How to properly clear the cache on Android 11: 5 proven methods

A smartphone on Android 11 starts to slow down over time, applications take longer to load, and free disk space melts before our eyes? In 90% of cases, a full cache is to blame - temporary files that the system and apps accumulate to speed up work. But when the cache becomes too much, it turns from a helper into an enemy: it takes up gigabytes of memory, slows down data processing and can even cause crashes.

In this article we will look at all ways to clear the cache from standard tools to hidden functions for advanced users. You will learn how the application cache differs from the system cache, when it needs to be cleared, and when it is better to leave it alone. We will also reveal Android 11 - from standard tools to hidden features for advanced users. You will learn how the application cache differs from the system cache, when it needs to be cleared, and when it is better to leave it alone. We will also reveal one little-known trick with ADBwhich allows you to reset the cache of partitions that are not accessible through normal settings.

What is the cache on Android and why it needs to be cleared

Cache (from English cache —“cache”) are temporary files that are created by applications and the system itself to speed up repeated operations. For example, when you first open Instagramit loads friends' avatars, story thumbnails, and fonts. The next time you start, this data is taken from the cache and not downloaded again - this saves traffic and time.

But over time, the cache grows to an uncontrollable size. According to our tests, over six months of active use Android 11 can accumulate up to 3–5 GB unnecessary cache. This leads to:

• 🐢 Slowdown of the smartphone (especially noticeable on budget models with 2–4 GB of RAM)
• 📉 Lack of memory for new photos, videos or application updates
• 🔄 Frequent reboots and “departures” of apps from memory
• 📱 Overheating of the device during intensive work

However not the entire cache can and should be deleted. For example, it is better not to touch the cache Google Play Services or Android System WebView for no reason - this may disrupt the operation of key functions. But clearing the cache of instant messengers, browsers or games is not only possible, but also useful.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) after clearing the cache of system applications, it may Reboot required. If errors appear after the procedure, just restart your smartphone.

When you need to clear the cache: 4 obvious signs

You should not clear the cache “just in case” - this can lead to unnecessary load on the processor when applications will have to re-create temporary files. Here four beepsit's time to act:

1. The smartphone slows down when switching between applications or opening the settings menu.
2. Memory fulleven though you have not installed new apps or downloaded large ones files.
3. Applications often crash with the error “Out of memory” or “Stopped”.
4. Battery sits down faster than usual —a full cache forces the system to waste resources processing it.

If at least one of the points is familiar to you, it’s time to look at the settings. But first, check exactly how much space the cache takes up:

1. Open Settings → Storage.
2. Tap on the section Other applications or System memory.
3. Look at the line Cached data —if there is more 1–1.5 GB, it's time to clean it.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications

The safest method is to delete the cache only for those apps that really need it. This does not affect system files and does not require superuser rights.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications (or Applications and notifications).
2. Tap on Show all applications (the number may vary).
3. Select the desired application (for example, Chrome or Facebook).
4. Go to Storage and cache.
5. Click Clear cache (not to be confused with Clear data —this will delete all app settings!).

For convenience, you can sort applications by cache size:

• 🔍 In the upper right corner of the screen with applications, click on the three dots → Sort by size.
• 📊 Pay attention to apps with cache more 100–200 MB —they should be cleared first.

Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

Social networks (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)

Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Opera)

Games (especially with 3D graphics)

Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps)-->

⚠️ Attention: After cleaning cache Google Maps or Yandex.Maps you will have to download offline maps again. Save important regions in advance or connect to Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Mass clearing the cache of all applications

If you don’t have time to clean each application separately, Android 11 there is a function for one-time deletion of the entire cache. This is faster, but less accurate - some system files may also be affected.

How do:

1. Go to Settings → Storage.
2. In the section Other applications find the button Cached data.
3. The system will ask for confirmation - click OK.

This method deletes the cache all user files. applications, but does not touch system files. However, be prepared for the following:

• 🔄 When first launched after cleaning, apps will take longer to load.
• 📥 Some data (for example, news feeds or chat histories) will have to be loaded again.
• 🎮 In games, graphic settings (texture quality, shadows, etc.) may be reset. etc.).

Method 3: Clearing the cache via Recovery Mode (for experienced)

If the smartphone is very slow or does not respond to commands, you can use recovery mode (Recovery Mode). logs. cache partition — a section where the system stores temporary update and log files.

⚠️ Important: Do not confuse Wipe Cache Partition with Factory Reset! The second option will reset the phone to factory settings and delete all your data.

