How to clear the cache on Android: a complete guide with instructions

Your smartphone on Android began to slow down, applications take a long time load, but the memory runs out of the blue? The culprit of 90% of these problems is clogged cache. These are temporary files that the system and apps create to speed up work, but over time they turn into digital garbage. Clearing the cache will not only free up gigabytes of memory, but will also restore the device's performance.

In this article you will find unique methods for clearing the cachethat work on all versions of Android - from outdated Android 6.0 Marshmallow to fresh Android 14. We will look at how to clear the cache of individual applications, system temporary files, as well as hidden data that is not mentioned in standard instructions. Without further warnings, let's get down to business.

What is the cache on Android and why it needs to be cleared

Cache (from English cache —“cache”) are temporary files that are created by applications and the system itself to speed up repeated operations. For example, when you open Instagram, the application stores photo thumbnails in the cache so that it can be shown instantly the next time you launch it. The problem is that over time these files:

• 📈 Take up gigabytes of memory — this is especially noticeable in instant messengers and social networks
• 🐢 Slow down work —the system wastes resources on processing outdated data
• 🔄 May conflict — damaged cache files cause crashes in applications
• 🛡️ Contain personal data —passwords, search history, cookies remain in the browser cache

Controlled cache clearing does not delete important data (photos, messages, accounts), but requires caution. For example, after clearing the cache Google Maps maps will take longer to load the next time you open them, and Spotify you will have to cache songs again for offline listening.

How to check how much cache apps take up

Before Before starting cleaning, it is worth assessing the scale of the problem. Modern versions of Android have built-in memory analysis tools:

1. Open Settings → Storage
2. Tap on the section Applications or Other applications
3. The system will show a list of apps sorted by space occupied
4. Click on any application → Storage → Cache

On the screen you will see two numbers: Application memory (software itself + your data) and Cache (temporary files). For example, the Telegram cache can take up 1-2 GB, and the Chrome cache can take up to 500 MB.

Application	Typical cache size	What is stored in the cache
Google Chrome	200–800 MB	History, cookies, website thumbnails, offline pages
Instagram	500 MB – 2 GB	Photos, videos, stories, feed data
Telegram	1–5 GB	Media files, stickers, animations, chat cache
YouTube	100 MB - 1 GB	Thumbnails, video buffer, recommendation data
Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact)	500 MB - 3 GB	Textures, shaders, maps, updates

If your smartphone has Android 11 or newer, the system automatically prompts you to clear the cache for applications that have not been used for a long time. This function is called Automatic clearing and is located in Settings → Storage → Free up space.

Method 1: Manually clearing the cache for individual applications

This is the most secure method that does not affect personal data. The instructions are suitable for all versions of Android:

1. Open Settings → Applications (or All applications)
2. Select the desired application from the list
3. Tap Storage (or Memory)
4. Click Clear cache

To speed up the process, you can sort applications by cache size: Settings → Applications → ⋮ (menu) → Sort by size.

Close all background applications

Connect the charger (for long operations)

Check the free space on the device (minimum 500 MB is needed)

Make a backup copy of important data (in case of failure)-->

⚠️ Attention: Do not clear the cache of system applications (for example Android System, Google Play Services) unless absolutely necessary. to malfunctions of the smartphone.

Some applications (for example, Facebook or TikTokafter clearing the cache, this is normal - just log in to your account again.

Method 2: Clear the cache of all applications at once

If manual clearing takes too long, you can delete the cache of all applications at once. This method requires caution, as it may lead to:

• 🔄 Restarting some applications the next time you start
• 📱 Temporary slowdown of the smartphone (the system will restore the cache)
• 🔒 Loss of saved data in some games (if they are stored in the cache)

Instructions for Android 9.0 and newer:

1. Open Settings → Storage
2. Tap Free up space or Clear cache
3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a password/pattern)

On older versions (Android 6–8) the path is different: Settings → Memory → Cached data → OK.

What to do if there is no "Clear cache" button?

On some firmwares (for example, MIUI or ColorOS), mass clearing of the cache is hidden. In this case:

1. data-i="151">Settings → Battery and performance → Cleaning Settings → Battery and performance → Cleaning

2. Or install third-party software like SD Maid (root access is required for complete cleaning)

After mass clearing the cache, the smartphone may heat up for 10-15 minutes - this is normal, since the system restores the necessary temporary files.

Method 3: Clearing the browser cache (Chrome, Firefox, Opera)

Browsers are the main cache "eaters" Temporary files can take up to 1 GB, and in Google Chrome temporary files can take up to 1 GB, and Firefox —up to 500 MB. Cleaning will not only free up space, but also:

• 🛡️ Removes tracking cookies (improves privacy)
• 🚀 Speeds up page loading (removes conflicting data)
• 🔍 Resets personalized advertising

Instructions for Google Chrome:

1. Open the browser and tap ⋮ (three dots) → History
2. Select Clear data
3. Set period All time
4. Tick the boxes:
   • 📋 Cookies and site data
   • 🖼️ Cached images and files

Click Delete data

For Firefox i Opera the process is similar, but the paths may differ: Settings → Privacy → Clear data.

⚠️ Attention: Clearing your browser cache will delete all saved passwords if they are not synced with your Google/Mozilla account. Before the procedure, check whether synchronization is enabled in your browser settings.

