Cache on smartphones Samsung is like a temporary storage for data that applications and the system use to work faster. On the one hand, it speeds up the loading of frequently used apps, on the other hand, over time it takes up gigabytes of memory, slows down the device and can cause crashes. But not all cache is equally useful (or harmful). For example, Google Play Services cache can weigh several gigabytes, and the messenger cache is only a couple of megabytes.

The problem is that Android (especially on Samsung s shell One UI) does not always show the actual amount of space occupied by the cache. In the storage settings you will see the "Cache" section, but only part of the data is displayed there - that which the system considers "safe for cleaning". In fact, the cache is hidden in three places: application cache, system cache (including /cache and /data/dalvik-cache) and media cache (for example, thumbnails in the gallery). You need to clear them in different ways - and it’s not always worth deleting everything.

In this article we will look at where exactly to look for the cache on Samsung Galaxy (relevant for models S23/S22/S21, A54/A53/A34, M34/M23 etc.), how to clean it correctly so as not to break applications, and when it is better to use built-in tools One UI, and when to use third-party utilities like SD Maid or Files by Google.

1. Where is the cache stored on Samsung: 3 hidden locations

If you open Settings → Device care → Storage, you will see the "Clear cache" button. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, the cache is scattered across several folders, and not all of them are accessible without root access or ADB. Here are the key places:

  • 📱 Application cache: stored in /data/data//cache. Each application has its own folder (for example com.whatsapp for WhatsApp). Available for cleaning through the app settings.
  • 🖥️ System cache: folders /cache (temporary update files) and /data/dalvik-cache (optimized code for fast operation applications). Cleared only through Recovery Mode or ADB.
  • 📷 Media cache: thumbnails of photos and videos in /DCIM/.thumbnails, gallery cache Samsung Gallery and Google Photos. It can weigh up to 1–2 GB.

The heaviest cache usually accumulates in applications Google Play Services, YouTube, Chrome and social networks (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook). For example, the cache Google Play Services on Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra can take up to 5–7 GB —and this is normal if you actively use Google services. But the messenger cache rarely exceeds 500 MB.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the cache with application data! Cache (Cache) are temporary files that can be deleted without consequences. Data (Data) is your settings, messages, saves in games. Clearing them is equivalent to deleting your account in the application.

2. How to clear the cache through Samsung settings (without apps)

The safest way is to use the built-in tools One UI. It is suitable for most users and does not require technical knowledge. Here are step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings → Device care.
  2. Click on Storage (or Memory on older versions One UI).
  3. Tap on Clear cache (usually a button at the bottom of the screen).
  4. Confirm the action The system will delete the cache of all applications except. system.

This method clears only user application cache. The system cache and media cache will remain intact. If you need to free up more space, proceed to manual clearing:

  • 🔍 For a single application: Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Storage → Clear cache.
  • 🗑️ For media cache: use Files by Google (section "Cleaning") or manually delete the folder .thumbnails in DCIM.

Close all active applications

Connect your phone to charge (if the battery level is below 30%)

Make a backup copy of important data

Check free space before and after cleaning-->

On Samsung Galaxy With One UI 5.0+ a function appeared Deep Cleaning (deep cleaning). It deletes not only the cache, but also unnecessary files of system processes. To run it:

  1. Open Settings → Device care.
  2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
  3. Select Deep Cleaning.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Deep Cleaning can delete files that some applications consider "important" (for example, the map cache in Google Maps or temporary data in Spotify). After cleaning, these applications will take longer to load when first launched.

3. How to clear the system cache through Recovery Mode

If your Samsung began to slow down after the update or often overheats, the problem may be in the system cachesystem cache. data-i="126">Instructions for Recovery Mode. This method is safe, but requires caution.

Instructions for Samsung Galaxy (relevant for models with One UI 4.0–6.0):

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press simultaneously Volume up + button Power (on some models - Volume Up + Bixby + Power).
  3. When the logo appears Samsungrelease the buttons. After a few seconds you will see the menu Recovery.
  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 deletes the update cache, temporary system files and dalvik-cache, but does not affect user data. After a reboot, the first launch of some applications may take longer - this normal, since the system restores the cache.

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If after pressing Volume up + Power the phone just turns on, try:

1. to charge and try again.

2. Use the combination Volume up + Bixby + Power (for models with the Bixby button).

3. On new models (for example, Galaxy S23) You must first hold down Volume up + Power, and after the logo appears, release the power while holding the volume.

If nothing helps, the developer mode or bootloader lock may be disabled (on some firmware).

4. to clear the cache: what works on Samsung

Built-in tools One UI do not always cope with deep cleaning. If you need to delete the cache of specific applications or find “junk” files that the system does not see, third-party utilities will help. But not all of them are equally useful - some can delete important data or show false “problems.”

Best applications for Samsung in 2026:

Application What cleans Pros Cons
Files by Google Cache, duplicates, large files Free, no advertising, integration with Google Does not clear the system cache
SD Maid Cache, residual files, databases Deep analysis, cleaning by schedule Paid version for full functionality
CCleaner Cache, history, temporary files Simple interface, cleaning RAM Aggressive advertising, can delete necessary files
1Tap Cleaner Cache applications, call history Quick clear, widget Not updated since 2021

For example, SD Maid can find a cache that takes up space, but is not displayed in the settings Android. To use it:

  1. Install SD Maid from Google Play.
  2. Run the application and grant access rights to the storage.
  3. Select partition CorpseFinder (search for residual files) or AppCleaner (cleaning the cache).
  4. Tick the unnecessary files and click Run.
💡

Before using CCleaner or similar utilities, disable the "Auto Cleanup" function in the application settings. It may delete the cache too often, which will cause the phone to slow down due to constant reloading of data.

