Clearing the cache on Android: a complete guide to freeing up memory

Has your smartphone started to slow down, applications open slowly, and there is critically little free disk space left? Most likely, the problem lies in Android started to slow down, applications open slowly, and there is critically little free disk space left? Most likely the problem lies in accumulated cache temporary files that the system and apps create to speed up work. Over time, this data takes up gigabytes of memory, but you rarely have to delete it manually. In this article, we will look, how to properly clear the cache on Android without harm to the system, what types of cache exist and in which cases it is better not to touch it.

There are three types of cache: system (created by Android to speed up the interface), application cache (temporary app files) and browser cache (saved pages, images, cookies). Clearing the first one may lead to short-term lags after a reboot, but it will free up to 1–3 GB of memory on devices with 3+ years of age operation. The second and third types are safely deleted at any time - this will not affect the operation of apps, but will require re-downloading data (for example, thumbnails in the gallery or social network feeds).

It is important to understand the difference between clearing the cache and deleting application data. The first simply frees up space, the second resets all app settings (logins, game saves, bookmarks). We will focus on safe methods that do not affect personal files.

1. Clearing the cache of individual applications through settings

The most accurate way is to delete the cache only for those apps that take up the most space. This does not affect system files and allows you to control the process.

How to do this:

• 📱 Open Settings → Applications (on some firmware - Settings → All applications).
• 🔍 In the list, find the desired application (for example, YouTube, Telegram or Google Chrome) and tap on it.
• 🗑️ Select Storage (or Memory), then press Clear cache.
• 🚫 Do not press Clear data —this will delete all app settings!

On devices Samsung the path may differ: Settings → Device care → Memory → Applications. On Xiaomi — Settings → Applications → Manage applications.

Close all background apps

Check free memory space

Make a backup copy of important data (if you are clearing data, not the cache)

Reboot the phone after cleaning-->

Some applications (for example, Google Play Market or Gmailafter clearing the cache may work temporarily slower - this is normal. The system will restore the necessary files within 1-2 days.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ some system applications (for example, Android System WebView) may not display the cache clear button. This is due to the security policy Google - such files are deleted only when the software is updated.

2. Automatic clearing of the cache through the built-in ones. tools

Modern versions Android (starting from Android 9 Pie) have built-in tools for optimizing memory. They analyze unused files and offer to delete them.

Where to look:

• 📊 Settings → Storage (or Memory). Here the system will show the distribution of memory by category.
• 🧹 Click Clean or Free up space —Android will offer to delete the cache, downloads and junk files.
• ⚙️ On Samsung this is called Device care → Optimize.
• 🔄 On Huawei — Settings → Memory → Cleaning.

These tools usually delete only safe temporary files, without affecting application data. However, they do not always clear the cache completely - for deep cleaning it is better to use the methods from the previous section.

Manufacturer	Path to cleanup	Features
Google Pixel	Settings → Storage → Free up space	Offers to delete cache, screenshots and old files
Samsung	Device care → Memory → Clean now	Removes junk and optimizes RAM
Xiaomi/Redmi	Settings → About phone → Memory → Clean	May suggest deleting “large files”
Huawei/Honor	Settings → Memory → Cleaning → Deep cleaning	Deletes cache and residual files of uninstalled apps

Once a week

Once a month

Only when the phone starts to slow down

Never cleaned it-->

On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme), the cache clearing function is integrated into Game space or Mode performance. There you can delete junk files without going into the memory settings.

3. Clearing the browser cache (Chrome, Firefox, Opera)

Browsers are the main cache eaters. They save images, scripts and cookies so that pages load faster. But over time, this data takes up hundreds of megabytes, or even gigabytes.

How to clear the cache in Google Chrome:

1. Open the browser and tap ⋮ (three dots) → History.
2. Select Clear data.
3. Install checkboxes next to Cookies and site data and Cached images and files.
4. Select a period (for example All time) and click Clear data.

For Mozilla Firefox:

• ⋮ → Settings → Delete personal data.
• Check Cache and click Delete data.

B Opera or Yandex Browser a similar path. After clearing, browsers may work a little slower when opening sites for the first time - this is normal, since the cache will be restored again.

For users who want to automate the process, there are extensions like Click&Clean (available for Chrome i Firefox). It allows you to clear the cache in one click on the icon on the toolbar.

4. Using third-party applications to clear the cache

If you are lazy about clearing the cache, you can use specialized utilities. They analyze the system and offer to delete unnecessary files. However, it is important to choose a trusted application - many “cleaners” themselves become a source of advertising and advertising. garbage.

Popular and safe options:

• 🛡️ CCleaner —a classic utility with the function of clearing cache and memory analysis.
• 🧹 Files by Google —official application from Google, removes garbage and duplicates.
• 🔍 SD Maid —advanced a tool for advanced users (requires root access for deep cleaning).
• 📱 Norton Clean — clears the cache and offers to delete unnecessary APK files.

How to work with such apps:

1. Download the application from Google Play (avoid third-party sites sides!).
2. Run memory analysis.
3. View the list of files that are proposed to be deleted. Remove checkmarks from items that seem suspicious (for example, files with the extension .db or folders Android).
4. Click Clear or Delete.

