Completely clearing the cache on Android: from applications to system files

Cache on Android are temporary files that speed up applications and the system, but over time turn into digital garbage. They take up precious space on the internal storage, slow down the smartphone and can cause apps to crash. Unlike conventional cleaning through settings, complete cache deletion implies working not only with user data, but also with system partitions that are not visible in the standard interface.

This article will help you understand what types of cache exist on Android, how to delete them correctly (including hidden methods through recovery i ADB), and what to do if after cleaning the device begins to work worse. We will consider solutions for all versions of the OS - from Android 8 Oreo to Android 15, and will also take into account the features of firmware from Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other manufacturers.

1. Types of cache on Android: what can and cannot be deleted

Not all cache is equally useful (or harmful). Before you start cleaning, it is important to understand what types of temporary files you are dealing with:

• 📱 Application cache - files that apps save for quick loading (images, scripts, authorization data). They can be deleted without risk to the operation of the application, but the next time you start it will take longer to load.
• 🔄 Dalvik cache —optimized versions of installed applications created by the virtual machine ART/Dalvik. It is deleted only after recovery and can lead to the initial compilation of all apps the next time you turn it on.
• 🖥️ System cache - update files, logs and temporary OS data. It is cleared through Wipe Cache Partition in recovery and does not affect user data.
• 🗃️ Google Play Services Cache - accumulates during account synchronization and services operation Google. Clearing it may temporarily disrupt the operation of Gmail, YouTube and other services.

⚠️ Attention: Never delete files in the folder /data/dalvik-cache manually through a file manager with rights root! This can lead to cyclic reboot of the device ("bootloop")if the system is unable to rebuild the cache on its own. For safe cleaning, use only official methods.

Manufacturers often modify the cache structure. For example, on Samsung with shell One UI the cache of some system applications is stored in a protected section /preload, and on Xiaomi (MIUI) - in /cache/magic. These folders are not visible without rootrights, but their contents can be reset via recovery.

2. Standard cache clearing through Android settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in system tools. This method is suitable for deleting the cache of individual applications and does not require special knowledge.

1. Open Settings → Applications (on some devices - Settings → All applications).
2. Select the application, whose cache you want to clear (for example, Chrome or Instagram).
3. Click Storage (or Memory), then - Clear cache.
4. For mass clearing, use the option Clear cache of all applications (not available on all firmwares).

🔹 Features on different firmwares:

Firmware	Path to clear cache	Additional options
Stock Android (Pixel, Motorola)	Settings → Applications → [Application] → Storage → Clear cache	No mass cleaning
One UI (Samsung)	Settings → Device care → Memory → Clean	Automatic optimization once a week
MIUI (Xiaomi/Redmi)	Settings → Applications → Manage applications → [Application] → Clear cache	There is a "Deep cleaning" option (deletes data as well)
ColorOS (Oppo/Realme)	Settings → Memory → Memory cleaning → Application cache	Shows "junk" files separately

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei c EMUI), the option to clear the cache may be hidden behind additional permissions. If the button Clear cache is inactive, check whether storage rights for this application are disabled in the Settings → Privacy.

3. Clearing the system cache via Recovery Mode

System cache (cache partition) stores temporary files of updates, logs and recovery data. Clearing it does not delete user data, but can solve problems with freezes after updating the OS.

📌 Instructions for standard recovery:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Hold the combination buttons to enter recovery (usually Power + Volume up, but on Samsung maybe Power + Bixby + Volume up).
3. In the recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition (control is carried out with the volume and power buttons).
4. Confirm the action and wait for completion.
5. Reboot the device (Reboot system now).

🔹 What to do if the recovery is modified (TWRP):

• 🛠️ Select Wipe → Advanced Wipe.
• 📋 Tick only Cache (do not touch Data or System!).
• 🔄 Swipe to confirm.
• 🔄 After cleaning, you can additionally select Dalvik / ART Cache (if there are performance problems).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Dynamic Partition (entered in Android 10) section cache can be combined c system. In this case, the option Wipe cache partition is not available in standard recovery. Use ADB or TWRP.

What happens if you clear the Dalvik cache?

The next time you turn on, the system will rebuild the cache for all applications, which may take 5-15 minutes. During this time, the device will heat up and consume more energy, but after the process is completed, the applications will speed up.

4. Deep cleaning via ADB (for experienced users)

If standard methods do not help, and root-there are no rights, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to control the device via the command line.

📌 Preparation:

1. Download ADB Tools from the official website Google.
2. Enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → Number build (press 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
3. Connect the phone to the PC and confirm trust in the computer.

🔹 Commands for clearing the cache:

adb shell pm clear --user 0 com.android.chrome # Clearing Chrome cache and data
adb shell cmd package bg-dexopt-job # Optimizing Dalvik cache
adb shell rm -rf /data/local/tmp/* # Removing temporary files
adb shell pm trim-caches 500M # Cache limit to 500 MB

💡 Useful tip: To see a list of all packages with their cache size, use the command:

adb shell dumpsys package | grep "cacheSize"

⚠️ Attention: Command pm clear deletes not only the cache, but also all application data (for example, saves in games or settings). selective cleaning use:

adb shell pm clear-cache com.android.chrome

5. Clearing the cache on rooted devices

Rights root give access to system partitions where the cache is stored, which is inaccessible by standard methods. However, careless actions can lead to loss of device functionality.

🔹 Safe cleaning methods with root:

• 🧹 Use Root Explorer or FX File Explorer for manual cleaning folders:
  • /data/dalvik-cache (Dalvik cache)
  • /cache (system cache)
  • /data/local/tmp (temporary files)
• 🛠️ Applications for automatic cleaning: SD Maid, CCleaner (Root), Greenify.
• 🔄 Scripts for Magisk or Taskerthat clear the cache on a schedule.

