Have you ever looked into the storage of your Android smartphone and wondered why the folder Cache occupies gigabytes of memory? Or have you noticed that your phone starts to slow down, even though there seems to be enough free space? In 90% of cases, the cache is to blame - temporary files that the system and applications create to speed up work. But is it possible to simply take them and remove them? Or will this lead to malfunctions of the gadget?

In this article we will figure out what it is cache on Android, what its types are, and most importantly, how to properly clean these files so as not to harm the device. You will learn in which cases deleting the cache really helps, and when it is better to refrain. We will also give step-by-step guide for different versions of Android (from Android 10 to Android 14) and popular manufacturers - Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others.

Spoiler: you can and should delete the cache, but not all files are equally useful - some of them are critical for the stable operation of applications. And if you clear them incorrectly, you risk encountering errors, app crashes, or even a system freeze. Therefore, read carefully!

What is the Cache folder on Android and why do you need it?

Folder Cache (from the English “cache” - cache, reserve) is a temporary storage of data that the system or applications save to speed up their work. Imagine that you are logging into your favorite application - instead of downloading the same pictures, videos or settings from the Internet every time, your phone takes them from the cache. This saves traffic and time.

There are three types of cache:

  • 📱 System cache — created by Android to store temporary OS files (for example, data about the latest updates or frequently used commands).
  • 📦 Application cache — each installed software (from WhatsApp to YouTube) stores its temporary data here (video thumbnails, login sessions, interface settings).
  • 🌐 Browser cache — Chrome, Firefox or Samsung Internet saves copies of visited pages, cookies and scripts here.

For example, when you open Instagram, the application does not reload friends' avatars or feed - it takes them from the cache. The same thing happens with Google Maps: maps of areas that you often visit are stored locally so as not to waste mobile data.

But there is a downside: over time, the cache grows to several gigabytes, taking up precious space on the internal drive. And if files become damaged (for example, due to the phone suddenly turning off), this can lead to application failures.

📊 How often do you clear the cache on your Android device?
Once a week
Once a month
Only when you run out memory
Never cleared it
I don’t know how to do it

Is it possible to delete the Cache folder on Android: risks and consequences

Short answer: yes, you can delete the cache, but this is not always useful. Let's take a look at what happens if you clear different types of cache.

Cache type What happens after deletion Recommendation
System cache Android will recreate the files the next time you start it, but short-term system freezes are possible. Clear only in case of obvious failures (for example, after updating the OS).
Application cache The application will run slower on the first launch, but then restore data. Clear safely to save space.
Browser cache Sites will take longer to load, you will have to re-enter logins on some resources. Clear regularly for privacy and free up memory.
Game cache (for example, PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact) The game may “lag” when loading levels for the first time, but then it will restore the data. Delete only if the game takes up too much space.

⚠️ Attention: Never manually delete files from the folder /data/dalvik-cache —these are critical data for running the Android virtual machine. Clearing them will lead to total system failure and will require flashing the device.

Also, do not clear the cache of system applications (for example, Google Play Services or Android System WebView) unless absolutely necessary. This can disrupt the operation of services Google, push notifications and even the mobile data.

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If after clearing the cache the application begins to work worse, simply restart it.

How to clear it correctly. cache on Android: step-by-step guide

There are several ways to clear the cache - from built-in Android tools to third-party utilities. We will look at the most reliable and safe methods.

Method 1: Clearing the cache of an individual application

The most precise method is to delete the cache only for specific software. This is useful if an application starts to glitch or takes up too much space.

Go to Settings → Applications|Select the desired application (for example, Facebook or Telegram)|Click Storage or Memory|Tap Clear cache (not to be confused with Clear data!)

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⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi with shell MIUI), the item Clear cache may be called Delete cache or hide behind the button Cleanup.

Method 2: Mass clear cache of all applications

If you want to free up space quickly, you can delete the cache of all applications at once. To do this:

  1. Open Settings → Storage (or Memory).
  2. Tap on Other applications or Cached data.
  3. Confirm clearing (the system will show how much space there is will be released).

On Samsung Galaxy the path may differ: Settings → Device maintenance → Memory → Clear.

