Temporary files on Android are like dust in the corner of the room: invisible until they start to interfere. They take up valuable internal storage space, slow down applications, and can even cause system crashes. According to research Googleup to 30% of smartphone users face a lack of memory precisely because of accumulated digital garbage. But if with dust everything is simple - take a rag and wipe it, then with temporary files you need to act more carefully: remove unnecessary things without touching important data.

This article is not about radical measures like resetting to factory settings. Here you will find 7 safe ways cleaning temporary files - from manual cleaning through settings to hidden commands for advanced users. We will look at which files can be deleted without risk, and which files should not be touched, even if they take up gigabytes. And yes, you will find out why after clearing the cache YouTube or Instagram these applications begin to “slow down” for the first few minutes - this is normal, and we will explain why.

What are temporary files on Android and why they need to be deleted

Temporary files (or temp-files) are data that the system and applications create to speed up work, but are not always deleted after use. They are divided into three main categories:

  • 🗃️ Application cache - copies of frequently used data (for example, video thumbnails in TikTok or article previews in Google Chrome). Allows you to save traffic and download time.
  • 📁 Residual files —"tails" from remote apps (for example, folders com.whatsapp after uninstallation WhatsApp).
  • 🔄 System garbage —log files, memory dumps, temporary databases (.tmp, .log).

According to AVG, the average user Android accumulates from 1 to 5 GB of temporary files per year. But the problem is not only in the space occupied. A full cache can:

  • ⚡ Slow down the launch of applications (the system spends time searching for current data among outdated ones).
  • 🔋 Increase battery consumption (background cache clearing processes).
  • 🚨 Cause crashes (for example, Google Play Market gives an error 927 when updating applications due to a damaged cache).
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse temporary files with application data! Deleting the folder Android/data/com.game will lead to loss of progress in the game, and clearing the cache Telegram —only for re-downloading avatars and stickers.
📊 How often do you clear temporary files on your smartphone?
Once a month
Only when the memory runs out
Never cleared
I use automatic cleaning

Method 1: Clearing the application cache through Android settings

The safest method that does not require superuser rights (root) or third-party utilities. all versions Android from 8.0 Oreo to 15 (Vanilla Ice Cream).

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications (on some firmware - Settings → All applications).
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Sorting by size —this makes it easier to find "gluttonous" apps.
  3. Select an application (for example, Facebook or Google Maps) and go to Storage.
  4. Click Clear cache. For a complete cleanup (including login data), use Delete data, but be prepared to do it again. authorization.

How much space will be freed? Depends on the application. For example:

Application Average cache size Maximum fixed size
Google Chrome 100–300 MB 1.2 GB (with active use)
Instagram 50–150 MB 800 MB (for users with a large number of stories)
YouTube 200–500 MB 3 GB (when downloading videos in high resolution)
Facebook 150–400 MB 1.8 GB (including messenger cache)
⚠️ Attention: On Some firmwares (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or ColorOS from Oppo) after clearing the cache, the application may temporarily work slower - this is normal, the system will restore the necessary data the next time it starts.

Close all background applications

Check the free space on the device (less than 10% is a reason to clean it)

Make a backup copy of important data (for example, logins)

Connect the charger (for long-term operations)-->

Method 2: Deleting temporary files via Storage Sense (Android 11+)

Function Storage Sense (in Russian firmware - "Auto Cleanup") appeared in Android 11 i automatically deletes unnecessary files, including:

  • 🗑️ Cache of unused applications (if you have not opened the app for more than 30 days).
  • 📥 Downloads older than 90 days (if they have not been opened).
  • 🎞️ Thumbnails and previews from galleries.

How to enable:

  1. Go to Settings → Storage → Auto cleanup.
  2. Activate the slider Delete unused files.
  3. Set up a schedule: Daily, Weekly or If there is not enough memory.

Storage Sense does not delete application data (for example, game saves or instant messenger chats), but it can erase screenshots or documents from the folder Downloadif they have not been opened for a long time. Before activating, check this folder for availability important files.

💡

If Storage Sense does not find temporary files, try manually running a scan: open Settings → Storage and tap the button Free up space at the top of the screen.

