Smartphone Samsung Galaxy A51 is a popular mid-segment model that, with active use, Over time it may start to work slower. The main reason for the drop in performance lies not in processor wear, but in the accumulation of temporary files known as cache. This data is created to speed up the loading of content in applications and the browser, but over time it turns into digital ballast, taking up gigabytes of precious space.
Users often notice that the phone begins to “slow down”, and notifications about low memory appear more often. In such situations, simply clearing the cache becomes an effective way to restore your device to its former sharpness without losing personal photos or contacts. The process of deleting temporary files on the shell One UI is intuitive, but requires care when selecting menu sections so as not to accidentally delete important data.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for freeing memory on Samsung A51. You'll learn how to safely clear the system cache, delete application-specific temporary files, and take advantage of the manufacturer's built-in optimization tools. Follow the step-by-step guide to ensure that your smartphone works like new.
Understanding the nature of the cache and its impact on the operation of the smartphone
Before you start deleting files, it is important to understand the difference between the types of data stored in the device's memory. Application cache is a set of temporary files that apps download from the Internet or create during operation for quick access to information. For example, a social network saves thumbnails of pictures so as not to download them again every time you open the feed.
However, over time, the size of these files can grow to inadequate values. If you actively use instant messengers, streaming services or games, the cache can take up from 5 to 10 GB of memory. This is critical for the model Samsung A51, especially in versions with 64 or 128 GB of built-in storage. Memory overflow results in the system not having enough resources to write new data, which causes freezes.
There is also a concept system cachethat stores data from the Android operating system and the One UI shell. Its cleaning is required less frequently, usually after major software updates, when old installation files conflict with new versions. Unlike these applications, the system cache is hidden from the eyes of the average user and requires a special approach to access.
It is important to note that clearing the cache does not delete your personal files, logins or passwords. This is a safe procedure that can be performed regularly for prevention. The only consequence is that the next time you launch a “heavy” application, it may take a second longer to load, since it will have to re-generate temporary files.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the “Clear cache” button with the “Clear data” button. The second option completely resets the application to its factory state, deleting your settings, accounts, and game progress. Use it only as a last resort when the app malfunctions.
Clearing the cache through the Android system settings
The most reliable and safe way to delete temporary files on Samsung Galaxy A51 is using the built-in settings menu. This method allows you to monitor the process and select specific applications that consume the most resources. The algorithm of actions is universal for most versions of Android with shell One UI.
First, you need to get to the main memory management menu. Click on the gear icon on the desktop or in the notification shade to open the section Settings. Next, scroll down the list to item Applications. This displays a complete list of all apps installed on your device, from system services to downloaded games.
In the list of applications, it is often convenient to sort by size. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select Sorting, then specify the parameter Size. This will immediately bring the most “gluttonous” apps, such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok or Telegramto the top of the list. This is where you should start cleaning.
Select the desired application from the list. You will be taken to the app information screen, where you will see buttons Memory or just a button Clear cache (depending on the firmware version). If the button is not on the main information screen, click on the section Storage. There you will see two buttons: Clear cache and Delete data. Press only the first one.
- 📱 This method allows specifically free up space without affecting other apps.
- 🛡️ The risk of losing personal data is reduced to zero if you follow the instructions.
- ⚙️ The process takes no more than a minute for each application.
Repeat this procedure for all applications that take up more than 500 MB of space. Regularly checking this section, at least once a month, will help keep it Samsung A51 in optimal condition. The system itself will tell you which apps have accumulated the largest amount of garbage.
Using the built-in “Device Maintenance” tool
The Company Samsung has introduced a powerful optimization tool into its smartphones that automates the cleaning process. On Galaxy A51 this function is called “Device Care”. It analyzes the status of the battery, memory and security, offering solutions to problems.
To use this tool, open Settings and find the item Device maintenance. It's usually at the top of the list or in the Battery and Device section. When you enter the menu, you will see a pie chart displaying the system status. If the memory is more than 85% full, the indicator will be red or yellow.
