Modern smartphones, even such productive models as Honor 9X, begin to work slower over time. This is a natural process associated with the accumulation of a huge number of temporary files on the system. When you actively use social networks, watch videos or install new games, the operating system EMUI saves data for quick access to it in the future.
However, this mechanism, designed to speed up work, has the opposite effect over time. Overflowing application cache occupies precious space in the internal memory and can cause software malfunctions. If your phone starts to get warm, slow down, or unexpectedly close apps, it’s most likely time to do a general cleaning of your digital space.
In this article we will look in detail at all the available ways to free up memory. You will learn not only about standard settings, but also about advanced methods that will help restore your model to its former speed. It is important to understand the difference between clearing data and clearing the cache so as not to accidentally delete important information.
Why does the cache take up so much space on Honor 9X
The cache is a buffer memory where thumbnails of images, web page scripts and intermediate files of app work are stored. On the model Honor 9X with its large screen and high resolution, these files can weigh quite a lot. Over time, the size of such storage can reach several gigabytes, which is critical for devices with an internal memory of 64 or 128 GB.
The main consumers of free space are usually browsers and instant messengers. For example, Telegram or WhatsApp save every photo and video you view in a cache, even if you have already seen this content. This is done so that when you reopen the chat, the media files are downloaded instantly, without contacting the server.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the browser cache will lead to the fact that you will have to re-enter passwords on some sites, since saved sessions will be deleted along with temporary files.
It is also worth noting that some system processes create their own own temporary files for updating indexing or downloading security patches. If these files are not automatically deleted, they form so-called "garbage" which slows down the file system. Regular cleaning helps maintain performance performance at a high level.
Check the cache size once a month. If it exceeds 1-2 GB, this is a signal for immediate cleaning to prevent interface slowdowns.
Standard cleaning method through system settings
The safest and easiest way to free up space is to use the built-in shell tools EMUI. The developers Huawei i Honor have provided a special optimization module that automatically finds unnecessary files. First, you need to open the main menu and find the application icon Phone Manager.
After launching the utility, the system will conduct a quick diagnostic. You will be prompted to click a Clearbutton, which will delete unnecessary files. However, for deeper work, you should go to the Storage section inside the dispatcher. Here you will see a detailed breakdown of data types: applications, images, videos and system cache.
- 📱 Click on the "Cache" item to see a list of applications that take up the most space.
- 🗑️ Use the button “Clear all” to massively delete temporary files of all apps at once.
- ⚙️ Go to the storage settings to enable automatic cleaning when free memory is low.
This method is ideal for ordinary users who do not want to risk the integrity of their data. The system itself determines which files can be deleted without harming the operation of apps. However, sometimes the automatic analyzer misses some old logs or remnants of deleted applications.
Manually clearing the cache of specific applications
Sometimes the problem lies not in the overall amount of garbage, but in one specific application that incorrectly manages its temporary files. In such cases, fine-tuning is required through the app management menu. This allows you to delete the cache of “heavy” software without affecting the data of other utilities.
To perform this procedure, go to the section Settings, then select the item Applications. In the list that opens, find the desired app, for example YouTube or Instagram. By clicking on the name, you will be taken to the control menu, where you need to select the tab Memory.
Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Memory → Clear cacheHere you will see two buttons: “Clear cache” and “Erase data”. It is extremely important not to confuse them. The first deletes only temporary files, while the second completely resets the application to its factory state, deleting your logins, settings and progress. To solve the memory problem, we only need the first option.
⚠️ Attention: The "Erase data" button will delete the entire history of correspondence in instant messengers if you have not made a backup copy. Use it only as a last resort when the application malfunctions.
Pay special attention to the gallery and Google services. Often they are the ones who accumulate gigantic volumes of miniature photographs and maps. Regular manual cleaning of these services can free up to 500 MB of free space, which is essential for system performance.
☑️ Checking for problematic applications
Use Recovery mode for complete cleaning
If the phone is unstable, freezes on the screensaver or standard methods do not help, you can use the mode recovery Recovery. This method allows you to clear the system cache at a deeper level that is not accessible from the regular settings menu. This is a kind of “spring cleaning” for the operating system.
