Where is the cache stored on Samsung Galaxy: a complete guide to finding and clearing

Cache on smartphones Samsung Galaxy are temporary files that are created by applications, the system and the browser to speed up the device. Over time, they accumulate, taking up precious memory space and sometimes causing your phone to malfunction. But where exactly is this cache stored? Why can't it be found in the standard file manager? And how to properly clear it without deleting important data?

In this article we will analyze all types of cache Samsung Galaxy —from the cache of individual applications to system temporary files. You'll learn the exact storage paths, how to access hidden folders, and safe cleaning methods. We will also tell you which files can be deleted without risk, and which ones are better left untouched so as not to disrupt the operation of the phone.

If your Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy A54 or another model begins to slow down, overheat, or display “Insufficient memory” errors, the problem most likely lies in a clogged cache. Let's take a look at where to look for it and how to clean it correctly.

What is the cache on Android and why do you need it?

Cache (from English cache —“cache”) are temporary files that are created to speed up the operation of applications and the system. When you open the application for the first time, it downloads the necessary data from the Internet or internal memory. When restarted, this data is taken from the cache, which saves time and traffic.

On Samsung Galaxy there are three main types of cache:

• 📱 Application cache —temporary files created by each installed application (for example, photos in Instagram, videos in TikTok, cards in Google Maps).
• 🌐 Browser cache - saved web pages, images and scripts from Chrome, Samsung Internet or other browsers.
• ⚙️ System cache - files that are created by the operating system itself system Android to speed up the interface, updates and services Google.

Over time, the cache grows to several gigabytes, especially if you actively use social networks, streaming services or games. This leads to:

• ⚠️ Slowdown phone (applications take longer. open, the interface freezes).
• 🔋 Rapid battery drain (the system wastes resources on processing unnecessary files).
• 📉 Application errors (for example, game crashes or messenger malfunctions).
• 🚨 "Not enough memory" messageseven if there is free space on the phone.

However not the entire cache can be simply deletedFor example, clearing the system cache via Recovery Mode can. lead to resetting some settings, and deleting the cache Google Play Services sometimes disrupts the operation of services Google.

Where is the application cache stored on Samsung Galaxy

The cache of each application on Samsung Galaxy is stored in a separate folder, which is located in paths:

/data/data/<package_name>/cache/

Where <package_name> is a unique application identifier (for example, com.instagram.android for Instagram or com.whatsapp for WhatsApp).

However access to this folder is limited - it is not possible see in the standard file manager My Files without root access. But there are several ways to find and clear the application cache:

Method 1: Through Android settings

This is the safest and recommended method:

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Select the desired application (for example, Facebook or YouTube).
3. Go to Memory → Cache.
4. Click Clear cache.

🔹 Note: In some versions One UI (for example, on Galaxy S22 and newer) the path may be slightly differ: Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Memory → Clear cache.

Method 2: Through a file manager with root access

If you there root access, you can manually delete the cache of any application:

1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Navigate to the path /data/data/.
3. Find the folder with the name of the application package (for example, com.spotify.music for Spotify).
4. Open the folder cache and delete its contents.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting files from folders /data/data/ without root access or through unverified applications can lead to application failure or even damage system. Do not delete files if you are not sure of their purpose!

Method 3: Via ADB (for experienced users)

If you have USB debuggingenabled, you can clear the cache through the command ADB:

adb shell pm clear <package_name>

For example, to clear cache Google Chrome:

adb shell pm clear com.android.chrome

This command deletes all application dataincluding cache, settings and user files. Be careful!

Install ADB on your computer|Enable USB debugging in developer settings|Connect your phone to your PC|Check the correctness application package_name-->

Where is the browser cache stored on Samsung Galaxy

Browsers (Chrome, Samsung Internet, Firefox) store the cache separately from other applications These files include:

• 📁 Saved web pages (for. offline viewing).
• 🖼️ Images, CSS styles and JavaScript scripts.
• 🍪 Files cookie (for authorization on sites).
• 🔍 Search history and autocomplete forms.