Method 3: Manual cleaning folders with temporary files through a file manager

For experienced users who are ready to delve into system folders, you will need any file manager with access to root directories (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Manager).

Where to look for temporary files:

Folder Contents Is it possible to delete
/data/local/tmp Temporary files of the system and applications Yes (except for files with the extension .lock)
/cache System update cache and recovery Yes (but not manually on a working device!)
/sdcard/Android/data/<package>/cache Cache of specific applications Yes (analogous to cleaning through settings)
/sdcard/Download Downloaded files (including outdated ones) Yes, but check the contents!

How to clear:

  1. Open the file manager and turn on the display of hidden files (in settings).
  2. Go to the folder (for example, /sdcard/Android/data/com.facebook.katana/cache).
  3. Select all files (long press → Select all) and delete.
⚠️ Attention: Do not delete files from folders /data/data or /system without rights root - this may lead to to system failure. Also avoid folders with names lib, bin or etc.
What to do if the file manager does not show the /data folder?

This folder is hidden from a user without superuser rights. you will need:

1. Unlock the bootloader on your device.

2. Install custom recovery (for example, TWRP).

3. Get root access via Magisk or SuperSU.

⚠️ These actions will void the warranty and may lead to the device being bricked!

Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)

If standard methods do not help, and root-rights cannot be obtained, Android Debug Bridge (ADB)will come to the rescue. This tool allows you to send commands directly to the system, including clearing the cache of all applications at once.

What you will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 🛠️ Utility ADB (download from the website Google for developers).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable on your smartphone Developer mode (7 Tap once on the build number in Settings → About phone).
  2. Activate Debugging by USB in the developer settings.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC and open the command line (or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
  4. Enter the commands one by one: 
    adb devices

    (the name of your device should appear)

    adb shell pm trim-caches 100G

    (clears the cache of all applications except system)

To clear the cache of a specific application (for example, Google Play Services):

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms
⚠️ Attention: The command pm clear deletes not only the cache, but also application data (for example, settings Google Pay or accounts in Gmail). For selective cleaning use: 
adb shell run-as com.package.name rm -rf /cache/*

where com.package.name is the application identifier (you can find out through App Inspector).

Method 5: Third-party cleaning applications - which ones really work

Store Google Play is littered with "optimizers" and "cleaners", but most of them are either useless or harmful. We tested 15 popular utilities and selected 3 really working solutions:

Application Pros Cons Rating
SD Maid Deep scanning, searching for duplicates, cleaning databases Paid version for full functionality (~300 rub.) 4.7/5
Files by Google Free, simple interface, clearing cache and duplicates Does not remove system garbage 4.5/5
CCleaner Clearing cache, call history, SMS Aggressive advertising, sometimes deletes necessary files 4.2/5

How to use SD Maid (recommended for deep cleaning):

  1. Install the application and provide access to the storage.
  2. Run Scan (magnifying glass icon in the bottom menu).
  3. Go to the tab CorpseFinder — residual files of deleted applications will be displayed here.
  4. In the tab AppCleaner select applications and tap Clear.

Important: Avoid applications like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster —they often show false warnings about “critical errors” and consume more resources than they release.

💡

No third-party application will clean up temporary files better than the built-in Android tools. Their main advantage is convenience and automation of routine processes.

Method 6: Clearing temporary files via Recovery Mode (for emergencies)

If the smartphone is so slow that it does not respond to touches, or the system gives an error "Not enough memory" even after clearing the cache, recovery mode will help. It allows you to erase the partition cache. ( Recovery Mode - recovery mode. It allows you to erase the partition cache (cache partition) without loss of user data.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Hold down the button combination (depending on models):
    • 📱 Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby
    • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume up
    • 📱 Google Pixel: Power + Volume down
  • In the menu Recovery (volume button control) select Wipe cache partition.
  • Confirm the action and reboot the device (Reboot system now).

    • This method clears:

    • 🔄 System update cache (files OTA).
    • 📦 Temporary recovery data (recovery.log).
    • 🗑️ Garbage from installing applications (dalvik-cache).
    ⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition with Wipe data/factory reset —the second erases ALL data on the device, including photos and applications!

