Smartphone Honor 9 Lite (models LLN-L21, LLN-L22, LLN-L23) even several years after release remains popular due to its balanced characteristics: processor Kirin 659, 3/4 GB of RAM and 32/64 GB of memory. However, over time, users experience slowdowns, sudden freezes and application errors. In 90% of cases, the culprit clogged cache is temporary files that the system and apps create to speed up repeated operations, but forget to delete.

Clearing the cache on Honor 9 Lite is not just a way to free up 1-2 GB of memory, but method restoring factory speed without resetting to factory settings. Unlike new smartphones with 8+ GB of RAM, budget models of 2017–2018 react sharply to a full cache: applications begin to crash, the camera slows down when shooting, and the interface jitters when scrolling. This article contains current cleaning methods (including hidden ones), which work on firmware up to EMUI 8.0/9.0 stutters when scrolling. This article contains current cleaning methods (including hidden ones) that work on firmware up to EMUI 9.1 inclusive.

Why the cache on Honor 9 Lite needs to be cleared regularly

The cache is temporary files, which are created:

  • 📱 Android system to speed up the loading of the interface (for example, animation EMUI or fonts).
  • 🎮 Applications (social networks, instant messengers, games) for storing frequently used data (photo thumbnails, card caches, authorization data).
  • 🌐 Browsers (Chrome, Opera) for saving copies of web pages and cookies.

On Honor 9 Lite with 3 GB of RAM the cache can take up to 30–40% of the free space v section /data. For example, after a year of use, it accumulates up to 500 MB of garbage, and up to 1 GB. At the same time: Facebook after a year of use accumulates up to 500 MB of garbage, and Google Play Services - up to 1 GB. In this case:

  • ⚠️ System cache (in the folder /cache) has almost no effect on performance, but clearing it helps with update errors.
  • ⚠️ Application cache (in /data/data) is the main culprit of the brakes. Clearing it is harmless, but requires re-authorization in some services.
⚠️ Attention: If, after clearing the cache, an application (for example VKontakte or banking) requires re-entering your login/password, this is normal. Account data is not deleted - temporary access tokens are simply erased.

How to understand that it’s time to clear the cache:

Symptom Cause Solution
Applications take a long time to open or crash Dalvik cache (Android virtual machine) is full Cleaning via Recovery or Settings → Memory
The phone heats up without load Background processes overwrite the cache Manually clearing the cache of system applications
Not enough space for updates Update cache (/cache) is full of old files Delete via TWRP or standard menu
Camera slows down when shooting Camera module cache is full of thumbnails Clearing application data Camera
📊 How often do you clear the cache on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when the phone slow
Never cleaned

Method 1: Clearing the cache through standard EMUI settings

The safest method that does not require superuser rights (root) or additional apps. Suitable for deleting the cache of user applications (for example, Instagram, YouTube) and part of the system ones.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Memory (or Storage in new versions EMUI).
  2. Tap on Internal memory → Other files or Cached data.
  3. Click Clear cache (the EMUI 8.0 button may be called Delete unnecessary files).
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog box.

This method deletes only application cache, but does not affect:

  • 📁 System cache (/cache).
  • 🗃️ Dalvik cache (needed for the Java virtual machine to work).
  • 🔄 Residual files after uninstalling apps.
⚠️ Attention: B EMUI 9.0+ After clearing the cache, the call history in the standard application Phone. This is a feature of the firmware - data is not restored, but new calls will be saved normally.

☑️ Preparing to clear the cache

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Manually clearing the cache for individual applications

If the phone is slow due to a specific application (for example, Facebook or Google Maps), you can clear the cache only for it, without affecting other apps. This is useful when:

  • 🎯 The application crashes on startup.
  • 📱 "Insufficient memory" error when updating.
  • 🔄 Incorrect display of the interface. (for example, a black screen in Instagram).

How to clear the cache for one application:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications and notifications → Applications.
  2. Select the desired application (for example, WhatsApp).
  3. Tap Memory (or Storage) → Clear cache.
  4. For a complete reset, click Clear data (⚠️ this will delete all settings and application files!).

Examples of applications that most often require clearing the cache on Honor 9 Lite:

Application Average cache size What will happen after cleaning
Facebook 300–800 MB You will have to log in to your account again, photos in the feed will load more slowly
Google Play Services 500 MB–1.5 GB Push notifications may temporarily not work
YouTube 100–400 MB Search history and recommendations will be reset
Camera 50–200 MB The thumbnails in the gallery will disappear, but the photos will remain
💡

If the application is unstable after clearing the cache, restart the phone. In 80% of cases, this solves the problem without additional actions.

Method 3: Clearing the system cache via Recovery Mode

This method deletes system cache (folder /cache), which accumulates during updates EMUI and the operation of background services. Clearing it helps if:

  • 🔄 Phone stuck on logo Honor after the update.
  • 📱 Applications crash en masse with an error "The application has stopped".
  • 🔧 The update cannot be installed due to "lack of memory."

Instructions for Honor 9 Lite:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press simultaneously Volume up + Power and hold for 10 seconds until the logo appears Honor.
  3. Release the buttons - you will be taken to Recovery Mode (menu in English).
  4. Use the volume buttons to navigate and Power to select an item.
  5. Select Wipe cache partition → Yes.
  6. After completion, click Reboot system now.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition with Wipe data/factory reset! The second step will reset the phone to factory settings and delete all data.

What this procedure does:

  • ✅ Deletes temporary update files EMUI.
  • ✅ Clears the cache Dalvik, which speeds up the launch of applications.
  • ✅ Corrects errors like "The com.android.phone process has stopped".
What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If after holding Volume up + Power the phone just turns on, try:

1. Connect the charger and try again.

2. Use the combination Volume up + Volume down + Power.

3. If nothing helps, perhaps your phone has a custom Recovery installed (for example, TWRP), and another combination is needed.

