Cached data on Android are temporary files that applications and the system create for faster operation. They speed up loading pages in the browser, save login passwords in games and reduce the load on the processor. But over time, the cache grows to gigabytes, taking up precious space on the internal storage. Even worse, corrupted cache files can cause crashes, slowdowns, and even application crashes. According to research, the average user loses up to cache after 6 months of using the smartphone. However, 68% of owners do not even suspect that these files can be safely deleted without losing personal data. In this article we will look at crashing applications.

According to research Google, average user Android loses up 15-20% of free space due to unnecessary cache after 6 months of using the smartphone. However, 68% of owners do not even suspect that these files can be safely deleted without losing personal data. In this article we will look at what types of cache exist on Android, how to clean them correctly (including hidden system files) and why you should not use “optimizers” from the Play Market.

What is the cache on Android and why clear it

Cache (from English cache —“cache”) is buffer data that is created to speed up repeated operations. For example, when you open Instagramfor the first time, the application downloads your friends' avatars, story thumbnails, and fonts. The next time you start it, it takes these files from the cache, rather than downloading them again over the network. The same happens with:

  • 🌐 Web pages in Chrome or Samsung Internet
  • 🎮 Graphics and sounds in games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact)
  • 📱 System animations and wallpapers
  • 📌 Geolocation data in Google Maps or Yandex.Maps

The problem is that many applications do not limit the cache sizeover time it can take up 5-10 GB or more - especially if you actively use social networks, streaming. services (YouTube, Twitch) or games. Consequences of a full cache:

  • ⚠️ Freezes when switching between applications
  • 🐢 Slow loading of new data (for example, photos in Telegram)
  • 🔋 Increased battery consumption (the system wastes resources on processing unnecessary files)
  • 🚨 "Out of memory" errors when installing updates
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the cache with application data! The cache can be deleted without consequences, and clearing the data will lead to logging out of your account and resetting the settings in the application.
📊 How often do you clear the cache on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when the memory runs out
Never cleared

Types of cache on Android: what can be deleted and what cannot

On Android exists 4 types of cached data, and not all of them are safe to clear manually. Let's look at each:

Cache type Where it is stored Is it possible? delete Consequences of clearing
Application cache /data/data/package_name/cache ✅ Yes The application will take longer to load the next time it is launched
Dalvik cache /data/dalvik-cache ⚠️ Only with root access May disrupt the system if cleared incorrectly
System cache /cache ✅ Yes (via recovery) Eliminates lags after OTA updates
Google Play Services cache Hidden system folder ❌ No Can break push notifications and geolocation

Most a safe way is to clear cache of individual applications through the settings. The system cache (/cache) should only be touched if you are an experienced user and know how to access the recovery mode. Clearing the Dalvik cache without root access can lead to a “bootloop” (loop system loading).

The cache deserves special attention. These files are responsible for the operation of services Google Play Services. These files are responsible for the operation of services Google, including:

  • 📍 Geolocation and Google Maps
  • 🔔 Push notifications (for example, from Gmail or WhatsApp)
  • 🔒 Authorization via Google Account

If you manually delete this cache, some functions may stop working until you reboot the device.

💡

Before clearing the cache, check how much space it takes up. To do this go to Settings → Memory → Cached data. If the volume is less than 1 GB, cleaning will not have a noticeable effect.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications

This is the simplest and safest a method that works on all versions Android (from Android 5.0 Lollipop to Android 15). Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications (or All applications).
  2. Tap on the desired application (for example, Facebook or TikTok).
  3. Select Memory (or Storage).
  4. Click Clear cache.

For convenience, you can sort applications by cache size:

  1. In the upper right corner click on the three dots (⋮) → Sort by size.
  2. Clear the cache of applications that occupy more than 100 MB.

