of the desired application).

After executing the commands:

  • 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
  • 📊 Check the free space in Settings → Storage.
⚠️ Attention: Commands ADB have low-level access to the system. Incorrect use can lead to data loss or unstable operation of the device. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to use standard cleaning methods.

Automatic clearing of the cache: applications and settings

In order not to clear the cache manually, you can set up automatic cleaning. There are both built-in functions for this Android 11and third-party applications.

Built-in tools:

  • 🤖 Android 11 has a function Adaptive storagethat automatically frees up space when there is not enough space. To enable it:
    1. Go to Settings → Storage.
    2. Tap on the three dots in the upper corner and select Storage settings.
    3. Enable the option Free up space automatically.
  • 📱 On smartphones Samsung is Device Care (Settings → Device care → Memory → Auto-clean).

    • Application side:

    • 🧹 CCleaner — allows you to clear the cache by schedule and analyze unnecessary files.
    • 🗑️ SD Maid —an advanced tool for clearing cache and garbage (requires root for full functionality).
    • 🔍 Files by Google —a simple manager with the function of clearing cache and duplicates.

      • What to look for when choosing an application:

      Application Requires root Auto-cleaning Advertising
      CCleaner No Yes Yes
      SD Maid For some functions Yes No (in the PRO version)
      Files by Google No No No

      How to set up automatic cleaning in CCleaner:

      1. Install and open the application.
      2. Go to section Optimization.
      3. Select Application cache and click Analysis.
      4. After analysis, tap Clear.
      5. To configure auto-cleaning, go to Settings → Automatic clearing and enable the option.
    💡

    Automatic clearing of the cache is convenient, but can delete files that will be useful later. Set up exceptions for frequently used applications (for example, maps or instant messengers) so as not to waste traffic on repeated downloads. data.

    What to do if clearing the cache did not help

    If after clearing the cache the smartphone still slows down or the memory quickly fills up, here's what you should check:

    1. Optimize background processes:

    • 🔄 Limit background activity of applications in Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Battery → Background activity Disable auto-run of unnecessary apps (in Settings → Applications → Management autorun Settings → Applications → [Select an app] → Battery → Background activity.
    • 📵 Disable autorun of unnecessary apps (in MIUI: Settings → Applications → Manage autorun).

    2. Check for viruses:

    • 🛡️ Install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Bitdefender) and scan the system.
    • 🔍 Pay attention to applications with suspicious permissions (access to SMS, calls, geolocation for no reason).

    3. Transfer data to a memory card:

    • 📁 If your smartphone supports microSD, transfer photos, videos and music to it.
    • 🔧 Check which files take up the most space. Settings → Storage check which files are taking up the most space.

    4. Reset the settings to factory settings:

    • ⚠️ This is an extreme measure Before resetting, make a backup! data.
    • 🔄 Path: Settings → System → Reset → Delete all data (reset to factory settings).

    5. Check the memory status:

    • 💾 If the smartphone constantly writes “Memory” is full", but you don’t see large files, perhaps the problem is in damaged sectors the drive.
    • 🛠️ In this case, only replacing the internal memory will help (on modern smartphones this is almost impossible - it’s easier to buy a new device).
      • ⚠️ Attention: If after After resetting the settings, the problem repeats, this may indicate hardware failure (for example, wear of the flash memory). In this case, contact the service center.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Android 11

      Is it possible to clear the cache every day?

      No, it is not only pointless, but also harmful. Frequently clearing the cache forces applications to constantly reload data, which increases traffic consumption and waiting time. The optimal interval is once every 1-2 months or in case of obvious problems (lack of memory, lags).

      Why do apps run slower after clearing the cache?

      This is normal. The cache speeds up the loading of frequently used data. After clearing, applications have to download them again, which takes time. After a few days, the work stabilizes.

      How to clear the cache for all users on a smartphone (if there are several accounts)?

      Q Android 11 The cache is cleared separately for each user. To delete it for all profiles, you need to:

      1. Login into each account in turn.
      2. In each profile, clear the cache through Settings → Applications.

      Or use ADB s command adb shell pm trim-caches 100G —it will clear the cache for all users.

      Is it possible to clear the cache without losing application data?

      Yes, the command Clear cache in the application settings deletes only temporary files, without affecting logins, settings or saves. However, if you use ADB or manual clearing, be careful - some folders (for example, databasescontain important data.

      Why does the cache appear again after a few days?

      This is normal behavior. Cache is temporary files that are created when using applications. The more actively you use your smartphone, the faster the cache accumulates. To slow down this process:

      • Limit the background activity of unnecessary applications.
      • Use lightweight versions of apps (for example, Facebook Lite instead of regular ones Facebook).
      • Regularly remove unused applications.