How to clear the game cache on Android: 5 proven methods

Mobile games on Android over time begin to slow down, freeze, or take up too much space in the device's memory. The main reason is accumulated cache, which stores temporary files to speed up loading. However, without regular cleaning, it turns into digital garbage that slows down your smartphone. In this article, we will look at how to properly delete the game cache without losing progress, and what tools to use for this.

Clearing the cache is not only a way to free up space on your phone, but also a method for solving common problems: application crashes, long loading levels or graphics errors. It is important to understand that there are two types of cache: system (created by Android for all applications) and internal (generated by a specific game). We'll look at both options, and also tell you when clearing can be harmful - for example, if the game caches important data for online mode.

Before you start, check how much space the game takes up. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → [Game name] → Memory. If the cache size exceeds 1-2 GB, and the game starts to slow down, it’s time to act. But remember: some games (for example Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile) after clearing the cache may require re-downloading resources, which will take time and Internet traffic.

1. Clearing the cache through Android settings

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in system tools. This method is suitable for most devices on Android 10 and newer, including smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme and others. The main advantage: there is no need to install third-party apps, and the risk of losing data is minimal.

Instructions:

• 📱 Open Settings phone.
• 🔍 Go to section Applications (or Application management on some firmware).
• 🎮 Find the desired game in the list and tap on its name.
• 🗑️ Select item Memory (or Storage).
• 🧹 Press Clear cache. If there is a button Delete data — do not press it, otherwise all settings and progress will be reset!

On some devices (for example, Huawei or Honor) the path may differ: Settings → Applications and notifications → Application memory. If you do not find the desired section, use the search in the settings - enter the request “cache”.

Close the game through the task manager

Connect to Wi-Fi (if the game requires you to download data again)

Check the free space on your device (minimum 500 MB)

Make a backup of your progress (if the game supports cloud saving)-->

⚠️ Attention: On Android 13 and later, some games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire) may block cache clearing through the settings. In this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.

2. Using built-in game tools

Many modern games have own mechanisms for managing the cache. This is especially true for projects with regular updates, such as Brawl Stars, Clash of Clans or Among Us. Developers are adding a cleanup option so that users can delete unnecessary files without risking progress.

Where to look:

• ⚙️ In Game Settings (usually in the "General" or "Advanced" section).
• 📁 In the "Memory Management" or "Clear Data" menu.
• 🔄 In the "Updates" section - sometimes there is a button there Clear old files.

Example: In Genshin Impact the path looks like this: Settings (Paimon) → Other → Clear cache. After clicking, the game will offer to delete temporary files, but will warn that the next download will take longer. In Clash Royale a similar option is hidden in Settings → Device → Clear cache.

If you don’t find such a function, check the official game guides on Google Play or the developer’s website. For example, Moonton (the creators Mobile Legends) regularly update optimization instructions.

3. cache

If manually clearing the cache is inconvenient or the game does not provide such an option, you can use specialized utilities. They analyze the device’s memory, find unnecessary files and offer to delete them. Popular tools:

• 🧰 CCleaner — a classic application with the function of deep cleaning of cache and garbage.
• 🔍 SD Maid — an advanced tool for experienced users. Can find “orphaned” cache files that are not deleted using standard methods.
• 🚀 Files by Google - official application from Google with the “Memory Cleaner” function. Free and without unnecessary fuss.

How to use (using example Files by Google):

1. Install the application from Google Play.
2. Open it and go to the tab Cleaning.
3. Select a category Application cache.
4. Mark the games whose cache you want to delete and press Clean.

Warning: Some "cleaners" (especially little-known ones) may delete important files or show aggressive advertising. Before installing, check the reviews and ratings in Google PlayAvoid apps that ask for administrator rights - this is an unnecessary risk.

⚠️ Warning: Applications like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster are often accused of collecting user data. If privacy is important, use Files by Google or built-in Android tools.

4. manager

For advanced users who want complete control of the process, the method of manually deleting cache files is suitable. This method requires caution, since an error may cause the game to crash. It is recommended only if the previous methods did not work.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders. for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer.
2. Go to the folder /Android/data/[name of the game package] or /Android/obb/[name of the game package]. The package name can be found in Google Play (in the browser address bar after id=).
3. Find folders with the names cache, temp or files —they usually contain cache.
4. Delete the contents of these folders, but not the folders themselves!

Example: For a game Minecraft the path to the cache may look like this: /Android/data/com.mojang.minecraftpe/files/.com.mojang/. Inside there are folders with textures and temporary files that can be safely deleted.