Examples of applications that most often “clog” cache:

  • 📷 Instagram (stores thumbnails of photos and videos)
  • 🎵 Spotify or YouTube Music (caches songs for offline listening)
  • 🗺️ Google Maps (saves maps and routes)
  • 🎮 Call of Duty Mobile (caches textures and sounds). data-i="145">Social networks (Instagram, TikTok)
⚠️ Attention: Do not clear the cache of system applications like Android System WebView or Google Play Services no need. This may cause your smartphone to malfunction.

☑️ What to clean first

Done: 0 / 5

Method 2: Mass clearing the cache of all applications

If you manually clear the cache of each application for a long time, you can delete it with one tapFor. this:

  1. Go to Settings → Memory (or Storage).
  2. At the bottom of the screen, find the button Cached data (on some firmware - Clear cache).
  3. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

This method deletes the cache all user applications, but does not touch system files. Advantages:

  • ⚡ Fast (takes less than 10 seconds)
  • 🧹 Frees up up to 1-3 GB space
  • 🔄 Does not require a reboot

However, there are also disadvantages:

  • 🔄 The next time you start the application will load longer
  • 📱 Some games (Clash of Clans, Brawl Stars) may require re-downloading resources
  • 🌐 Browsers (Chrome, Opera) will lose saved passwords and sessions (if not synchronized with the account)

On smartphones Samsung (firmware One UI) and Xiaomi (MIUI) the path may differ:

  • For Samsung: Settings → Device care → Memory → Clear
  • For Xiaomi: Settings → About phone → Memory → Clear cache
What to do if the "Cached data" button is inactive?

If the button is gray, it means the function is enabled on your device auto clear cache. To disable it, go to Settings → Storage → Three dots (⋮) → Storage settings and deactivate the "Automatic clearing" option.

Method 3: Clearing the cache via Recovery Mode (for experienced)

This method is used to delete system cachethat accumulates after updates Android (OTA). It helps eliminate: system cache UI stopped"

  • 🐢 Slow performance after upgrading the OS version
  • 🔄 Looped loading (bootloop)
  • 🚨 Errors like “System UI has stopped”

Instructions for standard Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the smartphone.
  2. Hold down the combination of buttons (depending on the model):
    • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby
    • Xiaomi/Redmi: Power + Volume up
    • Google Pixel: Power + Volume down
  • In the recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition (volume button control, confirmation - power button).
  • After cleaning, select Reboot system now.

    • On smartphones with custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), the path may differ. In TWRP Recovery you need to select:

    1. Advanced → Wipe Dalvik/ART Cache
    2. Wipe Cache
      3. ⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition with Wipe data/factory reset! The second option will reset the phone to factory settings and delete all your data.
      💡

      Clearing the cache via Recovery Mode does not delete personal files (photos, videos, contacts), but may require re-authorization in some applications after a reboot.

      Method 4: Using ADB for deep cleaning (for developers)

      If you are familiar with Android Debug Bridge (ADB, you can clear the cache more specifically, including hidden system files. This method is useful if:

      • 📱 The smartphone is very slow, but standard methods do not help
      • 🔧 You need to delete the cache of a specific system process (for example, media.provider)
      • 🛠️ You are testing an application and want to reset its cache without reinstalling

    Instructions:

    1. Install ADB on PC (you can download from the official website of Android Studio).
    2. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times) → Developer settings → USB debugging).
    3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the commands:
    adb shell

    pm list packages -f | grep cache # Shows applications with a large cache
    

    pm clear --user 0 package name # Clears the cache and application data
    

    Example for Chrome:
    

    pm clear --user 0 com.android.chrome
    

    Clearing the cache of all user applications:
    

    cmd package bg-dexopt-job

    To clear Dalvik cache (only for advanced users!):

    adb shell

    su
    

    rm -r /data/dalvik-cache/*
    

    reboot
    ⚠️ Attention: Commands with su require root access. Incorrect use ADB can lead to data loss or “bricking” the device.

