The cache in Android is like dust in a closet: it accumulates imperceptibly, but sooner or later it starts to interfere. Clearing the cache can free up to 3-5 GB of memory, speed up applications and even solve problems with system crashes. However, finding this function is not so easy: depending on the version Android (from Android 10 to Android 15) and shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS), the path to clearing the cache varies. Somewhere the option is hidden in the “Storage”, somewhere in the settings of a specific application, and in some cases it is not at all in the standard interface.

This article is not just instructions, but full guide taking into account all the nuances: from basic methods to hidden commands for experienced users. We'll look at how to clear the cache without data loss (as opposed to resetting to factory settings), which applications create the heaviest cache, and why sometimes clearing does not work. And if you use Android Go or a device with a small amount of memory (for example, Samsung Galaxy A04 or Redmi 12C), here you will find solutions specifically for such cases.

1. Standard method: clearing the cache through “Settings”

The most universal method that works for 90% of devices —from Android 8 Oreo to Android 15. Suitable for smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Google Pixel and other brands. The main advantage: does not require rights root and does not delete personal data.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to section Applications (on some devices - All applications or Manager applications).
  3. Select the application whose cache you want to clear (for example, YouTube, Chrome or Instagram).
  4. Click Storage (or Memory).
  5. Tap on the button Clear cache (not to be confused with Clear data —this will delete all application settings!).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI) the Clear the cache button can be hidden behind the additional menu (three dots in the upper right corner). Also in Android 14+ Google has begun to limit clearing the cache for system applications - in this case only method with ADB.

☑️ What to do before clearing the cache

Done: 0 / 4

2. Bulk clearing of the cache of all applications

If cleared cache of each application separately is a tedious task, especially when there are 100+ of them installed. Fortunately, Android has a mass clearing function. However, its location varies depending on the firmware:

  • 📱 Samsung One UI: Settings → Device care → Storage → Clear (or Optimize). → Device care → Memory → Clean
  • 📱 Xiaomi MIUI: Settings → About phone → Memory → Cleaning (or Quick clear in the menu Security).
  • 📱 Google Pixel (pure Android): Settings → Storage → Free up space → select Cached data.
  • 📱 Realme/OPPO (ColorOS): Settings → Memory → Clear memory → check Application cache.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the cache in bulk may lead to a temporary slowdown smartphone - the system will re-cache the data the next time you launch applications. Also, some applications (for example, Google Maps or Spotifyafter clearing the cache will require re-authorization.

Firmware Path to mass clearing Features
One UI (Samsung) Device care → Memory Offers clearing the cache along with junk files
MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco) Security → Cleaning You can choose whether to clear the cache of system applications
ColorOS (Realme/OPPO) Memory → Clear memory Shows the cache size for each application
Pure Android (Pixel, Motorola) Storage → Free place Requires confirmation via OK
📊 What firmware does your smartphone use?
One UI (Samsung)
MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi)
ColorOS (Realme/OPPO)
Pure Android (Pixel/Motorola)
Other

3. Clearing the cache via Recovery Mode (for experienced)

If the smartphone is very slow or does not boot in normal mode, you can clear the cache via Recovery Mode. This method deletes Dalvik Cache (virtual machine cache Android), which sometimes helps. in case of system errors. But: it does not clear the cache of user applications!

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the smartphone.
  2. Hold down the combination of buttons to enter Recovery:
    • Samsung: Power + Volume Up + Bixby (or Home on older models).
    • Xiaomi/Redmi: Power + Volume Up.
    • Google Pixel: Power + Volume down, then select Recovery Mode.
  • In the menu Recovery select Wipe cache partition (control - volume buttons, selection - power button).
  • Confirm the action and wait for completion.
  • Reboot the device (Reboot system now).

    • ⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition s Wipe data/factory reset -second step will completely reset the smartphone to factory settings! Also on some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI 12+) menu Recovery may be blocked - in this case, only official firmware via Huawei eRecovery.

    What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

    If the button combination does not work, try connecting your smartphone to the PC and using the command adb reboot recovery. On some models (for example, Sony Xperia), you must first activate developer mode to enter Recovery.

    4. Hidden ADB commands to clear the cache

    For users who are not afraid of the command line, there is a more flexible way - clearing the cache via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This is especially useful if:

    • 🔧 You need to clear the cache system applications (for example, Google Play Services), which are blocked in standard interface.
    • 🔧 Requires automate cleaning (for example, through a script).
    • 🔧 Device does not turn on, but is detected by the computer.

    Instructions:

    1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
    2. Activate Developer mode on your smartphone: Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times).
    3. Enable USB debugging in Settings → System → For Developers.
    4. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run in the command line: 
      adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.example.app

      Replace com.example.app with the application package (for example, com.android.chrome for Google Chrome).

    5. To clear the cache all applications use: 
      adb shell "su -c 'echo w > /proc/sysrq-trigger'" && adb reboot

      ⚠️ Caution! This command reboots the device and may result in loss of unsaved data.

    💡 Helpful tip: To find out the batch name of the application, use the command: 

    adb shell pm list packages | grep "application_name"

    For example, for Instagram this will be com.instagram.android.