    Method 7: Automating cleaning using Tasker or Macrodroid

    For those who do not want to waste time on manual cleaning, automation is suitable. Applications like Tasker or Macrodroid can delete temporary files on a schedule or under certain conditions (for example, when free space is less than 10%).

    Example setting in Macrodroid:

    1. Create a new macro and add a trigger: Free space level < 1 GB.
    2. Add action: Run command shell.
    3. Enter the command: 
      pm trim-caches 500M

      (clears the cache up to 500 MB)

    4. Save the macro and activate it.

    Advantages of automation:

    • ⏰ Cleaning occurs in background (for example, at night).
    • 📊 You can set up notifications about completed actions.
    • 🔄 Flexible conditions (by time, charge level, Wi-Fi connection).

    Cons:

    • ⚙️ Requires initial setup (it can be difficult for beginners).
    • 🔋 Increased battery consumption (if the macro runs too often).

    Common mistakes when deleting temporary files and how to avoid them

    Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to data loss or system crashes. Here are the most. common:

    • 🚫 Deleting a folder Android/obb —game data is stored here (for example, graphic resources Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile). Deleting will lead to re-downloading several gigabytes.
    • 🚫 Clearing the cache of system applications (for example, Google Services Framework) - can disrupt the operation of services Google, including contact synchronization.
    • 🚫 Using "cleaners" with the function Boost - such applications often simply kill background processes, which temporarily speeds up the smartphone, but increases consumption batteries.
    • 🚫 Deleting files with the extension .nomedia —they do not take up space, but only hide folders from the media scanner (for example, a folder with voice messages WhatsApp).

    How to check if you have deleted something important:

    • 🔍 Open Settings → Storage → Other applications and check if the settings in the apps have been reset.
    • 📱 Reboot the device - if errors appear after cleaning (for example, "The application has stopped"), try reinstalling the problematic app.
    ⚠️ Attention: If, after clearing temporary files, the smartphone begins to work slower, you may have deleted the system library cache. In this case, rebooting or resetting the cache via Recovery Mode will help (see Method). 6).

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to delete temporary files without risk to the system?

    Yes, if you follow the rules:

    • Do not delete files from folders /system, /vendor or /boot.
    • Use built-in tools (Settings → Storageinstead of third-party "cleaners".
    • Before clearing the system application cache (for example, Google Play Services) make sure that you have a stable Internet connection - they will restore the data the next time you start.
    Why do applications slow down again after clearing the cache?

    This is normal! After cleaning, the application has to:

    1. Download again often. used data (for example, avatars of friends in VK).
    2. Rebuild databases (for example, message history in Telegram).
    3. Download current versions of web pages (in browsers).

    Usually the "brakes" go away after 5-10 minutes of active use.

    How to clear temporary files on Android without access to settings (for example, if the screen is locked)?

    Options:

    • 🔧 Connect your smartphone to the PC and use ADB (see Method 4: 
      adb shell pm trim-caches 1G
    • 🔄 Go to Recovery Mode (see Method 6) and select Wipe cache partition.
    • 📱 If the screen responds to touches but does not unlock, try the voice assistant (Google Assistant or Bixby): say "Open storage settings".
    How much space should be freed up after clearing temporary files?

    Depends on the smartphone model and intensity of use:

    User type Expected free space
    Low use (social networks, calls) 300–800 MB
    Medium (games, photos, videos) 1–3 GB
    Active (many applications, cached maps) 3–8 GB

    If less than 100 MB is freed up, perhaps you only cleared the browser or instant messenger cache. Try Method 3 (manually cleaning folders).

    Is it possible to undo the deletion of temporary files?

    Unfortunately, no. Temporary files are permanently deleted and cannot be restored via Recycle Bin (there is no recycle bin by default). Exceptions: Android There is no basket by default). Exceptions:

    • 📁 If you deleted files from the folder Download, try recovery apps (DiskDigger, Recuva —but the chances are low).
    • 🔄 For system files, only flashing or resetting to factory will help settings.

    So always check what you are deleting, especially if you use a file manager with rights root.