    Method 5: Automatically clearing the cache (setting scheduler)

    In order not to clear the cache manually, you can configure automatic deletion via:

    1. Built-in tools (available on Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei):
    • 📱 Samsung: Settings → Device care → Three dots (⋮) → Auto optimization
    • 📱 Xiaomi: Settings → About phone → Memory → Auto clean
    • 📱 Huawei: Settings → Memory → Memory cleaning → Autoclean
    1. Third-party applications (only verified ones!):
    • 🧹 SD Maid (can clean residual files after uninstallation)
    • 🔍 Files by Google (Cleaning tab)
    • 🛡️ CCleaner (version only from Play Market, not from third-party sites!)

    Setting up automatic cleaning in SD Maid:

    1. Open the application and provide root access (if any).
    2. Go to the section CorpseFinder (search for “dead” files).
    3. Select SystemCleaner → Cache.
    4. Activate the option Auto-cleaning and set a schedule (for example, once a week).

    Warning: Automatic "optimizers" often deleting useful filesdisguising it as "cleaning". For example, Clean Master can delete:

    • 📁 Folders with downloads from the browser
    • 🎵 Offline playlists of music applications
    • 📂 Application logs needed for debugging
    💡

    If you use automatic cleaning, add important applications (for example, WhatsApp with media files) in exceptions. In Files by Google this is done through Settings → Excluded folders.

    What to do if after clearing the cache applications do not work

    In rare cases, after deleting the cache, applications may:

    • 🔄 Stuck on the loading screen
    • 🚨 Give the error “Application has stopped”
    • 📱 Ask to re-enter your login/password

    Solutions:

    1. Reboot your smartphone —this will reset temporary settings and restore the cache again.
    2. Update the application via Play Market —sometimes the cache is damaged due to an outdated version.
    3. Clear application data (not cache!):
    Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Memory → Clear data
    ⚠️ Attention: This will delete all settings and accounts in the application! Save important data first.
    1. Reinstall the applicationif the previous steps did not help.
    2. Check permissions:
    Settings → Applications → [Name] → Permissions

    Sometimes after clearing the cache, an application needs repeated permissions to access the storage or camera.

    If the problem occurred with system application (for example, Google Play Services), try:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → Three dots (⋮) → Show system.
    2. Find Google Play Services and press Clear cache (but not the data!).
    3. Reboot the phone.
    Why do some applications create the cache again immediately after clearing?

    Applications like Facebook or TikTok aggressively cache data to speed things up. To limit this, disable background activity: Settings → Applications → [Name] → Battery → Background Activity → Limit

    This will reduce the cache size, but may increase the loading time of content.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Android

    ❓ Do I need to clear the cache if I have enough free memory?

    Not necessarily, the cache speeds up applications, and if there is enough memory (for example, free >20% of the total volume), cleaning will not have a noticeable effect. However, if you notice lags or errors in a particular application, clearing its cache can help.

    ❓ Is it possible to clear the cache for all users on the phone (if there are several accounts)?

    Yes, but only after ADB or Recovery Mode. Standard settings Android allow you to clear the cache only for the current user. Command for ADB:

    pm clear --all-users package name

    Be careful - this will delete the cache all profiles.

    ❓ Why does it take a long time to load videos after clearing the cache YouTube or Netflix ?

    These applications cache videos for smooth playback. After cleaning, they are forced to download the content again, which takes time (especially with a slow Internet). To speed up the process, connect to Wi-Fi and wait until the first 10-20 seconds of the video are completely downloaded.

    ❓ Is it safe to use applications like Clean Master or 360 Security?

    No, these applications often harm more than helpful. They:

    • Delete useful files under the guise of “garbage”
    • Show false warnings about “overheating” or “viruses”
    • They consume resources in the background

    It is better to use built-in tools Android or Files by Google.

    ❓ How to clear the cache on Android Go (simplified version for weak smartphones)?

    On Android Go (for example, on Nokia 1 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) the path is:

    1. Settings → Memory → Cached data
    2. Click Clear (button at the bottom of the screen).

    Clearing the cache of individual applications: Settings → Applications → [Name] → Memory → Clear cache.