The path to the browser cache depends on the application:

Browser	Path to the cache	Can I clear it without root?
Google Chrome	/data/data/com.android.chrome/app_chrome/Default/Cache/	Yes (via settings browser)
Samsung Internet	/data/data/com.sec.android.app.sbrowser/app_gecko/Default/Cache/	Yes (via browser settings)
Mozilla Firefox	/data/data/org.mozilla.firefox/files/mozilla/*/Cache/	Yes (via browser settings)
Opera	/data/data/com.opera.browser/app_opera/Default/Cache/	Yes (via browser settings)

You can clear the browser cache in two ways:

Method 1: Through the browser settings

For Google Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
2. Select History → Clear browsing data.
3. Check the boxes Cookies and site data and Cached images and files.
4. Click Clear data.

For Samsung Internet:

1. Open your browser and click on the three lines (☰) at the bottom of the screen.
2. Go to Settings → Privacy → Delete browsing data.
3. Select Cached images and files.
4. Click Delete.

Method 2: Through Android settings

Alternative method (works for all browsers):

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find your browser (for example, Chrome or Samsung Internet).
3. Open Memory → Clear cache.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the browser cache deletes all saved passwords and autofill dataif synchronization with your account is not enabled Google or SamsungBefore clearing, make sure that important data is saved!

Where the system cache is stored on Samsung Galaxy

The system cache is temporary files that it creates itself Android to speed up the interface, updates and services. It is stored in several places:

• 📂 /cache/ — the main folder with the system cache (accessible only through Recovery Mode).
• 📂 /data/dalvik-cache/ — virtual machine cache Dalvik (used to speed up the launch of applications).
• 📂 /data/system/package_cache/ — cache of installed packages (APK-files).

These folders hidden from the user are not accessible through the standard file manager. You can clear them only in two ways:

Method 1: Through Recovery Mode (without data loss)

This method is suitable for all models Samsung Galaxy (including Galaxy S23, Galaxy A54, Galaxy Z Fold):

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press the buttons simultaneously Volume up + Power + Bixby (on new models without a button Bixby — Volume Up + Power).
3. When the logo appears Samsungrelease the buttons - you will be taken to Recovery Mode.
4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select.
5. Select Wipe cache partition.
6. Confirm the action (Yes).
7. After cleaning, select Reboot system now.

This procedure does not delete user data (photos, contacts, messages), but resets some system settings (for example, you may need to re-enter your password Wi-Fi).

Method 2: Through the service menu (for advanced users)

On some models Samsung you can clear the system cache through the hidden menu:

1. Open the application Phone.
2. Enter the code: *#9900#.
3. In the menu that opens, select Delete dumpstate/logcat.
4. Press OK to confirm.

⚠️ Attention: Service menu codes can varies depending on the model and region. Entering the code incorrectly may cause the system to crash. If the code *#9900# does not work, do not try other combinations at random!

What happens if you clear the system cache?

After clearing the system cache, the phone may:

✅ Take longer to boot when first turned on (the system restores temporary files).

✅ Reset some settings (for example, background data for individual applications).

✅ Require a restart entering Wi-Fi passwords or accounts (if synchronization is not enabled).

❌ DOES NOT delete personal data (photos, videos, messages, contacts).

How to find and clear the game cache on Samsung Galaxy

Games (especially heavy ones, like Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG) create a huge cache that can occupy several gigabytes. This cache includes:

• 🎮 Loaded levels, textures and models.
• 🎵 Sound files and music.
• 📊 Progress saves (sometimes stored in cache).
• 🔄 Updates downloaded in the background.

The path to the game cache usually looks like this:

/Android/data/<package_name>/files/

or

/Android/obb/<package_name>/

For example, for Genshin Impact:

/Android/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact/files/

How to clear the game cache without deleting saves

Method 1 (safe):

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Find the game (for example, Free Fire or Clash of Clans).
3. Go to Memory → Clear cache.

Method 2 (advanced):

1. Connect your phone to the PC and turn on File transfer mode (MTP).
2. Open the folder Internal memory → Android → data.
3. Find the folder with the game name and delete the contents folders cache (do not touch filesif saves are stored there!).

⚠️ Attention: In some games (for example Genshin Impact), the cache and saves are stored in the same folder. If you delete /Android/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact/ fully, progress will be lost! Before cleaning, check exactly where your saves are stored.

