How to clear the cache on Android Samsung A20: Complete guide

Smartphone Samsung Galaxy A20, despite its age, remains a popular device due to the balance of price and functionality. However, over time, any device based on Android begins to work more slowly, responds to presses with a delay, or spontaneously reboots. Often the reason for this behavior is not hardware wear, but the accumulation of temporary files that the system and applications save to quickly load data.

This hidden data is called cache. They help apps run faster when restarted, but too much of them can lead to conflicts, display errors, and critical lack of free space. Clearing the cache on Samsung A20 is a safe and effective procedure that can return the device to its former performance without losing personal photos or contacts.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for deleting temporary files: from simple cleaning through settings to advanced methods through recovery mode. You will learn how to properly manage the memory of your gadget and what actions can harm the system.

The concept of cache and its impact on system operation

The cache is a memory area where temporary data is stored. When you open a social network, browser or game, the device saves some of the graphics, scripts and settings so that the next time you start it, it does not download them again from the Internet or internal memory. This significantly saves traffic and reduces the load on the processor.

However, over time, the volume of such files can reach several gigabytes. Given the limited internal memory of the model A20 (which is often 32 GB or 64 GB), this becomes a critical problem. The system begins to experience difficulties writing new data, which causes the interface to slow down.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the cache deletes only temporary files. Your personal data, such as photos, videos, contacts and instant messenger conversations, remain completely safe. Do not confuse this procedure with a factory reset.

There are two main types of caching: individual cache applications and system partition cache. The first can be cleared selectively for each app, the second affects the operation of the entire operating system One UI. Understanding this difference is important for proper maintenance of the device.

Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The simplest and a safe way to free up space is to delete the temporary files of a particular app that is taking up a lot of space. This method does not require special knowledge and is available directly from your desktop. It is ideal for solving problems with one specific utility freezing.

First you need to get to the app management menu. On smartphones Samsung the path to these settings may differ slightly depending on the shell version One UI, but the general algorithm remains the same. You need to find the section responsible for the installed software.

Follow the following steps sequentially:

• 📱 Open the main menu and find the icon Settings (gear).
• 📂 Go to the section Applications or Application Manager.
• 🔍 In the list, find the desired app (for example, YouTube or Chrome) and click on it.
• 💾 Select the item Memory or Storage inside the application menu.
• 🧹 Press the button Clear cache at the bottom of the screen.

Pay attention to the button next to it - Clear data. Clicking it will completely reset the app to the “as after installation” state. You will lose logins, settings and saved files inside this application. Use this function only as a last resort, when clearing the cache did not help.

Mass clearing the cache of all applications at once

If your Samsung A20 started to slow down in general, and not in individual apps, it makes sense to do a general cleaning. Built-in system tools allow you to delete temporary files of all installed utilities in one pass. This saves time, since you do not need to go into the settings of each app separately.

The device optimization function is a proprietary feature of the shell from Samsung. It automatically analyzes the system state, closes background processes and offers to remove garbage. Access to this tool is located at the top level of your phone settings.

Algorithm of actions for mass cleaning:

• ⚙️ Go to Settings your smartphone.
• 🛠️ Find and open the section Device Maintenance (sometimes called Device Care).
• 📉 Click on the item Memory or directly on the button Clean up nowif it visible on the main screen of the section.
• ✅ The system will scan the device and show the volume of files being deleted.

After the process is completed, it is worth noting that this method deletes mostly empty files and. cache of system services, but can also affect the cache of user applications. This is the most gentle option for comprehensive cleaning.

Using the Files by Google application

Built-in tools are not always enough. For deeper and smarter cleaning, many users install third-party utilities. One of the best solutions for the platform Android is the official application Files by Google. It is free, does not contain intrusive advertising and works great on series models. A.

This application does not just delete files. at the touch of a button, it analyzes their contents. The app can find duplicate photos, old screenshots that you no longer need, and truly unused cache. The application interface is intuitive and translated into Russian.

How to use the cleaning function:

• 📥 Download the application Files from store Google Playif it is not already installed.
• 🧹 Open the app and go to the tab Cleaning in the lower left corner.
• 🗑️ Find the card with name Unused applications or Temporary files.
• 👆 Press the button Clear and confirm deletion in the pop-up window.

A feature Files by Google is the ability to selectively delete. You can decide for yourself which files to send to the trash. This gives the user complete control over the process and eliminates accidental deletion of important data, which sometimes happens when using aggressive “cleaners” from unknown developers.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid installing dubious applications like "Super Cleaner", "RAM Booster" and other analogues with dubious ratings. They are often a source of advertising and can slow down your work Samsung A20 instead of speeding it up.

Clearing the system cache via Recovery Mode

If the phone is unstable after updating the firmware or cleaning through the settings does not produce results, you will need a more radical method. Recovery mode (Recovery Mode) allows you to clear the system cache partition (Wipe Cache Partition) This procedure deletes temporary files of the operating system itself without affecting your personal data.