Click on the section Memory. The system will perform a quick scan and show how much space can be freed up. The Clear nowbutton is available here. When you click on it, the algorithm will automatically delete temporary files, remnants of deleted applications and unnecessary advertising files that are often downloaded in the background.
This method is especially convenient for users who do not want to understand the intricacies of the settings of each application. A smart algorithm One UI knows which files can be deleted without harming the system. However, it is worth noting that automatic cleaning may be less thorough than manual cleaning, since it does not touch the cache of some system services.
For maximum efficiency, run “Device Maintenance” immediately after restarting the phone. At this moment, background processes are minimal, and it is easier for the system to identify and delete unnecessary files.
In the same menu, you can configure automatic cleaning. Go to additional settings (three dots) and enable the function Auto-delete unnecessary files. The phone itself will ensure that the memory is not clogged with garbage, deleting temporary files when free space drops below a certain threshold.
Clearing the cache through Recovery Mode
If yours Samsung A51 is unstable, freezes or does not boot after a system update, you may need to clear the system cache through a special recovery menu. This section is hidden from the normal interface and contains tools for in-depth diagnostics and software repair.
To enter the mode Recovery you must perform a certain sequence of actions with the buttons. Important: on new versions of Android, accessing this menu often requires connecting the phone to the computer via a USB cable. Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC.
Press the button Volume up and the button Powerat the same time. Keep them pressed until the logo Samsungappears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume button. After a few seconds, a black screen with a menu in English will appear. Navigation here is carried out with the volume buttons (up/down), and selection is done with the power button.
Using the volume buttons, go down to the item Wipe cache partition. Be extremely careful: do not confuse this item with Wipe data/factory reset, which will completely delete all your data! Once you have selected the correct option, press the Power button to confirm. The system will ask for confirmation of the action (Yes/No), select Yes.
| Action | Control button | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Selecting a menu item | Volume Up / Down | Moving the cursor |
| Confirmation select | Power (On/Off) | Run command |
| Exit menu | Select "Reboot system now" | Reboot phone |
The cleaning process will take a few seconds. A completion message will appear at the bottom of the screen. After this, select Reboot system now to reboot the device. The first startup after this procedure may take longer than usual - this is normal, since the system rebuilds the cache again.
Why do you need a cable to enter Recovery?
On Samsung smartphones with Android 11 and newer, the protocol for entering recovery mode has changed for security purposes. Connecting to a PC confirms that the user deliberately called up the engineering menu, and did not accidentally press the buttons in his pocket.
⚠️ Attention: The Recovery menu is pressure sensitive. If the screen does not respond to the volume buttons, try using a USB-C cable from an original Samsung charger. Third-party charging cables may not transmit the data necessary to activate the mode.
Clearing the cache in popular applications and browsers
Some applications have their own internal settings for memory management, which work more efficiently than system tools. This is especially true for browsers and instant messengers that store huge databases of media files. Let's look at examples for the most popular services on Samsung A51.
In the browser Google Chrome cleaning is done through the history menu. Open your browser, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select History, and then Deleting browsing data. Here you can select a time range (for example, “All time”) and check the box Images and other files saved in the cache. This will free up a significant amount of space accumulated over months of surfing.
Messenger Telegram is known for its unique approach to data storage. It downloads all media files to cache by default. To clear it, go to Settings inside the application, then to Data and memory → Memory usage. There you will see a button Clear cache. Moreover, here you can configure Auto-deleteso that the cache does not exceed, for example, 1 GB.
The application YouTube also accumulates a lot of data, especially if you watch videos in high definition. In the application settings, find the section General or History and privacy, where the cache clearing option is often located. If there is no such option inside the application, use the system method described in the second section.
- 🌐 In browsers, the cache takes up to 2-3 GB during active use.
- 💬 Messengers store photos and videos you've already watched.
- 🎥 Video services cache the playback buffer for smoothness.
