Full clearing the cache on Android using Total Commander

Modern smartphones based on Android start to work slower over time, and one of the main reasons for this phenomenon is the accumulation of temporary files. Many users are accustomed to relying on built-in “cleaning” tools, which often remove only superficial debris, leaving deep system deposits untouched.

For deeper and more effective cleaning, you need a specialized tool that can provide direct access to the file system. Total Commander is one of the most reliable file managers, which allows you not only to delete files, but also to conduct a total audit of the device’s memory, finding hidden ones cache folders that standard tools ignore.

In this article we will analyze in detail the process of safely clearing application and system caches using Total Commander. You will learn which directories can be touched without fear of breaking the system, and which files are best left alone so as not to disrupt the operation of operating system.

Preparing a file manager and obtaining access rights

Before you begin deleting data, you need to make sure that your tool has sufficient permissions to work with system directories. Standard installation Total Commander iz Google Play works in limited access mode for security reasons of the new version Android.

To fully work with the cache of all applications, including system ones, you will need to grant the manager special rights. In new versions of the OS, this is done through the accessibility menu or by providing access to manage all files in the privacy settings.

Without these settings, you will only be able to clear the user cache in open folders, but will not be able to get to the hidden sections where the main “garbage” from background processes accumulates.

⚠️ Attention: Granting full access rights to the file the manager gives him the ability to delete any data on the device. Be extremely careful and do not delete files whose purpose you do not know.

Search and analyze the main application cache folders

After setting access rights, open Total Commander and go to the root directory of the internal storage. The main place where temporary files of user applications accumulate is in the folder Android/data.

Here, each subfolder corresponds to a specific installed application and has a name that matches its package name (for example, com.instagram.android). Inside these directories there is often a folder cachethat can take up gigabytes of space.

It is also worth paying attention to the directory Android/obb. Although game cache files (textures, levels) are mainly stored there, deleting them may require re-downloading the content the next time you start the game, so approach this folder selectively.

• 📂 Folder Android/data is the main cache storage for social networks and instant messengers.
• 🎮 Folder Android/obb —contains heavy game files, delete only if the game is no longer needed.
• 📸 Folder DCIM/.thumbnails —hidden folder with gallery thumbnails, often growing to enormous sizes.

Using the built-in file search in Total Commander significantly speeds up process. You can set a search mask .tmp or .logto find scattered temporary files scattered in different corners of the file system.

Clearing the system cache and Dalvik folder

The system cache is a more complex area that requires careful attention. Unlike user data, files necessary for quick loading of the operating system are stored here. In some cases, deep cleaning requires access to the partition and operation of basic services Google.

In some cases, deep cleaning requires access to the partition /data/dalvik-cache. This directory contains optimized application files (ODEX) that speed up their launch. Clearing this partition will force the system to re-create them at the next boot.

What will happen when clearing Dalvik-cache?

When you delete the contents of this folder, the first system startup after a reboot will be much longer than usual. Don’t be alarmed if the phone “thinks” for 5-10 minutes - it simply compiles the application code again.

Do not try to delete files from the folder /system manually through a file manager without rooting rights and deep knowledge - this will most likely lead to the device being “bricked” or an endless reboot (bootloop).

It is safest to limit yourself to clearing cache folders in the user partition and using the “Clear Cache” function through Recovery mode if the memory problem is critical.

Cache Type	Location	Deletion Security	Implications
User cache	/Android/data/.../cache	High	Applications take a little longer to load on first launch
Thumbnail cache	/DCIM/.thumbnails	High	The gallery will slowly load preview photos
Dalvik/ART cache	/data/dalvik-cache	Medium	Long first boot of the system after cleaning
System cache	/cache (section)	Medium	Resetting temporary system settings

Using plugins to automate the process

Manually deleting files one by one is a labor-intensive process, especially if more than a hundred applications are installed on the smartphone. Total Commander supports the installation of plugins that can automate the search and removal of garbage.

One of the popular solutions is a plugin All-In-One Toolbox or specialized scripts for TC, which scan the device using specified masks. They allow you to select all files with the extension .log, .tmp or empty folders with one click.

To install the plugin, download the archive with the extension .tcp and open it through the file manager interface. The system will prompt you to install the extension, after which new functions will appear in the tools menu.

• 🔌 Plugin Root Tools — is necessary for working with system partitions on rooted devices.
• 🔍 Plugin Search — advanced search by file contents, not just by names.
• 🧹 Plugin Cleaner —automatic detection of duplicates and empty directories.

Automation saves time, but blind trust in scripts is dangerous. Always review the list of files marked for deletion before confirming the operation.

Clearing the cache of specific "heavy" applications

Some applications, such as Telegram, WhatsApp or YouTubehave their own cache storage mechanisms that may be duplicated in the general one folder Android/data and in the internal storage of the application.

For example, Telegram stores media files in a folder Telegram at the root of the internal memory. Simply deleting the cache folder through Total Commander may not clear downloaded videos and photos if they were saved to the gallery.

It is recommended to combine manual cleaning through the file manager with the built-in tools of the applications themselves. Go to the messenger settings, find the “Data and memory” section and use the “Clear cache” button there, and then check the residual files through TC.

Often, after updating the application, old installation files .apk remain in the downloads folder or in service directories. Searching for files by mask *.apk in the root of the disk will help you find and remove outdated installers, freeing up space.

Prevention and setting up regular cleaning

In order not to encounter the problem of low memory regularly, it is useful to develop the habit of auditing the file system once a month. Total Commander allows you to create bookmarks for frequently used folders with a cache for quick access.

Create a panel with shortcuts on the path /Android/data, /DCIM/.thumbnails i /Download. This will reduce navigation time and make the cleaning process a routine and quick procedure.

Also keep an eye on the folder Download. Often, users forget about downloaded files that lie there for months. Sorting files by modification date in Details will help you quickly identify old unnecessary content.

⚠️ Attention: Application interfaces and folder structure may change with Android version updates. If you do not find the specified folder, use the keyword search inside Total Commander.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to delete the entire Android/data folder?

Deleting the entire folder is not recommended. This will reset many applications and cause the loss of cached data (such as offline maps or levels in games). It’s better to go inside and clean only the subfolders cache of specific applications.

Why does the cache quickly fill up again after cleaning?

This is normal system behavior. Applications create a cache to speed up their work. If the cache grows abnormally quickly, there may be an error in the operation of a particular application, or you actively use video content.

Do you need root access to clear the cache through Total Commander?

To clear the user cache in a folder /Android/data root access is not needed, just give permission to manage files. To access system partitions like /data/dalvik-cache superuser rights are required.

Is it possible to delete the .thumbnails folder forever?

You can delete it, but the system or gallery will create it again the first time you view photos. It is more effective not to delete the folder, but to regularly clean its contents or disable the creation of thumbnails in some third-party galleries.

What to do if Total Commander does not see files in the Android folder?

In Android 11 and higher, access to this folder is limited. You need to give the manager special permission through the phone settings: Settings → Applications → Total Commander → Access to files and media → Allow management of all files.