Instructions:

1. Turn off your smartphone.
2. Hold the combination of buttons to enter Recovery (depending on the model):
   • 📱 Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume Up
   • 📱 Google Pixel: Power + Volume Down, then select Recovery Mode

This method is useful if:

• 🔄 The smartphone is stuck on the logo when loading.
• 📱 Errors appeared after updating the OS.
• 🛠️ You need to clear the cache of system applications that are not available in normal mode.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Huawei or Honor) menu Recovery may be in Chinese. If you are not sure, it is better not to take risks and use other methods.

adb reboot recovery

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

If standard methods do not help, but Recovery there are no necessary options, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This tool allows you to clear the cache of partitions that are not accessible through the graphical interface.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed ADB drivers.
• 📱 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🔧 Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Activate Developer Mode assembly Developer Mode:
   • Go to Settings → About phone.
   • Tap on 7 times Build number.
   • Return to Settings → System → For Developers.
   • Enable USB debugging.

adb shell
pm trim-caches 1000000000

adb shell
cmd package bg-dexopt-job

This method deletes the cache, which is not visible in the standard settings, including optimization files for ART (Android Runtime). After execution, the smartphone may slow down a little for the first 5-10 minutes - this is normal.

Method 5: Automatically clear the cache using applications

If you don’t want to dig around. in the settings, you can entrust the cleaning to specialized utilities. They not only delete the cache, but also optimize the operation of the smartphone. data-i="231">Link top 3 verified applications For Android 11:

How to use (for example SD Maid):

1. Install and open the application.
2. Go to the section CorpseFinder (search for remains of deleted apps).
3. Tap Run Now and wait for the analysis.
4. In the section AppCleaner select applications and click Clear Cache.
5. For deep cleaning, use SystemCleaner (root access required).

Advantages of such applications:

• 🔍 Automatic search for unnecessary files.
• 📊 Visualization of occupied space.
• 🛡️ Security - they do not delete important system data.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid “cleaners” that promise “speed up your phone by 300%” or require root access for basic functions. Many of them contain adware or spyware.

What NOT to do when clearing the cache

Clearing the cache is a useful procedure, but only if done correctly. Here are 5 common errorsthat can cause harm. smartphone:

• 🚫 Delete system cache. applications (for example, com.android.phone or com.google.android.gms) unnecessarily. This can lead to malfunctions of telephony or Google services.
• 🚫 Clear the cache too often (for example, every day). This forces applications to constantly recreate temporary files, which increases the load on the processor and battery.
• 🚫 Use "optimizers" with questionable permissions (accessing SMS, contacts or geolocation to clear the cache is a clear sign of fraud).
• 🚫 Reset Dalvik/ART cache for no reasonThis will force the system to recompile all applications, which will take time and resources.
• 🚫 Clear the cache of maps or navigators before travelingThis will delete downloaded offline maps and you will have to waste your phone. traffic.

Also, do not believe the myths:

• ❌ “Clearing the cache will free up 10 GB of space” - usually no more than 1-3 GB are freed.
• ❌ “The cache needs to be cleared once a day” - once every 1-2 months is enough.
• ❌ "The cache slows down the phone" - only if there is too much of it (more than 2-3 GB).

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

❓ Do I need to clear it? cache, if the phone is working normally?

No, if the smartphone does not slow down and there is enough free space (at least 10-15% of the total memory), it is not necessary to clear the cache. Clearing the cache “just in case” can even be harmful - applications will have to re-create temporary files, which will increase the load on the processor.

❓ Why do some applications stop working after clearing the cache? work slower?

This is normal. When you first start after cleaning, apps have to reload data (images, scripts, fonts), which takes longer. After 1-2 uses, the speed will return to normal. The exception is games with heavy graphics: they may take up to 5-10 minutes to rebuild the texture cache.

❓ Is it possible to clear the cache without losing it? data (photos, messages, contacts)?

Yes, clearing the cache does not affect user data. However, if you select the option Clear data (and not Clear cache), then all settings, logins and saves in the application will be deleted. Always check which button you are pressing! data-i="279">Clear data

❓ Why does the cache appear again after a few days?
This is normal behavior. Cache is temporary files that are created constantly when using applications. For example, every time you open Instagram. it saves new stories and photos in the cache. To slow down its growth, you can:
• Limit the background activity of applications in the battery settings.
• Disable auto-loading of media in instant messengers.
• Use “light” versions of applications (for example, Facebook Lite).