⚠️ Attention: Deleting files in /system/cache or /vendor/cache can disrupt the operation of kernel modules. Before cleaning, create a backup via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.

📊 Example script for Magisk (clearing cache on boot):

#!/system/bin/sh
rm -rf /data/dalvik-cache/*
rm -rf /cache/*
sync
reboot

🔹 What to do if the device freezes after cleaning:

1. Boot into recovery and select Mount → System.
2. Delete the file /data/system/package_cache.
3. Reboot the device.

6. Automatically clearing the cache: settings and applications

Manually clearing the cache is tedious, especially if you do it regularly. Fortunately, Android and third-party applications offer tools to automate this process.

🔹 Built-in tools:

• 🤖 Android 9+: Settings → Storage → Free up space → the system will offer to delete unnecessary files, including the cache.
• 📱 Samsung: Settings → Device care → Automatic optimization (works once every week).
• 🔄 Xiaomi: Security → Cleaning → Automatic cleaning (you can set up a schedule).

📌 Third-party applications for automatic cleaning:

Application	Functions	Requires root?
Files by Google	Deletes cache, duplicates, temporary files	No
CCleaner	Clearing cache, history, clipboard	No (advanced functions - yes)
SD Maid	Deep cleaning of system folders, searching for "dead" files	Yes
All-In-One Toolbox	Cache optimization, CPU, battery	No

⚠️ Attention: Applications for clearing the cache (especially with rights root) may conflict with Google Play Protect. If, after installing such software, you receive notifications about “malware”, add the application to the exceptions in Settings → Google → Security.

7. What to do if problems arise after clearing the cache

Sometimes clearing the cache leads to unexpected consequences: applications stop opening, the system slows down, or synchronization errors appear. Here's how to fix common problems:

🔹 The application crashes or does not start:

• 🔄 Restart the device.
• 📥 Reinstall the application via Google Play.
• 🔧 Clear application data (Settings → Applications → [Application] → Storage → Clear data).

🔹 The system began to work slower:

• 🕒 Wait 10-15 minutes - Android will rebuild the cache in the background.
• 🔋 Disconnect the device from charging (sometimes cache compilation is slow when the cable is connected).
• 🛠️ If the brakes do not work, clear Dalvik-cache via recovery.

🔹 Problems with Google account synchronization:

• 🔄 Reboot the device.
• 📶 Enable/disable Synchronization in the account settings.
• 🔧 Clear the cache and data Google Play Services (Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Storage).

⚠️ Attention: If after clearing the cache Google Play Market stopped updating applications, check the date and time on the device. Incorrect settings may block the connection to servers. Google.

8. Alternative methods: when standard methods do not help

If the cache takes up gigabytes of memory and standard cleaning methods do not work, it’s time to resort to radical measures These methods. require caution, but can return the device to its former speed.

🔹 Reset to factory settings (without data loss):

• 📱 Use the function Reset settings in MIUI or ColorOS, which saves user files but clears system cache and settings.
• 🔄 On Samsung this mode is called Reset settings while saving data (Settings → General management → Reset).

🔹 Deleting cache via Fastboot:

fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot

This command only works on unlocked bootloaders and will reset the partition cache to factory state.

🔹 Using custom kernels:

Some custom kernels (for example, FrancoKernel or ElementalX) have a built-in function Dynamic FSyncthat optimizes work with the cache. You can install them via Magisk or TWRP.

⚠️ Attention: Removing cache via fastboot on devices with A/B partitions (pixels, some Samsung i OnePlus) may cause updates to fail. Before use, check your device model!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Android

❓ Do you need to clear the cache regularly?

No, Android itself manages the cache only if:

• 📉 Space on the internal storage is running out.
• 🐢 The device slows down noticeably.
• 🔄 Applications began to crash after the update.

Frequent cleaning may increase battery consumptionsince the system will constantly rebuild the cache.

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

On most devices - no. But there are workarounds:

• 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Device care → Memory → Clear.
• 🤖 On Stock Android: use ADB-command:

  adb shell pm trim-caches 1G

• 🛠️ C root: script to delete all folders */cache in /data/data/.

❓ Why do applications take a long time to load after clearing the cache?

This is normal: applications have to re-load and process data (images, scripts, databases) after 1-2 uses the speed will return. to the previous level. If the brakes do not work, check:

• 📶 The quality of the Internet connection (the cache may load slowly).
• 🔋 Battery charge (when the charge is low, the system limits background processes).
• 🔧 Energy saving settings (mode Battery can block background loading of the cache).

❓ Is it possible to clear the cache for system applications?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🔧 For standard applications (Settings, Phone) use the same path: Settings → Applications → [Application] → Storage → Clear cache.
• 🚫 Do not clear the cache for Google Play Services, Android System WebView and Services Framework unless absolutely necessary - this may disrupt the operation of services. Google.
• 🛠️ Some system applications are protected. Rights are required to clear them. data-i="324">❓ How to clear the cache on Android TV or tablet? Xiaomi Some system applications are protected. To clear them you need permissions root.

❓ How to clear the cache on Android TV or tablet?

The process is similar to smartphones, but there are nuances:

• 📺 On Android TV path to application settings: Settings → Applications → Installed applications.
• 🖥️ On tablets Samsung (for example, Galaxy Tab) may be required DeX Mode for convenient file management.
• 🎮 On NVIDIA Shield TV The cache is cleared through Settings → Applications → [Application] → Clear cache, but the system cache is reset only through ADB.