Series smartphones Samsung Galaxy, such as model A31, may slow down over time due to the accumulation of temporary files. This data, known as cache memory, speeds up the launch of applications, but if there is excess volume, it begins to slow down the system. Users often encounter a lack of space or sudden interface freezes, which can be solved by simple cleaning.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for deleting temporary data on your device. You'll learn how to safely clear the system cache, app-specific data, and use built-in optimization utilities. The correct approach to maintenance operating system will extend the life of the gadget without the need to reset to factory settings.
Do not be afraid of the cleaning procedure, as it does not delete your personal photos or contacts. However, it is important to differentiate between the types of data being cleared so that you don't accidentally erase important information. Let's look at step-by-step guide that will help you return your Galaxy A31 former speed.
What is cache and why delete it
Cache is an area for storing temporary files created by applications for quick access to data. When you open Instagram or YouTube, the phone saves parts of the images and videos so that when you start it again, it does not have to download them again from the network. This saves traffic and time, but over time it takes up gigabytes of free space.
Problems begin when cache files become damaged or there are too many of them. In this case, system resources was spent on processing garbage rather than on useful tasks. This causes the phone to heat up, the battery to drain faster, and apps to crash with errors.
Regular cleaning helps free up internal memory and eliminate software glitches. This is especially true for mid-segment models, such as Samsung A31, where the built-in storage capacity is limited. Deleting temporary data is the first step in diagnosing any oddities in the operation of your smartphone.
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the cache deletes only temporary files. Your logins, passwords and personal data remain safe, but some applications may require re-authorization or take longer to load when first launched after cleaning.
If an application does not work correctly, try clearing only its cache first, rather than deleting the data completely. This will save your settings within the app.
Using the built-in Device Care tool
The easiest and safest way to optimize on devices Samsung is to use the standard utility Device Care (Device Care). This tool automatically analyzes the system state and suggests removing unnecessary files. You do not need to look for hidden folders or use third-party software.
To start the process, go to Settings and find the section Device maintenance. Here the system will show the current status of memory, battery and security. Pressing the button Optimize will start an automatic search for problems, including excessive application cache.
Deeper cleaning is available through the memory menu. Select Memoryto see detailed storage usage statistics. The system will offer to clear files that have not been used for more than 30 days, as well as temporary data of system processes.
- 📱 Go to
Settings → Device maintenance. - 🧹 Press the button
Clean nowto quickly remove garbage. - 💾 Go to the section
Memoryto manually select file categories. - ✅ Confirm the action in the dialog that appears window.
This method is ideal for regularly maintaining order in your phone. The built-in algorithm One UI knows which files can be deleted without harming the system. It is recommended to carry out this procedure once a week to maintain high performance.
Clearing the cache of individual applications
Sometimes the problem lies not in the system as a whole, but in a specific heavy application, for example TikTok or Telegram. In such cases, it is more effective to clear the cache point by point. This allows you to free up space without affecting the operation of other apps.
Open the phone settings and go to the Applicationssection. Find the desired app in the list and click on it. Inside the application menu, select Storage, where you will see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear data.
It is important not to confuse these two functions. The button Clear cache deletes only temporary files, while Clear data resets the application to the “as after installation” state. The second option will delete your logins, correspondence and settings within the app.
| Action | What is being deleted | Impact on the account | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear cache | Temporary files, thumbnails | No | Safe, can be done often |
| Clear data | Settings, logins, databases | Full exit from account | Only in case of failures or before sale |
| Delete application | Everything, including updates | Full removal | If the app is not needed |
For instant messengers and social networks, clearing the cache can free up hundreds of megabytes of space. The photos and videos you view are stored in temporary memory. Deleting them will not affect files saved in the gallery explicitly, but will speed up the application.
☑️ Check before clearing data
Clearing the system cache via Recovery Mode
If the phone is unstable after updating the firmware or installing new apps, you may need to clear the system cache partition. This procedure is performed through a special menu Recovery Mode, which is loaded before turning on the main Android system.