Method 3: Using a file manager

For advanced users, it is possible to delete the cache manually through a file manager (for example, Solid Explorer or built-in Files by Google). To do this:

  1. Open the file manager and turn on the display of hidden folders.
  2. Go to /data/data/application_package_name/cache (required root access!).
  3. Delete the contents of the folder cache.

⚠️ Attention: Without root access you will not be able to access the folder /data/data/. Do not try to bypass this restriction - you risk violating access rights and getting “bricked.”

Method 4: Special utilities for cleaning

Applications like CCleaner, SD Maid or Files by Google can automatically find and delete unnecessary cache. However, be careful:

  • 🔍 Not all utilities correctly determine which files are safe to delete.
  • 🛡️ Some “cleaners” require unnecessary permissions (for example, access to SMS or contacts).
  • 📉 Frequent “spring cleaning” can slow down the phone due to constant re-creation cache.

We recommend using only official tools (for example, Files by Google) or proven utilities with a high rating in Play Market.

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Regularly clearing the cache (once every 1-2 months) helps to avoid memory “cluttering”, but you should not do this every day - the system wastes resources on recovery files.

What to do if the application does not work after clearing the cache

In rare cases, after deleting the cache, the application may:

  • 🔄 Freeze on the loading screen.
  • 🚫 Give the error “The application has stopped.”
  • 📥 Ask to re-download data (for example, maps in Google Maps or levels in games).

Here's what to do in such situations:

  1. Restart the application. Often it is enough to simply close it in the multitasking menu and open it again.
  2. Update software. Go to Play Market and check if there are updates for the problematic application.
  3. Clear application data. If the cache did not help, try Settings → Applications → [name] → Storage → Clear data. ⚠️ Attention: This will delete all settings and accounts inside the application!
  4. Reinstall the app. Remove it and reinstall it from the official source.

If the problem persists, check if it is related to:

  • 📶 Unstable Internet connection (the cache may not have had time to recover).
  • 🔋 Insufficient RAM (close other applications).
  • 🛠️ Damage to system files (try rebooting the phone).
Why do some applications create a cache of several sizes? gigabyte?

Some apps (such as TikTok, Facebook or Google Chrome) cache videos, images, and web pages aggressively to speed up content scrolling. Also, games like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact store textures and levels locally for smooth gameplay. If you notice that the cache is growing too quickly, check the application settings: often there is an option “Limit cache usage.”

How to automate cache clearing: useful settings

In order not to clear the cache manually, you can set up automatic cleaning. Here are a few working methods:

1. Built-in optimization on Samsung devices.

On smartphones Samsung Galaxy (With One UI) there is a function Device maintenance:

  1. Go to Settings → Device maintenance.
  2. Tap Optimize.
  3. Enable the option Auto-optimization (will clear the cache and close background processes once every day).

2. Setting up in MIUI (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)

On phones Xiaomi:

  1. Open Settings → Memory.
  2. Activate Auto clear.
  3. Select Clear cache automatically and set a schedule (for example, once a week).

3. Using Files by Google

The application Files by Google may automatically suggest cleaning:

  1. Install it from Play Market.
  2. Open the tab Cleaning.
  3. Enable notifications about unnecessary files.

⚠️ Attention: Automatic cleaning can delete the cache even of applications that you use frequently (for example, Spotify or Netflix). This will result in longer loading times for content. If you notice lag, disable auto-cleaning for critical apps.

Myths about the cache on Android: what is true and what is not

There are many myths around the cache. Let's take a look at which of them are true and which are not.

Myth Reality
"Clearing the cache speeds up the phone" ❌ Not always. Immediately after cleaning, the system may work slower, since you will have to restore files. The acceleration effect is noticeable only when severe cache fragmentation or lack of memory.
"The cache can be deleted at least every day" ❌ Harmful. Permanent deletion causes applications to waste resources recreating files. It is enough to clear the cache once every 1-2 months.
"The cache takes up space on the memory card" ✅ Partly true. Most applications store the cache in internal memory, but some (for example, Google Maps) allow you to transfer it to SD card.
“Deleting the cache deletes accounts and settings.” ❌ No. Caches are temporary files, and logins and settings are stored in application data (Clear data —this is already a dangerous operation!).
"The cache can be cleared through Recovery Mode" ✅ True, but risky. In recovery mode (Wipe Cache Partition) it is cleared only system cache. This is useful after updating the OS, but will not help free up space from the application cache.