    💡

    If ADB does not recognize the device, try updating the drivers via SDK Platform Tools or use an alternative USB port.

    5. Clearing the cache through the file manager (manual method)

    For those who prefer “manual control”, the cache can be deleted directly through the file manager. This method is suitable if:

    • 📁 You want to see which files take up space (for example, map cache in Google Maps or downloaded videos in TikTok).
    • 📁 Standard cleaning does not work (for example, due to a glitch in the firmware).
    • 📁 You need to clear the cache a specific game (for example, Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).

    Instructions:

    1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (for example, Solid Explorer, FX File Explorer or built-in Mi File Manager on Xiaomi).
    2. Go to the folder: 
      /data/data/application_package_name/cache/

      For example, for WhatsApp the path would be /data/data/com.whatsapp/cache/.

    3. Delete all files in this folder. If the manager asks for permissions root, provide them (but be careful). - do not delete files outside the folder cache!).

    ⚠️ Attention: Without rights root you can clear the cache only for those applications that are installed in the user partition. System applications (for example, Google Play MarketAlso do not confuse the folder with cache with files — the latter stores important application data!

    6. Automatic cache clearing: applications and settings

    If you do not want to manually clear the cache, you can configure automatic cleaning. method:

    1. Built-in firmware tools:
      • 🤖 Samsung: Settings → Device care → Automatic optimization (enable the option).
      • 🤖 Xiaomi: Security → Cleanup → Autoclean (you can set the schedule).
      • 🤖 Google Pixel: Settings → Storage → Smart Storage (deletes old files automatically).
  • Third-party applications:
    • 🛠️ CCleaner — clears the cache and garbage on a schedule.
    • 🛠️ SD Maid —deletes residual files after uninstalling applications.
    • 🛠️ Files by Google —suggests clearing the cache when there is insufficient memory.

    💡 Important: Automatic clearing of the cache may slow down frequently used applications (for example, YouTube or Netflix), since they will have to re-download the data. The best option is to set up cleaning for times when you are not using your smartphone (for example, at night).

    💡

    Automatic cache clearing is useful for saving space, but does not replace manual optimization. Periodically check the cache size manually - some applications (for example, games) can create gigabytes of unnecessary files.

    7. Why clearing the cache does not help? Common errors

    It happens that after clearing the cache, the smartphone still slows down and the memory is not freed. The reasons may be:

    • 🔄 The cache is restored quickly: Some applications (for example, Facebook or TikTok) aggressively cache data. Solution: limit background activity in Settings → Applications → Permissions.
    • 🗑️ Junk files, not cache: Clearing the cache does not delete downloaded files, screenshots or duplicate photos. Use Google Files to search for large files.
    • 🦠 Viruses or malware. Software: Some apps create an “invisible” cache. Check the device through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.
    • 🔧 File system failure: If applications crash after clearing the cache, the partition may be damaged. /dataSolution: perform a reset via Recovery (but this will delete all data!).

    📊 Comparison of cleaning methods:

    Method Efficiency Risks When to use
    Manual cleaning via “Settings” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ No risks Regular maintenance
    Bulk cleaning (via storage) ⭐⭐⭐ May slow down applications Low memory
    Recovery Mode ⭐⭐ Reset Dalvik Cache System errors
    ADB ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Requires a PC and skills Cleaning system applications
    File manager ⭐⭐⭐ Risk of deleting important files Selective cleaning
    💡

    If after clearing the cache Google Play Market stops working, remove updates for Google Play Services in Settings → Applications and reboot the device.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Android

    ❓ Is it possible to clear the cache every day?

    No, it is necessary to clear the cache frequently. applications constantly reload data, which increases traffic and battery consumption. The optimal frequency is not recommended. Frequently clearing the cache forces applications to constantly reload data, which increases traffic and battery consumption. Optimal frequency - 1 time in 1-2 weeks or when there is insufficient memory.

    ❓ What is the difference between “Clear cache” and “Clear” data"?

    Clear cache deletes temporary files (for example, video thumbnails, map caches) without affecting settings or accounts. Clear data resets the application to factory settings —you will be logged out of your account, lose game saves, etc.

    ❓ Why does it take a long time to load after clearing the cache Instagram or VK ?

    This is normal: applications need to reload the data (photos, videos, stories). To speed up the process, connect to Wi-Fi and do not close the application for 5-10 minutes.

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

    Yes, but not on all firmwares. data-i="316">there are built-in tools (see the section about Samsung And Xiaomi there are built-in tools (see the section about mass cleaning). On a clean Android you will have to use ADB or third-party applications.

    ❓ Cleaning cache deletes passwords or saved games?

    No, passwords (if they are saved in Google Smart Lock) and progress in games (if they are linked to Google Play Games or Facebook) remain intact. local saves (without linking to an account) may be lost if you select Clear data.

    🔍 Interesting fact: Q Android 15 Google is testing a function Partial Cache Clearingthat will allow you to clear the cache only for certain components of the application (for example, only for videos in YouTube, but not for thumbnails). For now, this option is only available in beta versions of the firmware.