The Internet cache on Android is temporary files that browsers and applications save to speed up the loading of pages, images and multimedia. Over time, this “digital junk” takes up gigabytes of memory, slows down your device, and can cause applications to crash. For example, sites are displayed incorrectly, YouTube freezes when scrolling, and Google Chrome gives the error “The page is not responding.”

Clearing the cache solves these problems, but it is important to do it correctly. Uncontrolled deletion of all temporary files can lead to losing autofill form data, logging out of accounts and re-downloading media files the next time you visit sites.. This guide contains proven methods for all versions of Android (from Android 8 Oreo to Android 15), including cleaning through system settings, browsers and third-party utilities.

1. Clearing the cache through Android settings

The most universal method is to use the built-in system tools. It is suitable for deleting cache all applications at once or selectively (for example, only for browsers). The interface may differ slightly depending on the shell (MIUI, One UI, ColorOS), but the general logic remains the same.

How to clear the cache of all applications:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Storage (or Memory)
  • 🧹 Select Clear cache or Free up space
  • 🔄 Confirm the action (the system will show how much memory will be freed)

For selective cleaning:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings → Applications
  • 🔍 Find the application you need (for example Chrome or Yandex.Browser)
  • 🗑️ Click Storage → Clear cache

Make sure that important tabs in the browser are saved in bookmarks

Close all active applications

Connect the device to charge (for long-term operations)

Check the free space on the device (minimum 10% of the total volume)

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⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Xiaomi, Realme) the "Clear cache" option may be hidden behind the additional menu. If it is not in the "Storage" section, try the following path: Settings → Advanced → Privacy → Data clearing.

2. cache in Google Chrome

Google Chrome is the most popular browser on Android, and its cache often grows to several gigabytes. Clearing through the browser settings allows you to delete only unnecessary temporary files without affecting account data (bookmarks, passwords, history).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Chrome and tap on ⋮ (three dots) → History
  2. Select Clear browsing data
  3. Set the period (recommended All time)
  4. Tick the following boxes:
    • 🗃️ Cookies and site data
    • 🖼️ Cached images and files
  • Click Clear data
    • What happens after clearing the cache in Chrome?

    Sites will load slower on the first visit (the cache will have to be created again).

    Some pages may ask you to re-enter your login/password (if you did not use a saved Google password).

    Autofill forms (addresses, payment information) will be reset if not synchronized with Google account.

    💡 Useful. tip: If after cleaning Chrome it starts to work worse, try disabling experimental features. To do this, enter chrome://flagsin the address bar, find the option #enable-android-web-contents-dark-mode and set it to Disabled.

    3. Clearing the cache in other browsers (Yandex, Opera, Firefox)

    The algorithm for clearing the cache in alternative browsers is similar, but the paths to the settings are different. Below are instructions for three popular browsers, taking into account their features.

    Browser Path to clear the cache Features
    Yandex.Browser ⋮ → History → Clear history → Cache You can clear the cache separately from the history and cookies
    Opera ⚙️ → Clear data → Cached images Has a built-in VPN - its cache is cleared separately
    Firefox ☰ → Settings → Deleting personal data → Cache Supports "Hard cleaning" (removes Service Workers)

    ⚠️ Attention: B Firefox when clearing the cache, the state of tabs may be reset if synchronization with your account is not enabled MozillaBefore the procedure, save open pages to a collection or send them to yourself. via Share → Send to device.

    📊 What browser do you use on Android?
    Google Chrome
    Yandex.Browser
    Opera
    Firefox
    Other

    4. Using third-party utilities to clear the cache

    If manually clearing the cache is inconvenient, you can use specialized applications. They analyze the device, find unnecessary files (including residual cache) and offer to optimize memory:

    • 🛠️ CCleaner - scans the cache, residual APK files, duplicates. data-i="118">— built-in tool for cleaning “garbage”
    • 🧹 Files by Google — built-in tool for cleaning “garbage”
    • 🔍 SD Maid — finds the cache of system applications (requires root for full access)

    🔹 How to work with CCleaner:

    1. Install the application from Google Play
    2. Run analysis (Quick cleaning → Start)
    3. Select categories to clean (check Application cache and Residual files)
    4. Click Clear
    💡

    Before using utilities, check their rating in Google Play and the date of the last update. Applications that have not been updated for more than 6 months may contain vulnerabilities.