Regular cleaning of these specific applications has a more noticeable effect than a general system cleaning. Users are often surprised to find that Telegram alone takes up 5 GB of space, although the application itself weighs only 100 MB.
☑️ Quick optimization checklist
Third-party utilities: good or bad?
B store Google Play thousands of applications that promise to “speed up your phone in one click.” apps like CCleaner, Clean Master or SD Maid are popular among users Samsung A51. But are they really needed, or are the built-in tools enough?
The modern version of Android (10, 11, 12 and higher) does an excellent job of managing memory on its own. Third-party “cleaners” often work on the principle of “kick applications out of RAM.” This gives a temporary speed boost, but the system immediately starts them again, wasting even more processor and battery power. Cyclically rebooting services can even slow down your phone.
However, advanced utilities such as SD Maidcan be useful for finding "dead" files - remnants of uninstalled apps that have been lying around in folders for years. They also let you find duplicate photos and large files you forgot about. Use such tools with caution and only those that have a high reputation.
Avoid apps with aggressive advertising that promise to “cool your CPU” or “boost your battery” by clearing the cache. These are marketing ploys. Clearing the cache does not affect the physical temperature of the processor or battery capacity.
Samsung and Android built-in tools work more efficiently and securely than third-party applications. Use the “heavy artillery” only to find forgotten files, and not for daily cleaning.
⚠️ Attention: Application and system settings interfaces may vary slightly depending on the One UI update version. If you do not find the indicated button, use the search inside the settings menu for the word “Memory” or “Cache”.
Prevention and tips for maintaining performance
In order not to return to the problem of clogged memory every two weeks, it is worth introducing several useful habits into use Samsung Galaxy A51. Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to a digital device.
First, turn off automatic media downloads in instant messengers. In the settings of WhatsApp and Telegram, you can prevent the downloading of photos and videos when using mobile data. This will save not only memory, but also your Internet traffic. Files will only be downloaded by click when they are really needed.
Secondly, regularly remove applications that you do not use. Often we install games “one time” or services for a specific purchase, and then forget about them. They continue to take up space and can run in the background. Conduct an audit once a quarter.
Thirdly, use cloud storage. Services Google Photos, Yandex.Disk or Dropbox allow you to store photos and videos in the cloud, freeing up local phone memory. Set up automatic uploading of photos, and then delete them from the device, leaving them only on the Internet.
Finally, do not ignore rebooting the phone. Many users do not turn off their smartphones for months, using only sleep mode. Rebooting once every 3-4 days clears the RAM of errors and frozen processes, which has a positive effect on the overall speed of the system.
Following these simple rules will allow your Samsung A51 to remain fast and responsive throughout its entire service life. A phone is a tool that requires minimal but regular care for stable operation.
The myth of “overclocking” by clearing the cache
Many people believe that completely clearing the cache makes the phone faster in games. In fact, games create a cache to quickly load textures. If you remove it before starting, the game may start to slow down until it creates the files again. Clear the game cache only if they crash with errors.
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 data, such as photos, videos, contacts, messages and notes, will remain completely safe. Delete only what is marked as “Cache”.
How often should you clear the cache on Samsung A51?
It is enough to do this once every 1-2 months or when you notice a lack of space. Clearing it too often (every day) does not make sense, since applications will have to download data again, which will increase traffic consumption and loading time.
Why does the application run slower after clearing the cache?
This is a normal phenomenon when first launched after cleaning. The application takes time to re-download the necessary resources (pictures, scripts) and save them in the cache. With the speed of operation, this is a temporary inconvenience that will disappear after a couple of minutes of use.
Is it possible to delete the Android folder completely?
It is strictly not recommended to delete the entire folder Android manually through a file manager. It stores not only the cache, but also important data about application installations (OBB files for games, databases). Deleting this folder may cause apps to stop running.
What to do if the “Clear Cache” button is inactive (gray)?
This means that the selected application currently has no accumulated temporary files, or it is a system one and does not support manual clearing of the cache by the user. Try choosing a different application or using the “Device Maintenance” function.