Entering this mode on modern ones. smartphones Samsung requires connection to a computer via a USB cable. This is a security feature introduced in the latest versions. One UI. Without a connected cable, the button combination may not work or lead to the boot menu instead of recovery.

Instructions for entering Recovery and cleaning:

1. Turn off the smartphone Samsung A20 completely.
2. Connect the device with a USB cable to a switched on computer or laptop.
3. Press simultaneously the Volume Up and Power buttons.
4. Hold them until the logo appears Samsung, then release the power button, but continue to hold Volume Up.
5. When a menu with a black background and colored text appears, release all buttons.

Navigation in this menu is carried out with the volume buttons (up and down), and the selection is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the item Wipe cache partition. Be extremely careful: do not confuse it with item Wipe data/factory reset, which will delete all information from the phone.

1. Reboot system now
2. Apply update from ADB
3. Wipe data/factory reset
4. Wipe cache partition <-- SELECT THIS ITEM
5. Mount /system

After selecting the item Wipe cache partition the system will ask for confirmation. Select Yes and wait for the process to complete at the bottom of the screen. When the message "Cache wipe complete" appears, select Reboot system now to reboot. The first startup may take longer than usual - this is normal.

What to do if the Recovery menu does not appear?

If the button combination does not work, make sure that the cable is working and the computer is turned on. Try holding down the buttons before connecting the cable, and then connect it while holding the keys. Some versions of the software require connection to the original charger, and not to the PC.

Comparison of cleaning methods and their effectiveness

Various methods for deleting temporary files have their own specific application. It is not always worth using the “heavy artillery” in the form of recovery mode to solve minor problems. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best method for a particular situation.

Below is a table comparing the main characteristics of the considered methods. It will help you quickly navigate the choice of a tool to service your Galaxy A20.

Cleaning method	Complexity	Risk of data loss	Efficiency
Application settings	Low	No (unless you click "Clear data")	High for a specific app
Device maintenance	Low	None	Average (superficial)
Files by Google	Average	Low (requires selection)	High (smart analysis)
Recovery Mode	High	No (if the item is selected correctly)	Maximum (system level)

The built-in tool is sufficient for daily use Device maintenance. If you notice that a particular social network is eating up all your memory, use individual cleaning. The mode Recovery should be used once every six months or after major system updates.

⚠️ Attention: The Recovery menu interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version of your Samsung A20. Always read the text on the screen carefully before confirming your actions.

Prevention and additional recommendations

Clearing the cache is a curative measure, but it is better to do prevention. To ensure that your Samsung A20 works quickly for as long as possible, you should adhere to a few simple operating rules. This will allow you to resort to radical cleaning methods less often.

First, keep an eye on application updates in the store Google Play. Developers often optimize the code of their apps, reducing the amount of garbage generated. Secondly, do not install dubious apps from unverified sources, as they often contain malicious scripts that generate unnecessary files.

It is also recommended to periodically restart your smartphone. Many users keep the phone turned on for weeks, which leads to the accumulation of errors in the RAM. A regular reboot every 2-3 days helps the system reset temporary processes and update the cache.

If you have a model with a small amount of built-in memory, try not to fill it to capacity. For caching to work correctly, the Android system requires free space (at least 10-15% of the total volume). If the memory is filled to capacity with photos, the speed of the phone will inevitably drop, regardless of the frequency of clearing the cache.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Will my WhatsApp correspondence be deleted when clearing the cache?

No, when you press a button Clear cache In the settings of the WhatsApp application, your messages, photos and videos in chats will be saved. Only temporary files necessary for the application to function will be deleted. However, if you press Clear datathe application will be reset to its initial state, and you will have to register again and restore the backup.

How often should you clear the system cache via Recovery?

There is no need to do this regularly. It is enough to carry out the procedure of clearing the system cache (Wipe Cache Partition) once every 3-6 months or immediately after a major update to the Android version. Frequently clearing the system cache will not bring additional benefit, since the system will quickly create it again.

Why did the phone begin to work slower after clearing the cache?

This is a temporary phenomenon. After deleting the cache, applications take time to recreate the necessary temporary files when they are first launched. This creates additional load on the processor in the first minutes of operation. Typically, performance is restored and even improved after 10-15 minutes of active use.

Is it possible to delete the cache without going into the settings of each application?

Yes, this can be done in two ways. The first is to use the function Device maintenance in the phone settings, which cleans garbage en masse. The second is to use third-party applications like Files by Google, which allow you to select all temporary files with a checkmark and delete them with one click.

What to do if the "Clear cache" item is inactive (gray)?

If the button is inactive, this means that for this particular application there are currently no accumulated temporary files, or they have already been deleted automatically by the system. This can also happen with system applications whose cache is protected from manual deletion by the user.