Cache on Android - these are temporary files that applications and the system itself create to speed up work. Over time, they accumulate, taking up gigabytes of memory, slowing down the phone and causing crashes. Clearing the cache is one of the first recommendations for slowdowns, but it needs to be done correctly so as not to harm the system.

In this article you will find 5 proven methods cleaning the cache - from manual cleaning of individual applications to deep system optimization. We will look at when you need to delete the cache and when it is better not to do this, and we will explain why not all are "cleaners" from Google Play work effectively. The instructions are suitable for Android 10–15, including firmware from Samsung (One UI), Xiaomi (MIUI), Realme and other brands.

What is the cache on Android and why clear it

Cache (from English cache —“cache”) is buffer data that is stored on the device for quick access. For example, when you open Instagram, the application loads photos into the cache to show them instantly the next time you launch them. The same thing happens with web pages, maps, and even system processes. Problems begin when the cache grows to several gigabytes. This leads to: Chrome, cards in Google Maps and even system processes.

Problems begin when the cache grows to several gigabytes. This leads to:

  • 🐢 Slowdown — the system has to sort through tons of unnecessary files.
  • 🔋 Rapid battery drain —background processes waste resources processing the cache.
  • 🚨 Application crashes —a damaged cache can cause crashes and errors.
  • 📱 Lack of memory - especially important for budget smartphones with 32–64 GB of storage.

However you cannot delete the cache thoughtlessly. For example, clearing the cache Google Play Services may disrupt the operation of Google services, and clearing the messenger cache (WhatsApp, Telegram) will lead to re-downloading of media files. Therefore, it is important to understand that which files can be deleted safely and which are better left.

📊 How often do you clear the cache on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once every month
Only when the phone slows down
Never cleaned it
I don’t know what it is

Method 1: Clearing the cache of individual applications

The safest method is to delete the cache only for those apps that slow down or take up too much space. This method does not affect system files and does not require superuser rights.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications (on some firmware - Settings → All applications).
  2. Tap on the desired application (for example, Chrome or Facebook).
  3. Select Storage (or Memory to MIUI).
  4. Press Clear cache. The button Delete data erases not only the cache, but also application settings - use it carefully!

What to pay attention to:

  • 📊 Social networks (VK, TikTok) - the cache can weigh 1-3 GB.
  • 🌍 Browsers (Chrome, Opera) - store copies of sites, history, cookies.
  • 🗺️ Maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps) - cache sections of maps for offline access.
  • 🎮 Games (PUBG, Genshin Impact) - can take up to 5-10 GB for temporary files.

Close the application while multitasking

Check how much space the cache takes up (if it is less than 100 MB, it is not necessary to clear it)

Make sure that you have a stable Internet (the application will reload the data after clearing)

Make a backup copy of important data (for example, saves in games)

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⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, ColorOS from Oppo/Realme) the "Clear cache" button may be missing. In this case, use the system tool Optimization or Storage & Performance in the settings.

Method 2: Automatic cleaning through built-in tools Android

Modern versions of Android (starting from Android 8 Oreo) have built-in tools for memory optimization. They analyze unused files and offer to delete them without manual search.

How it works:

  1. Go to Settings → Storage (or Memory).
  2. Tap on Clear or Free up space (on Samsung — Optimize).
  3. The system will show a list of unnecessary files: cache, downloads, duplicates. Check the boxes cache only (do not delete personal files!).
  4. Confirm cleaning.

Advantages of this method:

  • ✅ Does not require root access.
  • ✅ Safe for the system.
  • ✅ Shows how much space will be freed.
Firmware Path to the cleaning tool Features
Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola) Settings → Storage → Free up space Suggests deleting cache, screenshots, duplicates
One UI (Samsung) Settings → Device care → Memory → Clean There is a "Deep cleaning" function for system files
MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco) Settings → About phone → Memory → Cleaning Can remove "junk files" more aggressively than others
ColorOS (Oppo/Realme) Settings → Advanced → Memory cleaning Often suggests clearing RAM, not cache
💡

If after automatic cleaning the phone still slows down, try reboot it. Many system processes are restarted only after a reboot.

Method 3: Clearing the cache via Recovery Mode (for experienced ones)

If the phone is very slow or does not respond to commands, you can clear the cache via recovery mode (Recovery ModeThis method resets it. data-i="144">—system cache, which can become damaged after updates. Dalvik-cache - system cache, which can become damaged after updates.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Hold down the button combination to enter Recovery:
    • Samsung: Power + Volume Up + Bixby
    • Xiaomi: Power + Volume Up
    • Google Pixel: Power + Volume Down, then select Recovery Mode
  • In the Recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition (control with volume buttons, confirmation with the power button).
  • After cleaning, reboot the phone (Reboot system now).
    • ⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition with Wipe data/factory reset! The second option will reset the phone to factory settings and delete all your data.

