How to clear the cache on Android TV: a complete guide for all models

Slow interface, freezing applications or sudden errors when watching videos - familiar problems? On Android TV (whether Sony Bravia, Xiaomi Mi TV, NVIDIA Shield or Philips s Google TV) the cache accumulates as actively as on smartphones. But if on a phone cleaning takes a couple of taps, on a TV the process is often hidden in the depths of the menu or requires additional manipulations. In this article we will look at all working methods from standard settings to hidden commands for experienced users.

The cache on Android TV is divided into two types: application cache (temporary files YouTube, Netflix, Kodi and other services) and system cache (update data, Dalvik cache, firmware remnants). The first one can be removed manually for each application, but the second one will have to be tinkered with. It is important to understand: clearing the cache does not delete personal data (logins, bookmarks, progress in games), but it may reset the settings of some applications to factory settings for example, in Smart YouTube TV or TVirl you will have to re-enter the stream parameters.

If your TV is running on Android TV 9-14, all the methods from this article will be relevant. For devices with Fire OS (for example, Amazon Fire TV Stick) or webOS (LG) the instructions will not work - these systems have a different mechanism for storing temporary files. Also note: on some models (for example Sony X90J 2021), the path to the settings may be slightly different - this depends on the manufacturer’s shell.

1. Clearing the cache for individual applications

The safest and most targeted method is to delete the cache only for those apps that slow down or take up too much space. This method does not require superuser rights and is suitable for 99% of users.

To clear the cache of a specific application:

1. Open Settings (gear in the upper right corner of the main screen).
2. Go to section Applications (on some TVs - All applications or Manage applications).
3. Select the desired application (for example, YouTube or Megogo).
4. Click Clear cache (not to be confused with Clear data —this will delete all settings!).

On TVs with Google TV (for example, Sony X80J or TCL 6-Series) the path may look like this: Settings → Applications → Installed applications → [select application] → Storage → Clear cache.

• 📺 For which applications is this relevant? First of all, clear the cache of YouTube, Netflix, IVI, Kodi, Smart IPTV —they most often accumulate garbage.
• ⚡ What does it do? Frees up from 50 MB to 1-2 GB (depending on the application), eliminates freezes at startup.
• ⚠️ What to expect? After cleaning YouTube TV or Twitch can reload thumbnails and video buffer - the first 10-20 seconds will be slower.

2. Automatically clearing the cache through storage settings

If you are too lazy to manually clear the cache for each application, you can use the built-in storage optimization function. This method is less effective (does not delete deep system files), but it is simple and simple. safe.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Storage and reset (or Memory on some models).
2. Select Internal memory (do not confuse with external drives!).
3. Click Clear cache or Free up space (the wording depends on the version of Android).
4. Confirm the action - the system itself will scan and delete unnecessary temporary files.

On TVs Xiaomi (for example, Mi TV Q2 2023) this section can be called Storage & Performance and located in Settings → Device → Memory. On NVIDIA Shield TV the path is: Settings → Device preferences → Storage → Internal shared storage → Free up space.

⚠️ Attention: On some TVs (for example, Hisense or Toshiba s shell Vidaa), the automatic cache clearing function may not be available. In this case, use the methods in the following sections.

3. Resetting the cache through Recovery mode (Recovery). Mode)

If the TV slows down a lot and standard methods do not help, you can use mode. recovery. This method deletes all temporary system files, including the update cache and Dalvik cache, but does not affect user data!

How to enter Recovery Mode:

• 🔌 Method 1 (buttons on the body):
  1. Turn off the TV.
  2. Press and hold the button Volume down (or Menu on the remote control) + power button on the case.
  3. Hold for 10-15 seconds until the logo appears Android.

adb reboot recovery

In the recovery menu:

1. Select Wipe cache partition (control - volume buttons, confirmation - power button).
2. Confirm action (Yes).
3. After cleaning, select Reboot system now.

On TVs Sony and Philips the recovery menu may look different - instead of Wipe cache partition look for Clear cache or Factory reset (without data loss). Be careful: do not select options with the word "reset"if you do not want to reset all settings!