Hidden folders with cache on Samsung Galaxy

In addition to standard storage locations, Samsung Galaxy there are hidden folders where the cache accumulates. They are not visible in a regular file manager, but they can take up space. gigabytes of memory:

Folder	Path	What is stored	Can it be deleted?
.thumbnails	/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/.thumbnails/	Thumbnails of photos and videos (created by the gallery)	Yes (will be created anew)
.data	/storage/emulated/0/Android/.data/	Temporary application files	Partially (not all files are safe to delete)
log	/storage/emulated/0/Logs/ or /data/log/	Error logs and system logs	Yes (but can be created anew)
temp	Different paths (for example, /storage/emulated/0/temp/)	Temporary files for downloads and installations	Yes

To see hidden folders:

1. Open the file manager (for example, My Files or Solid Explorer).
2. Enable the display of hidden files (in My Files: click ⋮ → Settings → Show hidden files).
3. Go to the root internal memory folder (/storage/emulated/0/).

Folder .thumbnails can take up to 1-2 GB, especially if you often view photos and videos in the gallery. It can be completely deleted - the thumbnails will be re-created the next time you open the files.

Automatic clearing of the cache on Samsung Galaxy

Manually clearing the cache is an effective but time-consuming process. Fortunately, Samsung Galaxy has built-in and third-party tools for automatic optimization:

Built-in tools

Samsung offers several methods for automatic cleaning:

• 🧹 Device Care:
  1. Open Settings → Device Care.
  2. Click Memory.
  3. Select Clear - system automatically will find and delete unnecessary cache.

⚡ Automatic optimization:

1. B Device Care click on the three dots (⋮) → Automatic optimization.
2. Enable the option and set up a schedule (for example, cleaning every day at 3:00).

Third-party applications

If the built-in tools are not enough, you can use proven applications:

• 🛡️ CCleaner — clears the cache, history and unnecessary files.
• 🗑️ Files by Google — finds and deletes duplicates, old files and cache.
• 🔍 SD Maid —an advanced tool for cleaning system garbage (requires root for full functionality).

⚠️ Attention: Some "optimizers" from Google Play can degrade performance, constantly running in the background. Use only proven applications with high ratings!

💡

If you use SD Maid or similar applications, disable automatic cleaning for system applications (for example, Google Play Services). It is better to clear their cache manually to avoid crashes.

What to do if problems remain after clearing the cache

Sometimes clearing the cache does not solve performance problems. In this case, check the following points:

1. Check the free space on your device

If the phone has less than 10% of free memory., the system starts to slow down regardless of the cache. Delete unnecessary files or move them to SD card.

2. Update the software

Outdated version Android or may cause crashes Check for updates: One UI may cause malfunctions. Check for updates:

1. Open Settings → Software update.
2. Click Download and install.

3. Check the operation of applications

If a specific application is slow (for example, Facebook or TikTok), try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the application.
• 📥 Clear data (not just the cache!) in Settings → Applications.
• 🚫 Limit background activity in the battery settings.

4. Reset to factory settings

If all else fails, the last option is hard reset (full reset). Attention: this will delete all data from phone!

1. Make a backup copy of important files.
2. Open Settings → General management → Reset.
3. Select Data reset and confirm the action.

After the reset, the phone will be like new - without unnecessary cache and garbage.

💡

If problems started after the update One UI, try rolling back the update for a specific application (if this is possible) or wait for the patch from Samsung.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the cache on Samsung Galaxy

🔹 Is it possible to clear the cache of all applications at once?

Yes, but not recommended. Some applications (for example, Google Play Services or Samsung Knox) may become unstable after clearing the cache. It’s better to clear the cache selectively or use the built-in tools (Device Care).

🔹 Why did the application run slower after clearing the cache?

This is normal - the application needs time to re-create temporary files. Usually the speed is restored after 1-2 launches. If the brakes remain, try reinstalling the application.

🔹 How clear the cache Google Play Services without consequences?
Clearing the cache Google Play Services can disrupt the operation of services Google (for example, Google Maps or GmailIf you need to clear it). better place:
1. Clear cache via Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Memory → Clear cache.
2. Restart the phone.
3. If errors appear, repeat cleaning and wait automatic cache recovery (may take up to 10 minutes).
🔹 Where does the cache go after clearing?

The deleted cache is not sent to Trash —it is irretrievably erased from the phone's memory and becomes available for new ones. files.

🔹 Is it possible to transfer the cache to an SD card?

No, the application and system cache is always stored in the internal memory. However, some applications (for example, games) allow you to download additional files. (textures, levels) on SD card through your settings.