    When it helps:

    • 🔄 After updating Android (if the phone has become glitchy).
    • 🤖 For constant errors “The application has stopped.”
    • 📱 If the screen is frozen on the logo and does not load further.
    What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

    If the button combination does not work, try connecting the phone to the PC and use the command:

    adb reboot recovery

    For this you need USB debugging enabled and installed drivers ADB. On some models (for example, Huawei) Recovery Mode may be blocked by the manufacturer.

    Method 4: Using third-party applications (pros and cons)

    There are hundreds of “cleaners” on Google Play - from CCleaner to Files by Google. But not all of them are equally useful. Some delete not only the cache, but also useful files, while others show false warnings about “critical errors” in order to sell the premium version.

    Top 3 tested applications:

    Application Pros Cons
    Files by Google Official from Google, safe, shows large files Does not clear the system cache
    SD Maid Deep cleaning, works with root access Complicated interface for beginners
    AVG Cleaner Simple interface, optimizes RAM Advertising, can delete necessary files

    How to use safely:

    1. Download only from Google Play (avoid APKs from unknown sites).
    2. Do not give the application administrator rights or access to Accessibility features.
    3. Before cleaning, check which files will be deleted (look for the option Preview before deleting).
    ⚠️ Attention: Applications like Clean Master or DU Speed Booster are often accused of collecting user data and showing aggressive advertising Before installing, read reviews on 4PDA or XDA Developers.

    Method 5: Deep cleaning using ADB (for advanced)

    If you know how to work with Android Debug Bridge (ADB, you can clear the cache of all applications with one command. This method is useful when the phone is infected with viruses or the system settings are messed up.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Install ADB on PC (download from official website).
    2. Enable USB debugging on your phone (Settings → About phone → Build number - tap 7 times, then return to Settings → System → For developers).
    3. Connect your phone to the PC and run the command: 
      adb shell pm trim-caches {size}

      where {size} — maximum cache size in bytes (for example 100M for 100 MB). To clear the entire cache, use:

      adb shell pm trim-caches -1

    Additional useful commands:

    • View a list of applications with a large cache: 
      adb shell dumpsys meminfo | grep "Cache"
    • Clear cache of a specific application (for example com.facebook.katana for Facebook): 
      adb shell pm clear com.facebook.katana
    💡

    ADB commands allow you to clear the cache even on locked or bricked phones, but they require knowledge and caution. An error in the command can lead to the deletion of important data.

    What NOT to do when clearing the cache

    Some "tips" from the Internet can harm your phone more than they help. That's what It is strictly not recommended to do:

    • 🚫 Delete the cache of system applications like Google Play Services or Android System WebView — this can break the operation of Google services.
    • 🚫 Use "cleaners" with "RAM accelerator" functions —they only kill background processes, which worsens multitasking.
    • 🚫 Clear the cache every day —this is pointless and only bogs down applications waste traffic on re-downloading data.
    • 🚫 Erase files manually through Explorer (for example, a folder /data/cache) - you can accidentally delete important data.

    Also avoid:

    • 🔧 "Optimizers" with the function of "processor cooling" —they do not affect the real temperature, but consume the battery.
    • 📉 Applications that promise "increase FPS in games" -this is a deception, real acceleration only comes from hardware improvements.

    If you are in doubt whether you need to clear the cache of a specific application, use the rule: if the application is stable and does not take up more than 500 MB of cache, it is better not to touch it.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Android

    ❓ Why do applications slow down again after clearing the cache?

    This is normal: after clearing, the application needs time to restore the cache. If the brakes do not go away after 1-2 days, the problem is not in the cache, but in the application itself (perhaps it is poorly optimized) or in the lack of RAM.

    ❓ Is it possible to clear the cache for everyone? applications immediately?

    Yes, but not through standard settings. Use ADB (method 5) or third-party applications like SD Maid (requires root). Doing this manually is inconvenient - you will have to open each application separately.

    ❓ Clearing the cache deletes my photos. or messages?

    No, the cache and user data (photos, chats, contacts) are stored in different sections of memory. However, clearing application data (not the cache!) will delete your settings and saves (for example, progress in games).

    ❓ How often should you clear the cache?

    Once every 1-3 months is enough if the phone is working stably. If you actively use social networks, instant messengers or games, you can clear the cache once a month. The main sign that it’s time to clear it is that the phone starts to slow down or displays “Not enough memory” errors.

    ❓ Why is traffic consumed faster after clearing the cache?

    Because applications have to re-download data (pictures, videos, web pages). To save traffic, clear the cache only over Wi-Fi and avoid clearing the messenger cache if you have limited mobile data.