To get to this menu on Samsung Galaxy A31, you must turn off the phone. Then hold down the combination of buttons: usually it is Volume up and Power. On some firmware versions, you may need to connect the device with a cable to the computer before turning it on.
In the menu that appears, navigation is carried out using the volume buttons, and selection is made using the power button. Find the item Wipe cache partition and confirm your choice. The process will take a few seconds, after which you need to select Reboot system now.
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely careful in the Recovery menu. Selecting
Wipe data/factory resetinstead of clearing the cache will completely delete all your personal data from your phone without the possibility of recovery.
This method does not delete your photos, contacts or installed applications. It erases only temporary system files that may have become corrupted. This is an effective way to solve problems when the phone freezes on the screensaver or constantly reboots.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not appear?
If the button combination does not work, try connecting the phone with a USB-C cable to a switched-on computer, and then hold down the buttons. On new versions of Android, this is a prerequisite for entering recovery mode.
Deleting the cache through a file manager
For advanced users, it is possible to manually clear it through a file manager, for example, My Filespre-installed on Samsung. This method allows you to see the folder structure and delete remnants of deleted applications or large temporary files.
Go to the root directory of the internal memory and find the folder Android. Inside it there are subfolders data and obb, where cache files of games and heavy apps are stored. Deleting the contents of these folders can free up a significant amount of space.
However, it is worth remembering that manual deletion requires an understanding of the file structure. If you delete the required library, the game or application will no longer launch. Therefore, use this method only if you are sure of the purpose of the files being deleted.
Also check the folder Download i DCIM. Often duplicate images or old installation files accumulate there, which are no longer needed. Deleting them is safe and instantly frees up space. APK, which are no longer needed. Removing them is safe and instantly frees up space.
- 📂 Open the application
My files. - 🔍 Go to
Internal memory → Android → data. - 🗑️ Delete folders only of those applications that have already been deleted.
- ⚠️ Do not touch files with the extension
.obbfor running games.
Regular audit of the file system helps maintain order. Built-in search by file type in the manager allows you to quickly find the largest documents or videos that take up space.
Manual cleaning through the file manager gives maximum control, but requires caution so as not to disrupt the operation of installed apps.
Automation and third-party utilities
Although Samsung has built-in tools usually sufficient; some users prefer third-party solutions to automate the process. Applications like CCleaner or Files by Google can run in the background and notify you when garbage accumulates.
When installing such utilities, it is important to give them the necessary permissions to access files. They can scan the system deeper, finding residual files after uninstalling apps that the standard manager does not see.
However, you should not install several cleaners at once. They can conflict with each other and themselves consume a lot of RAM. One reliable tool is enough to maintain system hygiene.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names may vary slightly depending on the version of One UI and Android. If you do not find the specified item, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).
Using automatic scripts, for example, through the app Bixby Routines, allows you to configure clearing the cache on a schedule or when connected to charging. This makes the phone maintenance process completely invisible to the user.
Set up a script in Bixby Routines: “If the time is 03:00 at night and the phone is charging -> Run memory cleaning.” This way, the phone will maintain itself while you sleep.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will clearing the cache delete my photos and contacts?
No, clearing the cache only affects temporary technical application files. Your personal media files, contacts, messages and notes remain completely safe. However, clearing the "Data" of an application can delete the settings inside it.
How often should you clear the cache on Samsung A31?
It is enough to carry out a preventative cleaning once every 1-2 weeks or when you notice a slowdown. If the phone's memory is less than 80% full, frequent cleaning is not required, since the system itself manages temporary files.
Why does the cache quickly fill up again after cleaning?
This is normal behavior. Applications re-create the cache immediately after launch to speed up performance. If the cache grows abnormally quickly (gigabytes per hour), perhaps there is an error in the operation of a particular application, and it is worth reinstalling it.
Is it safe to use Recovery mode for cleaning?
Yes, the item Wipe cache partition is completely safe for user data. The risk arises only when selecting the adjacent item Wipe data/factory reset, which resets the phone to its factory state.