    ⚠️ Attention: Some "optimizers" (for example, Clean Master) aggressively delete files, which can lead to crashes in Android. Avoid apps that ask for rights Accessibility Service unnecessarily.

    5. Clearing the DNS cache and network settings

    Cache DNS (domain name systems) and network settings also affect Internet speed. If sites take a long time to load or display an error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, try resetting this data.

    Cleaning methods:

    • 🌐 Reset DNS cache:
      1. Open the application Phone
      2. Enter ##4636## (testing menu will open)
      3. Select Usage statistics → Clear DNS cache
    • 🔄 Reset network settings: 
      Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings
      Note: This will delete everything saved Wi-Fi networks and paired Bluetooth devices.
      • 💡

      Clearing the DNS cache helps if sites do not open despite a stable Internet connection. This is especially true when using a VPN or custom DNS (for example, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1).

      6. Automatic cache clearing: setting up a schedule

      You can configure it to avoid clearing the cache manually. automatic cleaning using system tools or third-party applications. For example, Android 12+ has a built-in "Adaptive Cleaning" function that deletes unused cache when there is low memory.

      How to enable automatic cleaning:

      1. Go to Settings → Battery → Adaptive settings
      2. Activate the option Clear cache when battery is low (not available on all devices)
      3. For advanced settings use MacroDroid or Tasker (requires automation skills)

      📊 Recommended cleaning frequency:

      • 📅 1 time per week — for ordinary users
      • 📅 1 time every 2-3 days —if active use browsers and social networks
      • 📅 Manually if necessary - if you notice lag or loading errors

      7. What to do if clearing the cache did not help?

      If after clearing the cache the problems remain (sites do not load, applications crash), check the following points:

      Advanced diagnostics

      1. Internet problems: Check the speed via Speedtest or nPerf. If ping > 200 ms, the problem is on the provider's side.

      2. Viruses: Scan the device Malwarebytes or built-in Google Play Protect.

      3. Damaged system files: Run in Safe Mode (hold the power button →"Reboot in safe mode"). If everything works in it, third-party software is to blame.

      4. Outdated firmware: Update Android in Settings → System → Software update.

      🔧 Additional actions:

      • 🔄 Reinstall the problematic application (for example, Chrome)
      • 📡 Change DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in Wi-Fi settings
      • 🛠️ Reset the network settings (see section 5)

      ⚠️ Attention: If after all the manipulations the browsers still do not work correctly, check if the traffic saving mode is enabled in the SIM card settings. On some tariffs, operators block access to certain resources.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ❓ Do you need to clear the cache regularly?

      Not necessary. Android manages the cache on its own, deleting old files when there is not enough space. Cleaning is only needed if:

      • Applications start to slow down
      • Sites are not displayed correctly (old version of the page)
      • You need to make room for an OS update
      ❓ Is it possible to clear the cache for a specific site in Chrome?

      Yes, open the site, click on ⋮ → Information → Permissions → Clear data. will delete the cache and cookies only for this domain.

      ❓ Why do some sites ask you to re-enter your login after clearing the cache?

      The cache often stores authentication tokens After clearing, sites “forget” that you are there. are authorized. To avoid this, before cleaning:

      • Save passwords in Google Password Manager
      • Use the "Export cookies" function (available through extensions like Cookie-Editor)
      ❓ Is it safe to use applications to clear the cache?

      Most popular utilities (for example Files by Google) are safe, but:

      • 🚫 Avoid apps with ratings below 4.0 and few reviews
      • 🔍 Check permission requests (there should be no access to SMS or calls)
      • 🛡️ Give preference to applications from well-known developers (Google, Piriform)
      ❓ How to clear the cache in applications that do not have this option in the settings?

      Use one of the methods:

      1. Through Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Storage → Clear cache
      2. Using ADB (for advanced users): 
        adb shell pm clear [package_name]

        You can find out package_name via App Inspector or command adb shell pm list packages