5. When clearing the cache can be harmful: 3 cases

Despite the obvious benefits, clearing the cache is not always justified. In some cases, it can even degrade performance or cause crashes. Here's when it's better to refrain:

  • 🔄 After updating the system: One UI creates a new cache to optimize performance. Removing it will force the system to rebuild the data, which will slow down the phone for 1-2 days.
  • 🎮 Before starting games,: The game cache (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) contains loaded textures and levels. Clearing it will lead to a re-download of data (up to 1–2 GB of traffic).
  • 🗺️ For navigation applications: Google Maps and Yandex.Navigator store maps in the cache for offline mode. Deleting the cache will also delete this data.

Also, do not clear the cache too often. Optimal frequency:

  • 📱 For regular applications (messengers, social networks) - once every 1-2 months.
  • 🖥️ For the system cache - once every 3-6 months (or after major updates).
  • 🎵 For multimedia applications (Spotify, YouTube Music) - only if they take up >1 GB.
💡

Clearing the cache does not improve the phone's ongoing performance. It only helps if the cache is damaged or takes up a critical amount of space. In other cases, Android you manage caching more efficiently than the user.

If after clearing the cache the application begins to work worse (for example, Instagram takes longer to load the tape), this is normal. The application needs time to restore optimal data. Typically, performance returns to its previous level after 1-3 runs.

6. How to check how much space the cache takes up on Samsung

To understand whether it is worth clearing the cache, first estimate its actual size. There are several ways to do this - from simple to advanced. One UI There are several ways to do this, from simple to advanced.

Method 1: Through "Device Care"

  1. Open Settings → Device care → Storage.
  2. Look at the memory usage graph. Click on Other applications or System data.
  3. There will be a line here Cache indicating the volume.

Method 2: Through application settings (for individual apps)

  1. Go to Settings → Applications.
  2. Select an application (for example, Chrome).
  3. Click on Storage. The cache size will be indicated here.

Method 3: Through ADB (for advanced users)

If you need to know the exact size of the cache of all applications, use the command:

adb shell du -sh /data/data/*/cache

This command will display a list of cache folders and their size. For example:

1.2G    /data/data/com.google.android.gms/cache

500M    /data/data/com.android.chrome/cache


200M    /data/data/com.instagram.android/cache

📊 How often do you clear the cache on your Samsung?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when space runs out
Never clear

7. Alternative ways to free up space without clearing the cache

If the goal is simply to free up memory, clearing the cache is not always the most effective method. delete unnecessary files or transfer data to a memory card. Here's what you can do:

  • 📸 Delete duplicate photos: Use Google Photos (section "Utilities → Free up space") or Gallery Doctor from Samsung.
  • 🎥 Clear downloads: The folder Download often contains unnecessary files. Check it through Files by Google.
  • 📱 Move applications to the SD card: In Settings → Applications → [Select an application] → Storage click Edit and select the memory card.
  • ☁️ Enable cloud storage: Samsung Cloud or Google Drive can automatically backup photos and video.

On Samsung Galaxy s One UI 5.1+ there is a built-in function Auto Optimizethat cleans up unnecessary files. To enable it:

  1. Go to Settings → Device care.
  2. Click on the three dots (⋮) and select Auto-optimization.
  3. Turn on the switch and set up a schedule (for example, once per week).

This function deletes not only the cache, but also temporary files, empty folders and unused APKs. It works in the background and does not require manual control.

⚠️ Attention: If you use Samsung DeX or Link to Windows, do not clear the cache of these services. This may lead to failures when connecting to a PC or monitor.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the cache on Samsung

❓ Why is space on the phone not freed up after clearing the cache?

This happens because that:

  • You cleared the cache, but did not delete the applications themselves or their data.
  • The system immediately began restoring the cache for frequently used apps.
  • Some files (for example, dalvik-cache) are not cleared without Recovery Mode.

Check the "Other" section in the storage settings - there may be large files that are not related to the cache.

❓ Is it possible to clear the cache for all applications at once without manual selection?

Yes, there are two ways:

  1. Through Settings → Device care → Storage → Clear cache (clears the cache of all user applications).
  2. Via ADB-command: 
    adb shell pm trim-caches -1
    (requires connection to a PC).

Both methods do not affect system applications.

❓ Does clearing the cache delete my passwords or messages?

No, the cache and user data are different things. The cache contains temporary files (for example, thumbnail images, etc.) web pages), and passwords, messages and settings are stored in Data. However, if you click Clear data (rather than Clear cache), all application content will be deleted.

❓ Why does the cache Google Play Services take up so much space?

Google Play Services is responsible for the operation of Google services (authorization, geolocation, push notifications, etc.). Its cache includes:

  • Offline maps for Google Maps.
  • Temporary files for Google Play Protect (virus scanning).
  • Data for ARCore (augmented reality).

You should only clear it if it takes up >3 GB and the phone has started to slow down. In other cases, it is. ok.

❓ How to disable caching for a specific application?

You cannot completely disable the cache, but you can limit its size:

  1. For Chrome: go to Settings → Privacy → Clear history on exit and enable option.
  2. For YouTube: in the settings, disable Save video in device memory.
  3. For any applications: use ADB-command 
    adb shell pm disable-user --user 0
    , but this may break the functionality.