Has your Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 began to work slowly, applications freeze, and memory runs out for no apparent reason? Most likely, the problem lies in an overloaded cache. Cache is temporary files that are created by applications and the system to speed up work. Over time, they accumulate, take up precious space and can even cause crashes.

In this article we will look in detail at how to properly clear the cache on Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 —both for individual applications and for the entire system. You will learn which methods are safe and which ones are best avoided to avoid harming your device. We will also look at how often you need to clean it and what to do if standard methods do not help.

What is cache and why it needs to be cleared

Cache (from English cache) is temporary data that is stored on the device for quick access. For example, when you open an application, it loads some information into the cache so that it launches faster next time. However, over time, these files accumulate and can:

  • 📱 Occupy up to 50% of free space - especially if you actively use social networks, instant messengers or games.
  • 🐢 Slow down the phone — the system wastes resources processing outdated temporary files.
  • 🔄 Cause errors in applications —damaged cache files can lead to crashes and crashes.
  • 🔋 Increase battery consumption — background cache clearing processes consume additional energy.

With its modest by modern standards Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 with its modest by modern standards 16/32 GB of memory the problem of a clogged cache is especially acute. However cleaning the cache completely is not always useful - some applications will then take longer to load when first launched.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the cache with application data! Clearing the cache will not delete your accounts, settings, or game progress. But clearing data (Storage → Clear Data) will reset the application to factory settings.

How to check how much cache is occupied on the phone

Before you start cleaning, it is worth assessing the scale of the problem. On Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 this can be done in two ways:

  1. Through the storage settings:

    Go to Settings → Device → Storage. Here you will see a diagram of the occupied space. Click on the section Cached datato see the exact volume.

  2. through the app manager:

    Open Settings → Applications, select any application (for example, Chrome or Facebook) and look at the line Storage → Cache.

Type data Average volume on A5 2017 Can I delete
Application cache from 500 MB to 3 GB Yes, safe
System cache up to 1 GB Yes, but with caution
Application data depends on the application No (factory reset)
Residual files up to 2 GB Yes, through special utilities

If the cache size exceeds 1.5-2 GB, this is already a reason for cleaning. This is especially critical for users who have many games or photo/video editing applications installed.

📊 How often do you clear the cache on your smartphone?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when the phone starts to slow down
Never cleared

Step-by-step guide: clearing the cache for individual applications

The safest way is to clear the cache for specific applications. This will not affect the operation of other apps and will not require a reboot.

Follow these instructions:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon in the menu or notification panel).
  2. Go to section Applications (or Application Manager).
  3. In the upper right corner, click on the three dots and select Show system onesto see all installed apps.
  4. Select the application whose cache you want to clear (for example, Instagram or Google Play Market).
  5. Click Storage → Clear cache.

For convenience, you can sort applications by cache size:

  • 📊 Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the application list.
  • 🔍 Select Sort by size.
  • 🧹 Start with the heaviest applications (usually instant messengers, browsers and games).

Close all background applications

Connect your phone to charge (if the battery level is below 30%)

Make a backup copy of important data

Check the amount of free memory-->

⚠️ Attention: Do not clear the cache for system applications with names com.android. or sec. unless absolutely necessary. This can lead to unstable operation of the phone.

Clearing the entire cache at once: pros and cons

There is a clearing function. Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 there is a cleaning function all cache at once. This is convenient, but has its own nuances.

To do this:

  1. Go to Settings → Device → Storage.
  2. Bottom screen, press Clear cache (or Cached data).
  3. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

Advantages of the method:

  • ⚡ Fast - takes only a few seconds.
  • 🧹 Removes the cache of even those applications that are usually not visible in the manager.

Disadvantages:

  • 🐢 Applications will take longer to load when first launched after cleaning.
  • 🔄 Some services (for example, Google Play Services) may be temporarily unstable.
  • 📱 Does not clear the system cache and residual files.
💡

If after mass clearing the cache, the phone begins to work even slower, reboot it. This will help the system rebuild the necessary temporary ones. files.

Clearing the system cache via Recovery Mode

For a deep clean that removes the system cache (including residual update files), you will need to use recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method is more effective, but requires caution.

Instructions:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the buttons simultaneously: 
    Volume up + Home + Power

    Hold them until the logo appears Samsungthen release.