Game	Folder with cache	What can be deleted	What CANNOT be deleted
Genshin Impact	/Android/data/com.mihoyo.GenshinImpact/files	Folders cache, temp	Folder config (graphics settings)
PUBG Mobile	/Android/obb/com.tencent.ig	Files with extension .obb (old versions)	Current file main.XXX.com.tencent.ig.obb
Brawl Stars	/Android/data/com.supercell.brawlstars/files	Folder Caches	Files with extension .sc (save)

What to do if after manual cleaning the game stops starting?

If you deleted critical files, try:

1. Reinstall the game (progress will be saved if linked to an account).

2. Clear game data through Android settings (but this will reset the settings).

3. Contact game support indicating the phone model and Android version.

5. Clearing the cache through Recovery mode

If the game has become so littered with the system that the phone has started to slow down globally, clearing the cache in Recoverymode can help. This method resets system cache (Dalvik-cache), which speeds up Android in general. However, it does not affect the cache of specific games, so use it as an addition to other methods.

How to enter Recovery:

• 🔄 Turn off the phone.
• 🔘 Press the button combination (depending on models):
  • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby
  • Xiaomi/Redmi: Power + Volume up
  • Google Pixel: Power + Volume down
• 📱 In the Recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition (button control volume and power).
• 🔄 Reboot the device (Reboot system now).

This method does not delete game data, but helps fix errors associated with a damaged system cache. Use it if games start to crash after updating Android or installing new software.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example OnePlus or Oppo) the Recovery menu may be called Stock Recovery and have a different interface. If you are not sure, do not select options with the word factory resetso as not to reset the phone to factory settings.

6. Automation of cache cleaning

In order not to clear the cache manually, you can set up automatic cleaning using the task scheduler or specialized applications. This is relevant for gamers who regularly play heavy projects like Honor of Kings or Apex Legends Mobile.

Automation methods:

• 🤖 Tasker - application. to create automatic scripts. You can set up clearing the cache on a schedule or when a certain amount of memory is reached.
• ⏰ MacroDroid - a simplified alternative to Tasker with ready-made templates for clearing the cache.
• 📊 Greenify - a utility for “freezing” background processes, including unnecessary cache.

Example of configuration c MacroDroid:

1. Create a new macro command.
2. Select as a trigger Device memory < 1 GB.
3. Add an action Clear application cache and specify the desired games.
4. Save and activate the macro.

Automation is convenient, but has disadvantages: some games may break if the cache is cleared too often. The optimal frequency is once every 1-2 weeks.

7. When clearing the cache can cause harm

Despite the obvious advantages, clearing the cache sometimes leads to problems. It’s better to refrain:

• 🎮 Online games with constant updates (for example, Fortnite or Diablo Immortal) They store patches in the cache, and after cleaning you will need to download them again.
• 💾 Games with offline mode, which cache levels (for example, Asphalt 9). You will have to wait for re-loading.
• 🔒 DRM protection (for example, NBA 2K Mobile) May require re-authorization.

Also do not clear the cache if:

• The game uses it for cloud saves (check in the game settings).
• You play in multi-user mode and are afraid of losing synchronization.
• On the phone less than 10% battery charge —cleaning may be interrupted and damage files.

If in doubt, back up your game data via Google Play Games or built-in cloud services (for example, Mi Cloud for Xiaomi).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the game cache

Is it possible to clear the cache without deleting progress in the game?

Yes, if you clear only the cache through the Android settings or built-in game tools. The main thing is not to press Delete data or Reset settingsas this will delete all saves. To be safe, link the game to your account Google Play Games, Facebook or another. service.

Why did the game slow down even more after clearing the cache?

This happens if the game starts reloading resources (textures, sounds) from the servers. Wait until the download is complete or connect to Wi-Fi for. acceleration. Also check if you have deleted important configuration files along with the cache - in this case, reinstalling the game can help.

How much space will be freed up after clearing the cache?

Depends on the game. For example:

• Genshin Impact: 3-5 GB (if it has not been cleared for a long time).
• Call of Duty: Mobile: 1-2 GB.
• Candy Crush Saga: 100-300 MB.

The exact figure can be seen in Settings → Applications → [Game] → Memory.

Do you need to clear the cache if the game is running normally?

There is no mandatory need. The cache exists to speed up loading. Clear it only if:

• The game starts to slow down.
• The phone has run out of space.
• After updating the game, graphical glitches appeared.

Regular cleaning “just in case” can, on the contrary, slow down the work.

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

Yes, using applications like SD Maid or Files by Google. But be careful: some games (especially online ones) may require re-authorization or downloading data after mass clearing. It is better to clear the cache selectively.