Another popular question: "Why is space not freed up after clearing the cache?" The reason is usually that:

  • 📁 You deleted the cache of system files, which Android immediately restored.
  • 🔄 Applications instantly recreated the cache (for example, Facebook or TikTok when opening).
  • 🗑️ The folder cache was empty, and other files are taking up space (for example, downloads or garbage in /DCIM/.thumbnails).

When clearing the cache does not help: alternative ways to free up memory

If memory is still running out after deleting the cache, the problem may be not in it. Here's what else you can do:

  • 📸 Delete unnecessary photos and videos. The folder DCIM often takes up tens of gigabytes. Use Google Photos for backup and delete local copies.
  • 🎵 Transfer music and movies to a memory card. Or use streaming services (Spotify, YouTube Premium).
  • 📱 Delete unused applications. Many apps (for example, pre-installed games from the manufacturer) take up space and run in the background.
  • 🗃️ Empty the folder Download. Files from instant messengers and browsers are downloaded there, which are often forgotten to be deleted.
  • 🔄 Reset the phone to factory settings settings. A last resort if all else fails. Don't forget to make a backup!

Also check if memory is being consumed by:

  • 📊 Logs and error dumps (folder /data/tombstones or /data/anr).
  • 🎮 Game cache (for example Genshin Impact can take up to 20 GB!).
  • 📥 Offline maps (Google Maps, Yandex.Maps).

If memory ends immediately after cleaningpossibly on the phone:

  • 🦠 Viruswhich creates garbage files.
  • 🔧 The memory section is damaged (check through Smart Doctor on Huawei or Device Care on Samsung).
  • 📉 Lack of RAM memory, which is why the system actively uses the cache for swapping.
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If the phone constantly writes “Insufficient memory”, but the cache takes up only a few hundred megabytes, the problem is not there. Look for “garbage” in other folders or consider expanding the memory (microSD card, cloud storage).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the cache on Android

❓ Is it possible to delete it? cache via a computer by connecting the phone via USB?

Yes, but with reservations if you connect the phone in File transfer (MTP), you will see only part of the folders (for example, DCIM or Download). Access to the folder /data/data/where the application cache is stored requires root access or special utilities like ADB.

Safe method:

  1. Connect your phone to the PC.
  2. Use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) with the command: 
    adb shell pm clear --user 0 package name

    (replace package name to a real one, for example com.facebook.katana for Facebook).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB can lead to application or system failure.

❓ Why does the cache take up more space after updating Android?

When updating the system, a backup copy of the old version is created (folder /cache), and new system files are also cached. This is normal - after 1-2 days, Android optimizes the storage and volume. the cache will decrease.

If the cache does not decrease:

  • Restart the phone.
  • Clear the cache via Recovery Mode (Wipe Cache Partition).
  • Check if the update is stuck (in Settings → System → Software update).
❓ How to clear the cache for all users on the phone (if there are several profiles)?

If several users are configured on the device (for example, on a tablet), the cache is cleared separately for each profile. To delete it for everyone:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Advanced → Multiple Users.
  2. Select a profile and repeat clearing the cache (as described above).

Or use ADB with the command for all users: 

adb shell pm clear --all-users package name

❓ Is clearing the cache for games harmful? Will there be lags?

For most games (PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Clash of Clans), clearing the cache will lead to:

  • ⏳ Longer loading of levels when first launched.
  • 🔄 Possible “freezes” if the game loads textures again.
  • 💾 Deleting offline data (for example, cached maps in Pokémon GO).

However, this does not affect the progress (saves are stored in application data or in the cloud). If the game starts to lag after clearing the cache, restart it or check the settings graphics (the game may be loading textures in a lower quality).

❓ How to check how much cache each application takes?

There are two ways:

  1. Through Android settings:
    1. Go to Settings → Applications.
    2. Tap on the three dots (⋮) → Sort by size.
    3. Look at the column Cache.
  2. Through a file manager (with root access):
    1. Open Solid Explorer or Root Explorer.
    2. Go to /data/data/.
    3. Sort the folders by size and look at the contents /cache in each.

On Samsung you can use Device Care → Memory → Details, which shows the cache for each software.