  3. Use the Volume buttons to select an item Wipe cache partition (use the Power button to confirm).
  4. Wait for the process to complete (usually takes 1-2 minutes).
  5. Select Reboot system now to reboot.

This method deletes:

  • 🗑️ System update cache.
  • 📱 Residual files of deleted applications.
  • 🔄 Temporary files of system processes.
⚠️ Attention: Do not select the Recovery Mode item Wipe data/factory reset —this will lead to a complete reset of the phone to factory settings!
What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If the button combination does not work, try:

1. Connect the phone to charge for 10 minutes, then try again.

2. Use an alternative combination: Volume up + Bixby + Power (if the Bixby button is active).

3. Check whether the protection against accidental clicks (for example, in a case) does not block the correct pressing of buttons.

Automatic cache clearing: is it worth using optimizers

In Google Play hundreds of applications that promise to “speed up your phone in one click.” But are they really needed? For Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 the answer is ambiguous.

Popular optimizers:

  • 🛠️ CCleaner — deletes cache and residual files, but can be aggressive to system processes.
  • 🧹 Clean Master —offers cache clearing, but often shows false warnings about “critical problems.”
  • 📱 Samsung Members —official application with optimization function (not available in all regions).
  • 🔍 Files by Google — a simple file manager with a cache cleaning function.

Optimizer problems:

  • 🔄 They can delete useful temporary files, which will cause applications to take longer to load.
  • 📊 Often show inflated numbers of “freed space.”
  • 🛡️ Some require unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts).

If you do decide to use a third-party optimizer, choose applications with a high rating (4.5+ stars) and the number of downloads from 10 million+. Before the first cleaning, check which files the application offers to delete.

💡

Official Samsung tools (for example, Device Care in settings) are safer than third-party optimizers, but less effective for deep cleaning.

What to do if cleaning the cache did not help

If after clearing the cache Samsung Galaxy A5 2017 it still works slowly, the problem may be deeper. Let's consider alternative solutions:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The phone slows down after clearing the cache System processes rebuild the cache Wait 10-15 minutes or restart the device
Memory quickly runs out again Background processes or viruses Check startup and install an antivirus
Applications crash after cleaning Corrupted application data Clear the data of the problematic application or reinstall it
The system often overheats Clogged processor cache (CPU) Use Settings → Device maintenance → Optimization

Advanced measures:

  • 🔄 Update the firmware: Go to Settings → Software update and check that the version is up to date. For Galaxy A5 2017 the latest official firmware - Android 8.0 Oreo.
  • 🗑️ Delete unnecessary files: Use the built-in My files (My Files) to search for large or outdated files.
  • 🔋 Check the battery: A worn-out battery can cause lags. Check the status via ##4636## (section Battery information).
  • 🛠️ Reset the settings: A last resort - Settings → General → Reset → Reset settings (does not delete files, but resets settings).
⚠️ Attention: If the phone gives an error "Not enough memory" even after clearing the cache, check section Settings → Storage → Other applications. Sometimes hidden system updates that take up gigabytes are to blame.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about clearing the cache on Samsung Galaxy A5 2017

Is it possible to clear the cache for all applications at once, without going into each one?

Yes, through Settings → Storage → Cached data. However, this method does not clear the system cache and the cache of some protected applications (for example, banking).

How often should you clear the cache on the Galaxy A5 2017?

Optimal frequency - once every 1-2 months. If you actively use your phone (lots of games, social networks, instant messengers), you can do this more often - once every 2-3 weeks. Clearing it too frequently (for example, daily) can, on the contrary, slow down your work.

Why did some applications stop working after clearing the cache?

You probably accidentally cleared not the cache, but application data (Clear Data). In this case, you will have to reinstall the application or restore its settings from a backup copy (if there is one).

Is it possible to clear the cache without losing data (photos, contacts, messages)?

Yes, clearing the cache does not affect user data. However, for reliability, it is recommended to backup important files via Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.

Will clearing the cache help if the phone does not turn on?

No, in this case the problem is most likely in the hardware (battery, motherboard) or a serious software failure. Try going to Recovery Mode and do a factory reset (Wipe data/factory reset), but this will delete all data.