How to properly reset the cache on Android 11: all cleaning methods

A ​​smartphone on Android 11 over time begins to slow down, heat up and discharge faster? In 90% of cases, a full cache is to blame - temporary files that the system and applications accumulate to speed up work. But when there are too many of these files, they turn from helpers into enemies: they take up gigabytes of memory, fragment storage and can even cause malfunctions OS.

In this article you will find all current methods of clearing the cache on Android 11 —from manual removal for individual applications to complete resetting the system cache via Recovery Mode. We will look at which type of cache can be deleted without risk (and which only as a last resort), how to check the effectiveness of the cleaning, and what to do if problems remain after resetting. Let us separately focus on features of working with the Dalvik/ART cachewhich many users overlook.

Important: the instructions are suitable for “clean” Android 11 (for example, on Google Pixel 4/5, Nokia XR20) and for shells of manufacturers (Samsung One UI 3.x, Xiaomi MIUI 12, Oppo ColorOS 11 etc.). The interface may differ slightly, but the logic of actions remains the same.

1. What is the danger of a full cache on Android 11

Caches are temporary files that are created to speed up repeated access to data. For example, when you open it for the first time Instagram, the application loads friends' avatars, story thumbnails, and interface elements. The next time you start, this data is taken from the cache and is not downloaded again. But over time:

• 📱 Takes up space: the cache of one application (for example, YouTube or TikTok) can weigh 1-3 GB. On a smartphone with 64 GB of memory, this is critical.
• 🐢 Slows down the system: fragmented cache files make the processor take longer to search for the necessary data.
• 🔥 Causes overheating: constant rewriting of the cache increases the load on flash memory and processor.
• 🔄 Causes crashes: damaged cache files can cause applications to crash or "black screen" on startup.

According to research AVG Technologies (2023), the average user Android loses up to 15% of performance due to uncleaned cache after just 6 months of using a smartphone. At the same time clearing the cache does not delete personal data (photos, messages, passwords), but can reset the settings of some applications (for example, Spotify forgets offline playlists).

2. How to clear the cache of individual applications

The safest way is to delete the cache for specific apps. This does not affect system files and does not require rights root. Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications (on some smartphones - Applications and notifications).
2. Tap on View all applications (or Manage applications to MIUI).
3. Select the desired application (for example, Chrome or Facebook).
4. Go in Storage and cache (or simply Memory).
5. Click Clear cache (not to be confused with Clear data - this will delete everything settings!).

To speed up the process, you can sort applications by cache size:

Application	Typical cache size	Is it possible to clear
Google Play Services	200–800 MB	✅ Yes (but restart your smartphone after cleaning)
YouTube	500 MB – 2 GB	✅ Yes (recommendations will be reset)
Facebook/Instagram	1–3 GB	✅ Yes (you will have to log in to your account again)
Google Chrome	100–500 MB	✅ Yes (history and bookmarks will be saved)
System applications (for example, Android System WebView)	50–300 MB	⚠️ Only if available crashes

⚠️ Attention: Do not clear the cache for Android System, Settings Storage or Download Manager unless absolutely necessary. This may lead to malfunctions of Play Market or system updates.

3. Completely clearing the cache of all applications

If you need to delete the cache of all applications at once, without going to each one separately, use one of the methods:

Method 1: Through settings storage

This method works on most smartphones with Android 11including Samsung, Xiaomi and Realme:

1. Open Settings → Memory (or Storage).
2. Tap on Other applications (in MIUI — Applications).
3. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots (⋮) and select Sort by size.
4. Scroll down to the block Cached data and tap on it.
5. Confirm clearing in the pop-up window.

Method 2: Through ADB (for advanced)

If you have ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can clear the cache of all applications with one command:

adb shell pm trim-caches -1

This command simulates pressing the "Clear cache" button for all user applications. Does not require root access, but you need to enable USB debugging in the developer settings.

4. Clearing the system cache (Dalvik/ART and cache partition)

The system cache is temporary files Android OS, including:

• 📂 Dalvik/ART cache: optimized versions of installed applications for quick launch.
• 📂 Cache partition: update files, backups of system settings.
• 📂 Thumbnails: thumbnails of images and videos (stored in /DCIM/.thumbnails).

Clearing this cache can eliminate lags when switching between applications and speed up system loading, but requires caution. Below are two safe methods.

Method 1: Through Recovery Mode (without root)

This method will work on most smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy (with One UI 3.x), Google Pixel and devices with an unlocked bootloader:

1. Turn off the smartphone.
2. Press the button combination to enter Recovery:
   • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby (hold 10 sec).
   • Pixel/Xiaomi: Power + Volume down.
   • OnePlus: Power + Volume down (release after vibration Power).

In the menu Recovery select Wipe cache partition (control with volume buttons, confirmation with the power button).

After cleaning, select Reboot system now.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Wipe cache partition s Wipe data/factory reset! The second option will erase all your data.