⚠️ Attention: Some "cleaners" (for example, Clean Master or DU Speed Booster) are known for aggressive advertising and data collection. Once installed, they may show false warnings about "critical errors" to force you to buy the premium version. Use only proven utilities from the official store.

For users with root access additional options are available. For example, SD Maid can clear the cache of system applications that are usually inaccessible. However, this requires caution - deleting important files can lead to failures.

5. Clearing the cache of system applications (for advanced users)

Some system processes (for example, Google Play Services or Android System) also accumulate cache. It is not always possible to clear it using standard methods, but there are workarounds.

Cleaning methods:

• 🔧 Through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). Connect the phone to the PC, enable USB Debugging in the developer settings and run the command:

  adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.google.android.gms

  This will clear the cache Google Play Services.

• 📦 On some firmwares (for example, LineageOS) can be used Titanium Backup (requires root) to clear the cache of system applications.
• 🔄 Rebooting into Safe Mode (safe mode) sometimes resets temporary files of system processes.

Warning: Do not clear the cache the following system applications unless absolutely necessary:

• com.android.phone (responsible for calls and network);
• com.android.settings (system settings);
• android.process.media (working with multimedia).

Resetting them can lead to loss of network settings or errors when working with files.

What to do if the application stops working after clearing the cache?

If the app gives an error after clearing the cache, try:

1. Reboot the phone.

2. Update the application via Google Play.

3. Clear application data (but note that this will delete all settings).

4. Reinstall the app.

If the problem persists, check whether an antivirus or built-in optimizer is blocking the work (for example, Battery Saver on Xiaomi).

For devices with Android 13+ some system applications are protected by a mechanism Protected App Opsthat blocks them cleaning In this case, only resetting the settings to factory settings will help (but this is a last resort).

6. When clearing the cache does not help: alternative solutions

If after clearing the cache there is still little free space, the problem may lie deeper. Here's what else you can do:

• 📁 Delete unnecessary files manually. Check the folders Download, DCIM (photo/video), WhatsApp/Media (media from chats).
• 🗃️ Transfer files to SD card or to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).
• 🔄 Disable automatic media saving in messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).
• 📱 Check "Other" files in the memory settings - often the remains of deleted applications are hidden there.

If the phone slows down even after memory is freed, the reason may be:

• 🛠️ Memory fragmentation (relevant for devices with eMMC, not UFS). Rebooting or defragmentation via PC helps.
• 🦠 Viruses or malwareCheck your phone Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.
• 🔋 Battery wear. When the health level is below 70%, the system begins to limit performance.

On devices with Android Go (for example, Nokia 1 or Samsung Galaxy J2 Core), the cache takes up less space, but there is critically little free memory. In this case, only regular cleaning or using light versions of applications (for example, Facebook Lite, Google Go).

7. How to prevent rapid cache accumulation

To avoid clearing the cache every week, follow these tips:

• 📵 Limit background activity of applications.. In the battery settings, disable autorun for unnecessary apps.
• 🔄 Update applications. New versions often optimize the use of the cache.
• 🚫 Avoid "cleaners" with automatic cleaning —they can delete useful files.
• 📡 Use light versions of applications (for example, Twitter Lite, Messenger Lite).
• 🗃️ Set up automatic media downloading in instant messengers only via Wi-Fi.

There is a function Android 10+ there is a function Adaptive batterythat limits activity rarely used applications. Turn it on Settings → Battery → Adaptive battery. This will reduce the number of background processes and, as a result, the amount of cache created.

For devices c MIUI (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 10) it is useful to disable Recommendations and Smart help in the settings - these functions constantly cache data for personalization.

⚠️ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Huawei or Honor) aggressively cache data to speed up their shell (EMUI). In this case, it is better to clear it once every 1-2 weeks, rather than disabling it completely.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Android

❓ Will clearing the cache delete my photos or messages?

No, caches are temporary files that are created by applications to speed things up. Your personal data (photos, messages, contacts) are stored in other folders and are not affected. However, clearing application data (not the cache!) will delete settings, logins and saves.

❓ Why do some applications run slower after clearing the cache?

This is normal. The cache is needed to quickly load frequently used data (for example, thumbnails in the gallery or feeds on social networks). After cleaning, applications have to download this data again, which may take a few seconds. After 1-2 days, the work will return to normal.

❓ Is it possible to clear the cache for all applications at once?

Yes, but not on all devices. clean Android (for example, Google Pixel) go to Settings → Storage → Other applications and select Clear cache. On Samsung this is done via Device care → Memory → Clear. On some firmware there is no such option - you will have to clear the cache for each application separately.

❓ What is Dalvik cache and whether it is necessary to clear it?

Dalvik cache - these are optimized files to speed up the launch of applications. They are stored in the folder /data/dalvik-cache and usually do not take up much space (100-300 MB). Clear them not recommendedas this will slow down the launch of all apps until the next reboot. cache.

❓ Why did the free space not increase after clearing the cache?

Possible reasons:

• You cleared the cache of system applications, which immediately restored the files.
• The memory is occupied not by the cache, but by other data (for example, downloads or media files).
• The device uses file system F2FS (on new smartphones), which reserves space for service needs.
• The manufacturer has included an "invisible" section for updates in the firmware (for example, reserved storage in Android 11+).

Check the memory allocation in Settings → Storage.