Method 4: Clearing the system services cache (for advanced users)

The system cache (/cache) stores update data, temporary recovery files and others service data. Cleaning it can help with:

• 🔄 Freezes after updating Android
• 📱 Constant errors like "The application has stopped"
• 🔧 Incorrect operation of Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

There are two cleaning methods:

Method 1: Through Recovery Mode (without root)

1. Turn off the smartphone
2. Hold down the button combination to enter recovery:
   • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby
   • Xiaomi: Power + Volume up
   • Google Pixel: Power + Volume down

In the recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition (volume button control + confirmation with power button)

After cleaning, reboot the device (Reboot system now)

Method 2: Via ADB (for advanced)

If you have access to ADB, use the command:

adb shell
su
rm -r /cache/*
reboot

⚠️ Attention: Clearing the system cache via ADB requires root access. Incorrect commands can lead to bricking the device (complete inoperability). If you are not sure, use only the method with recovery.

After clearing the system cache, turning on the smartphone for the first time may take up to 5-10 minutes - this is normal, since Android restores critical temporary files.

Method 5: Automatically clearing the cache using applications

If you are too lazy to clear the cache manually, you can entrust this to special utilities:

Application	Functions	Requires root?
SD Maid	Deep cache cleaning, removing duplicates, analyzing system files	For full functionality - yes
CCleaner	Clearing cache, history, temporary files, RAM optimization	No
Files by Google	Built-in cache cleaner, junk file analysis, backup	No
Norton Clean	Cache clearing, APK removal, space analysis	No

Example of working with Files by Google:

1. Install the application from Google Play
2. Open it and go to the tab Cleaning
3. Tap Free up space → App cache
4. Select apps to clear or tap Clear all

Automatic cleaners. convenient, but have disadvantages: can delete useful data (for example, saving games) and slow down work due to background processes. Use them no more than once a week.

Method 6: Clearing the DALVIK cache (for root users only)

DALVIK cache is an optimized version of applications that the virtual machine creates. Clearing it can: Android Runtime (ART). Cleaning it can:

• 🚀 Significantly speed up work. system
• 🔧 Fix errors like "The application is not responding"
• 📱 Free up 100–500 MB of memory

Instructions (root access required):

1. Install a file manager with root support (for example, Root Explorer)
2. Go to the folder /data/dalvik-cache
3. Delete all files in this folder
4. Restart the device

After clearing the DALVIK cache, it will take 5–15 minutes - the system will rebuild optimized files for all applications.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrectly clearing the DALVIK cache without root access or through unverified applications can lead to cyclic reboot devices If you are not sure of your actions, skip this method.

Method 7: Resetting the cache through Safe Mode (safety mode)

If the smartphone is very slow and does not respond to normal cleaning methods, you can use Safe Mode (safe mode) In this mode, only system applications are loaded. allows you to:

• 🛠️ Clear the cache of problematic applications
• 🔍 Identify virus software
• 📱 Eliminate conflicts between apps

How to enter Safe Mode:

1. Press the button Power until the shutdown menu appears
2. Press and hold the item Shutdown (or Turn off the power)
3. Confirm entering Safe Mode

In Safe Mode:

1. Clear the cache of suspicious applications (see Method 1)
2. Remove recently installed apps
3. Restart the device to exit Safe Mode

If the smartphone works fine in safe mode, the problem is in one of the third-party applications. Remove apps one by one until you find the culprit.

Frequent errors when clearing the cache and how to do it. avoid them

Many users make critical mistakes that, instead of optimization, lead to data loss or failures. Here are the most common ones:

• 🗑️ Cleanup. cache instead of application data - this will delete all your settings and saves. Always make sure that you click on Clear cacheand not Clear data.
• 🔄 Frequent cleaning. cache —if you clear the cache daily, the system will spend resources on its constant restoration. Optimal frequency: once every 1-2 weeks.
• 🚫 Ignoring updates —after clearing the cache, update problematic applications via Google Play. Old versions may conflict with a clean system.
• 🔧 Clearing the system application cache —this may disable important functions (for example, Google Play Services responsible for push notifications).

Another typical problem is "the cache returns immediately after clearing"This happens because some applications (for example, Facebook or TikTok) aggressively restore the cache at the first launch. Solution:

1. Clear the application cache
2. Disable autoloading for it in the battery settings
3. Run the application manually and wait until it restores only the necessary data

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to clear the cache every day?

Frequently clearing the cache forces the system to constantly restore it, which increases the load on the processor i reduces the service life of flash memory. Optimal interval: once every 1-2 weeks or if there is insufficient memory.

Why do applications run slower after clearing the cache?

This is normal. When you first launch it after clearing the cache, the application has to reload temporary data (pictures, scripts, media files). After 1-2 uses, the speed will return to normal.

How to clear the cache on Android without access to the settings (broken screen)? summary>

There are three options:

1. Connect your smartphone to the PC and use ADB:

   adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.package.name

   (replace com.package.name with the name of the application package)

2. Use the voice assistant (Google Assistant or Bixby): "Okay Google, open the storage settings"
3. Restore access via Safe Mode + mouse connection via OTG

Clearing the cache deletes photos or messages?

No, clearing the cache does not affects:

• 📷 Photos and videos in the gallery
• 💬 Messages in instant messengers
• 📁 Downloaded files
• 🎮 Game saves (if they are not stored in the cache)

However, some applications (for example VK or Telegram) can store media files in the cache. In this case, they will be deleted, but they can be downloaded again.

Which applications clog the cache the most?

Top 5 "cache eaters" according to data Android Authority (2026):

1. TikTok — up to 3 GB (video, effects, preloading content)
2. Facebook — up to 2 GB (tape cache, stories, messenger)
3. Instagram — up to 1.5 GB (photos, videos, advertising materials)
4. Google Chrome —up to 1 GB (cookies, history, offline pages)
5. Games (Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact) —up to 5 GB (textures, shaders, updates)

These applications should be cleaned first.

Now you know all the effective ways to clear the cache on Android - from manual methods to automated tools. Regular cleaning will not only free up space on your device, but will also extend its life. Start with the most power-hungry applications, and you will immediately notice the difference in performance.