Method 4: Using third-party applications (CCleaner, SD Maid)

Standard tools EMUI do not always cope with deep cleaning, especially if the cache is fragmented or occupied by junk files from uninstalled apps. In such cases, specialized utilities help:

Top 3 applications for Honor 9 Lite:

  1. SD Maid (paid version)
    • 🔍 Finds residual files after deleting applications.
    • 🗑️ Clears the cache Dalvik and APK-update files.
    • ⚙️ Has an automatic cleaning scheduler.
  2. CCleaner (free version)
    • 📊 Shows detailed statistics of occupied space.
    • 🧹 Removes the cache of browsers and social networks.
    • 🔒 Safe for beginners (no risk of deleting system files).
  • Files by Google (from Google)
    • 📂 Removes duplicate photos and large files.
    • 🗃️ Clears messenger cache (WhatsApp, Telegram).
    • 📱 Lightweight (does not load the system).

      • How to use SD Maid:

      1. Install the application from Google Play.
      2. Run and provide rights root (if any) or select mode without root.
      3. Go to the tab CorpseFinder → click Run to search for garbage.
      4. In the tab AppCleaner select applications and click Clear cache.
    ⚠️ Attention: Applications like Clean Master or 360 Security are not recommended for Honor 9 LiteThey consume a lot of resources and often show false warnings about "critical errors" to force you to buy paid versions.
    💡

    The utilities are more effective than standard tools, but require caution: always check which files they offer to delete so as not to erase important data.

    Method 5: Clearing the cache via ADB (for advanced users)

    If standard methods do not help, but root access no, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) - a tool for debugging via a computer. This method is suitable for:

    • 🔧 Removing the system application cache (for example, Huawei Mobile Services).
    • 📱 Clearing the cache for all users (if there are several profiles on the phone).
    • 🗑️ Deleting the cache Dalvik without access to Recovery.

      • Instructions:

      1. Download and install ADB on PC (for example, Platform Tools from Google).
      2. On your phone, enable Developer mode: 
        Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times)
      3. Go back to Settings → System → For developers and enable USB debugging.
      4. Connect the phone to the PC and enter in the command line line: 
        adb devices

        (the device should appear Honor 9 Lite).

      5. To clear the cache of all applications, do: 
        adb shell pm trim-caches 1G

        (where 1G is the desired amount of freed memory).

      Additional useful commands:

      adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.chrome # Clear Chrome cache and data

      adb shell rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/* # Clear Dalvik cache (requires root)

      ⚠️ Attention: Commands s rm -rf are dangerous - if there is an error in the path, you can delete critical files. Use only if you are confident in your actions!

      What to do if clearing the cache did not help

      If after all the manipulations Honor 9 Lite it still slows down, the problem may be deeper:

      Possible causes and solutions:

      • 🔋 Worn out. battery: When discharged below 20%, the processor Kirin 659 automatically reduces performance Check the health of the battery through AccuBattery.
      • 📱 Memory fragmentation: On Honor 9 Lite with 32 GB of memory, fragmentation greatly affects the speed. The solution is to transfer files to an SD card or do a reset.
      • 🔄 Outdated firmware: Latest official version for Honor 9 Lite — EMUI 9.1 (Android 9). If you have an older one, update via HiSuite.
      • 🦠 Viruses or malware. Software: Check your phone via Malwarebytes. Especially if the brakes started after installing an APK from unknown sources.

      Extreme measures:

      1. Reset to factory settings (will delete all data, but return a “clean” system). Path: Settings → System → Reset → Reset phone.
      2. Firmware via Fastboot (if the phone does not turn on or is infected with viruses). Requires a PC and proprietary firmware from the site. cache, and there is not enough RAM. Try closing background applications before playing or lower the graphics settings. Huawei.
      💡

      If the phone slows down only in games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact), the problem is not in the cache, but in the lack of RAM. Try closing background applications before playing or lower your graphics settings.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Honor 9 Lite

      Is it possible to clear the cache every day?

      No, this is pointless and even harmful. to speed up applications. The optimal frequency is every 1-2 weeks or when slowdowns occur. The exception is the browser cache (for example, Chrome), it can be cleared more often if you surf the Internet often.

      Why after cleaning Application cache takes a long time to load?

      This is normal: applications have to re-create temporary files (for example, loading avatars in WhatsApp or thumbnails in the gallery). The speed will be restored after 10-15 minutes of active use.

      How to clear the cache for system applications (for example, Huawei AppGallery)?

      For system applications you need to use ADB or Recovery:

      1. Via ADB: 
        adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.huawei.appmarket
      2. Via Recovery: select Wipe cache partition (but this will clear the cache of all system applications).
      ⚠️ Attention: Clearing system application data (for example com.android.settings) can lead to malfunctions of the phone!

      What is the Dalvik cache and how to clear it?

      Dalvik-cache —these are optimized files for virtual machine Dalvikon which applications are running. Cleaning it is useful if:

      • Applications crash en masse with an error "Stopped".
      • The phone slows down after updating EMUI.

      Clear it you can:

      • Via Recovery (p. Wipe cache partition).
      • Via ADB with root access: 
        adb shell su -c "rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*"
      Is it possible to transfer the cache to an SD card?

      On Honor 9 Lite transferring the cache to an SD card not supported at the system level. However, you can:

      • Use the SD card as internal memory (format how Adoptable Storage v Settings → Memory). Minus: the card will be encrypted and will not be read on other devices.
      • Manually transfer media files (photo, video) to SD via Files or ES Explorer.

      This will not work for the application cache - it is always stored in the internal memory.