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S) input to Recovery Mode may block the system from loading if the firmware is modified. If you are not sure, use other methods.

4. Using ADB for deep cleaning (for advanced)

If you are familiar with the command line, Android Debug Bridge (ADB) this method allows you. delete the cache for all applications at once or even reset the settings of specific services.

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed ADB.
• 🔌 USB cable (or Wi-Fi connection, if supported).
• ⚙️ Enabled USB debugging on the TV (Settings → About TV → Build number — tap 7 times, then return to Settings → For developers → USB debugging).

Commands for cleaning:

# Clear cache of all applications
adb shell pm trim-caches -1

Clear the cache of a specific application (for example, YouTube)
adb shell pm clear com.google.android.youtube.tv

Delete all temporary files in the /cache folder
adb shell su -c "rm -rf /cache/*"

On TVs with root access (for example, flashed NVIDIA Shield TV), you can use more aggressive commands:

adb shell su -c "find /data -name 'cache' -exec rm -rf {} +"

After executing the commands, restart the TV:

adb reboot

1. Find out the TV's IP address in Settings → Network.

2. Run the command:

3. Confirm the connection on the TV screen.-->

5. Clearing the cache through third-party applications

If you don’t want to delve into the settings, you can use specialized utilities. They automatically find and delete unnecessary files, and some even optimize the system.

Top 3 applications for Android TV:

• 🧹 SD Maid - clears the cache, deletes empty folders and remnants of deleted applications. Supports root-mode for deep cleaning.
• 🚀 CCleaner TV - a simplified version of the popular cleaner. Can clean cache, history and temporary files of browsers.
• 🔍 Files by Google —shows which files take up the most space and suggests deleting them.

How to install and use:

1. Download the APK file of the application (for example, from APKMirror) and load it onto your TV via Send Files to TV or a flash drive.
2. Install the application, allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
3. Run the utility and follow the instructions on the screen (usually enough press Clear or Optimize).

⚠️ Attention: Some applications (for example, Clean Master) may contain advertising or unnecessary functions. It is better to use proven utilities like Android TV It’s better to use proven utilities like SD Maid.

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

If after all the manipulations the TV still slows down, the problem may occur. be deeper. Here's what's worth checking:

• 🔄 Update the firmware: Go to Settings → About TV → System update and check that the software is up to date. Sony and Philips updates often correct memory errors.
• 🗑️ Uninstall unnecessary applications: Many manufacturers install pre-loaded software (bloatware) that cannot be removed using standard means. Use ADB:

  adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 [package_name]

  (you can find out the name of the package with the command adb shell pm list packages)

• 🔧 Reset the settings to factory settings: An extreme method, if all else fails. All data will be erased! Path: Settings → Storage and reset → Reset data.
• 💾 Move applications to an external drive: If the internal memory is low, connect a USB drive or SD card and transfer heavy applications there (Settings → Applications → [select] → Storage → Edit → External storage).

On TVs with Android TV 12+ (for example, Google Chromecast with Google TV or Sony X95K) there is a built-in function System optimizationIt automatically closes background processes and clears the cache on a schedule. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings → System → Optimization.
2. Activate the option Automatic optimization.
3. Select a schedule (for example, Every night).

7. How to prevent cache accumulation in the future

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

• 📱 Limit background activity: Settings → Applications → [select] → Battery Turn off unnecessary apps. Settings → Applications → [select] → Battery turn off Background activity for unnecessary apps.
• 🔄 Reboot the TV regularly: Once a week, unplug it from the outlet for 1-2 minutes - this resets temporary files in memory.
• 🚫 Do not install unnecessary applications: Each new software creates its own cache files and. utilities that you do not use.
• 📶 Use a wired Internet connection: When Wi-Fi is weak, applications cache data more actively to avoid buffering.

On TVs with Google TV (for example, TCL 6-Series R646) there is a function Background limitthat limits the activity of applications in the background. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Battery optimization.
2. Select All applications.
3. For each application, install Limited.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Android TV