Method 2: Delete Dalvik cache via TWRP (for root)

If you have a custom one installed on your smartphone recovery TWRP, you can clear Dalvik/ART cache separately:

1. Boot into TWRP (the button combination is the same as for stock recovery).
2. Go to Advanced → Wipe Dalvik/ART Cache.
3. Swipe to confirm.
4. Reboot. The first boot after cleaning may take up to 5–10 minutes.
What happens if you clear the Dalvik cache?

The next time you launch each application, the system will re-optimize it for your device. This may temporarily increase battery consumption and the time it takes to open apps (1-2 days), but will ultimately lead to stable operation.

5. Automatic cache clearing: applications and settings

In order not to clear the cache manually, you can set up automatic clearing using third-party utilities or built-in functions Android 11.

Applications for automatic cleaning

Top 3 proven utilities (free versions are sufficient):

• 🧹 SD Maid (with support root): clears cache, duplicate files and remnants of deleted applications. There is a task scheduler.
• 🚀 CCleaner: simple interface, clears the cache on a schedule, but shows ads.
• 🔍 Files by Google: built-in cache cleaner (section Cleaning), works without root.

For Samsung there is a built-in utility Device Care (Settings → Device maintenancethat offers to clear the cache when you press Optimize.

Setting up automatic cleaning in Android 11

In "clean" Android 11 (for example, on Pixel), you can enable automatic deletion of unused files:

1. Open Settings → Storage.
2. Tap on Free up space (or Smart Storage).
3. Enable the option Automatic cleaning and set the period (for example, Every 30 days).

⚠️ Attention: Automatic cleaning can remove downloaded files from Telegram, WhatsApp or the browser if they have not been used for a long time. Before activation, check what data falls under cleaning.

6. What to do if problems remain after clearing the cache

Clearing the cache does not always solve performance problems, try:

• 🔄 Restart the device: after clearing the cache, some processes may not work correctly until later. restart.
• 📉 Check background processes: open Settings → Battery → Battery usage and see which applications are consuming the most resources.
• 🛠️ Update the software: go to Settings → System → System update. Sometimes lags are caused by bugs fixed in new versions.
• 🧹 Uninstall unnecessary applications: even unused apps can create background processes.
• 🔧 Reset settings to factory settings (extreme case): Settings → System → Reset settings.

If the problem appears immediately after clearing the cache, critical files may have been deleted. In this case:

1. Check the operation of key applications (Play Market, Services, Telephony).
2. Restart your smartphone in Safe Mode (hold the power button → "Restart in safe mode").
3. If everything works fine in Safe Mode the problem is in one of the third-party applications. Uninstall recently installed apps.

7. Myths and truth about clearing the cache on Android

There are many myths around clearing the cache:

Myth	Reality
"Clearing the cache speeds up the smartphone by 200%"	❌ The performance increase usually does not exceed 10-15%. The main effect is freeing up space.
"The cache can be cleared at least every day"	⚠️ Frequent cleaning forces the system to constantly rebuild the cache, which increases battery consumption.
"Clearing the cache deletes all application data"	❌ Only temporary files are deleted (game saves, chats) remain.
"The system cache can only be cleared via root"	✅ Not true. Wipe cache partition v Recovery does not require root access.
"After clearing the cache it is not necessary reboot"	❌ Reboot helps the system to correctly rebuild the cache and avoid crashes.

Another popular question: "Is it possible to clear the cache for system applications?" The answer is yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ Can: Google Play Services, Download Manager, Android System WebView.
• ⚠️ Caution: Settings Storage, Telecom (may reset network settings).
• ❌ Cannot: Android System, SecSettings (on Samsung).

FAQ: Frequent questions about clearing the cache on Android 11

❓ How often do you need to clear the cache on Android 11?

The optimal frequency is every 1-2 months. If you actively use your smartphone (many applications, games, social networks), you can clear it once every 3-4 weeks - only if you have it. obvious problems (brakes, overheating).

❓ Why do applications take longer to open after clearing the cache?

This is normal. When you first start after clearing the cache, the application is re-optimized for your device (the process is called ART compilation). It usually takes 1–2 days, after which the speed of operation is restored.

❓ Is it possible to clear the cache for all applications at once without root?

Yes, in two ways:

1. Through Settings → Memory → Cached data (see section 3).
2. Through ADB-command pm trim-caches -1 (see section 2).

Root not required.

❓ Will clearing the cache delete my game saves?

No, game saves are stored in the /Android/data or /Android/obbfolder, as well as in the cloud (if the game supports Google Play Games). Cache is temporary files (textures, models, sounds) that can be re-downloaded.

❓ Why is there no "Clear cache" option in Recovery on my Xiaomi?

On some smartphones Xiaomi (especially with a locked bootloader) there is no stock recovery. has options Wipe cache partition. In this case:

• Use ADB (section 2).
• Install custom recovery TWRP (requires unlocking the bootloader).
• Clear the cache manually through the settings (section 2).