To enter this mode, you must completely turn off your smartphone. Then hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo appears Honor, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume until the recovery menu appears.
In the menu Recovery control is carried out by the volume buttons (up and down) and the power button (select). You need to find the item Wipe cache partition. Selecting this item will start the process of clearing the service memory section, where temporary system files and updates are stored.
| Action | Control button | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Menu navigation | Volume Up / Down | Move cursor |
| Confirm selection | Power button | Start function |
| Exit mode | Item Reboot system | Reboot to Android |
This procedure is absolutely safe for your personal data: photos, contacts and messages. It only affects system temporary files. After the operation is completed, select Reboot system now to reboot the device. The first startup may take a little longer than usual.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not appear?
If pressing the buttons does not produce results, try connecting the phone to the computer via a USB cable before turning it on. On some firmware versions, this is a prerequisite for entering recovery mode.
Features of the EROFS file system
The smartphone Honor 9X uses a modern file system EROFS (Enhanced Read-Only File System). It was developed by the company Huawei specially to increase data reading speed and save space. Unlike older systems, EROFS compresses data on the fly, which makes clearing the cache even more important to maintain high write speeds.
Thanks to this technology, even when the memory is 90% full, the phone should not slow down critically. However, the compression mechanism requires CPU resources. If the cache is full, the processor has to spend more time processing requests to the file system, which leads to heat in the case and rapid drainage of the battery.
Regular cleaning helps the file system operate at its optimal level. When there is free space on the disk, compression and block allocation algorithms work more efficiently. This is especially true for the basic version of a smartphone with 64 GB of memory, where every gigabyte counts.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to format memory partitions with third-party apps. Interfering with the EROFS structure may make it impossible to boot the system and will require flashing the device at a service center.
Prevention and setting up automatic optimization
In order not to have to do manual cleaning every week, you can configure your smartphone for automatic maintenance. Phone Manager has an Optimization feature that you can schedule. The system itself will close background processes and remove obvious garbage at a specified time, for example, at night, when the phone is not in use.
It is also recommended to disable startup for rarely used applications. Go to the battery settings and select Running applications. Switch the mode from automatic to manual and prevent apps that you do not need from running in the background all the time. This will significantly reduce the amount of cache they create.
- 🔋 Turn on the "Energy Saving" mode at night to limit background activity.
- 📶 Disable auto-updating of applications via the mobile network so as not to download unnecessary temporary files to roaming.
- 🧹 Set up a cleaning widget on the main screen for quick access to the garbage removal function.
Remember that no cleaning app from third-party stores can work more efficiently than the built-in tools EMUI. On the contrary, such applications often create unnecessary load on the system and display intrusive advertising. Trust only official tools from the manufacturer.
The built-in Honor phone manager copes with cleaning better than any third-party utilities, as it has deep access to system processes without the risk of security breaches.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my WhatsApp correspondence be deleted when cleaning cache?
No, clearing the cache only affects temporary files, such as image thumbnails or downloaded stickers. The correspondence history itself, contacts and account settings will be saved in full. Delete only the cache, not application data.
How often should you clear the cache on Honor 9X?
The optimal frequency is once every 2-3 weeks when actively using the smartphone. If you notice that the phone starts to work slower or the memory is more than 85% full, you should clean it immediately, regardless of the schedule.
Is it safe to use Recovery mode for an ordinary user?
Yes, the "Wipe cache partition" item in the Recovery menu is safe. It does not delete your personal files (photos, videos, documents). The risk only arises if you accidentally select the “Wipe data/factory reset” option, which resets the phone to factory settings.
Why does the cache quickly fill up again after clearing?
This is normal system behavior. Applications create a cache to speed up their work. If the cache grows abnormally quickly (gigabytes per day), perhaps one of the applications is not working correctly and requires updating or reinstalling.
Is it possible to transfer the application cache to a memory card?
In modern versions of Android and the EMUI shell, the ability to transfer the cache to an external memory card is limited or absent for system stability. The cache should be stored on a fast internal drive to ensure high responsiveness of the interface.