The cache on Android is not deleted: why and how to clear it forcibly

Are you trying to free up space on your smartphone, but the “Clear cache” button in the application settings does not work? Or does nothing happen after pressing, but the memory is still occupied? This problem occurs on Android all versions - from outdated Android 7 Nougat to new ones. Most often, it is associated with system failures, access rights, or frozen application processes. Android 15. Most often it is associated with system failures, access rights, or frozen application processes.

In this article we will examine 7 proven ways forced cache clearing - from simple (reboot, safe mode) to advanced (commands ADB, reset settings). You will also learn why the cache may self-healing after deletion and how to avoid it. At the end - answers to frequently asked questions and a table comparing methods by efficiency.

Why the cache is not deleted in the standard way

The reasons depend on the version Android and model smartphone. On devices with MIUI (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12) the problem is often related to system optimization, but on “pure” Android (for example, Google Pixel 7) - with application rights. Here are the main culprits:

• 🔄 System crash: Damaged cache files block its deletion. Often occurs after a sudden power outage or force closing of an application.
• 🔒 Limitations manufacturer: Some brands (for example Huawei or Samsung) block cache removal for system applications through the GUI.
• 📱 Root access or custom firmware: On devices with root access or unofficial firmware (for example, LineageOS), standard cleaning methods may not work.
• 🛑 Hung application: If the application process is frozen, the system cannot access its files cache.

On devices with Android 12+, the cache of some system applications (for example, Google Play Services) can be protected by the Android Runtime (ART) mechanism, which blocks its removal without reboot. This is done to speed up the system, but sometimes leads to a “stuck” cache.

Before embarking on radical methods, check:

1. If there is free space on the device (less than 10% of the memory can block file operations).
2. Is the power saving mode turned on - it can suspend background cleaning processes.
3. Isn't the application a system one (for example, com.android.systemui).

Method 1: Reboot the device

The simplest, but effective method in 30% of cases. When you reboot, the system automatically closes all processes, including those that block access to the cache.

How to do it correctly:

1. Close all applications through the recent tasks menu (swipe up and hold).
2. Press and hold the power button, then select “Restart.”
3. After turning on, immediately try clearing the cache of the problematic application through Settings → Applications → [Application name] → Memory → Clear cache.

If The "Clear cache" button is still grayed out, move on to the next method. On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy S23) you may need double reboot to turn off the phone completely, wait 30 seconds and turn it on again.

Method 2: Clearing the cache in Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Android without third-party applications, which allows you to delete the cache of even those apps that usually block the process. The method works on all versions Androidincluding Android 14.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press and hold the power button until the manufacturer's logo appears, then immediately press and hold the decrease button volume.
3. Hold it until the phone boots into safe mode (at the bottom of the screen there will be an inscription “Safe Mode”).
4. Go to Settings → Applications, find the problematic application and clear its cache.
5. Restart the device in normal mode.

If the “Clear cache” button in safe mode became active, but after exiting it the cache returned, it means that the application automatically restores it upon startup. In this case, disabling autostart applications will help (section “Autostart” in the battery settings).

Method 3: Force stop the application

Sometimes the cache is not deleted because the application is actively running in the background. Forced stop removes this blocking.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings → Applications → [Application name].
2. Click “Force stop” (on some firmware — “Stop”).
3. Wait 10-15 seconds, then return to the “Memory” section and try clearing the cache.

If the “Force stop” button is inactive (gray), it means:

• 🔧 The application is a system one (for example, Android System WebView).
• 🔒 You do not have enough rights (on devices with corporate policies or MDM profiles).
• 📵 The application is blocked by the device administrator (relevant for work phones).

On Android 13+ after a forced stop, the “Application has stopped” notification may appear. it is normal.

Close the application through the recent tasks menu

Check if it is a system one

Disable notifications from the application (optional)

Wait 30 seconds after stopping before clearing the cache-->

Method 4: Clearing the cache via ADB (for advanced)

If standard methods do not help, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) a debugging tool that allows you to manage system files through your computer. The method works on all versions Android, but requires enabling the mode. developer.

What you will need:

• 💻 A computer with installed drivers for your smartphone.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 📥 Utility ADB Tools (download and unpack it into a separate folder).

Instructions:

1. Enable developer mode on your phone: go to Settings → About phone → Build number and click on it 7 times.
2. Go back to the main settings, open the "For Developers" section and enable "USB Debugging".
3. Connect the phone to the computer, select the file transfer mode (MTP) and confirm permission to debugging.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with ADB and enter:

adb devices

(The name of your device should appear.)

adb shell pm clear --user 0 name.package.application

To find out the name of the package, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep "application_name"

⚠️ Attention: The command pm clear deletes all application data, and not just the cache! If you only need to clear the cache, use:

adb shell pm clear-user --user 0 name.package.application

But this method does not work on all firmware.

Method 5: Reset application settings

If the cache is not deleted, but you do not want to resort to ADB, try resetting the application settings to factory settings. This will delete all its data, including the cache, but will save the apk file itself.

How to do:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Application name].
2. Click “Storage” → “Reset settings” (or “Delete data”).
3. Confirm the action.

⚠️ Attention: This method will delete:

• 📁 All saved files inside the application (for example, downloads in the browser).
• 🔑 Logins and passwords (if you do not use autofill).
• ⚙️ User settings (themes, languages, etc.).

After resetting, the application will be the same as after the first installation. If the cache starts to accumulate again, check the application for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light.

Method 6: Clearing the cache partition via Recovery

If the cache is not deleted by any of the above methods, the last resort remains - clearing the cache partition via recovery. This will not delete your data, but will reset all temporary system files.

Instructions for standard recovery:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Hold down the button combination to enter recovery (usually Power + Volume up, but on some models - Power + Volume down).
3. Use the volume buttons to select “Wipe cache partition” (on some devices - “Clear cache”).
4. Confirm your choice with the power button.
5. After cleaning, select “Reboot system now.”

⚠️ Attention: On devices with custom recovery (for example, TWRP) do not confuse “Wipe Cache” with “Wipe Data” - the second will delete all your files!

This method helps if:

• 📱 The cache is not deleted due to a system failure.
• 🔄 Applications are constantly rebooted.
• 🛑 The phone slows down after updates Android.

Method 7: Deleting the cache through a file manager (with root access)

If you have root access, you can manually delete cache files through a file manager (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer). This method is risky, but effective for stubborn applications.

How to find and delete the cache:

1. Open a root-enabled file manager.
2. Go to the folder /data/data/[name.application package]/cache.
3. Select all files in the folder and delete them.
4. Restart the device.

⚠️ Attention:

• 🚨 Deleting files from folders /system or /vendor can lead to brick device (firmware failure).
• 🔧 Not all files in the folder cache safe to delete - some may be critical for the operation of the application.
• 📵 After deleting the cache manually, the application may be unstable until the next update.

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to use ADB (method 4) or contact a service center.

Comparison of cache clearing methods

For most users, the optimal solution will be a combination safe mode + force stop. If this does not help, use ADB or clearing through Recovery.

Frequently asked questions

adb shell pm clear com.google.android.gms