How to Clear Cache on Android in Under 60 Seconds

We can all agree when I say that: It’s frustrating when an Android app keeps on crashing over and over again. But what can you do to fix when this happens? Simple. Clear cache on Android.

We have to understand that many factors contribute to this scenario. Fortunately, you can avoid this! The quickest and easiest way to solve it is by clearing cache on Android. Doing so also improves your phone’s performance in the long-term.

It’s a win-win! If you want to find out what the system cache is, what it does, and a few different methods for how to clear cache on Android, check out the following guide for everything you need to know.


What does the system cache do?

Man thinking
Cache, what?

You can find system cache on every Android device. You might not know it, but the Android OS uses partitions to organize files and folders on your device. One of these partitions is the system cache. These partitions store temporary system data for everyday tasks. Temporary files are the images, text, and videos used to display things like web pages and adverts.

They help to load things quickly when you revisit web pages or load your favorite apps. The temporary files in the system cache enable faster access when using apps (which can be useful if you’re constantly playing Clash of Clans or Candy Crush like most people I know.)

The downside?

These files can sometimes lead to problems when the settings become outdated, or if your device or a specific app starts to encounter general issues.


Why do you need to clear cache on Android?

There’s no such thing as “too much clearing”. You can wipe the device as many times as you want without causing any issues.

Wiping your Android phone’s cache helps to keep apps running smoothly. Doing this after a system update keeps your phone optimized. It also frees up some extra memory space. (But normally it’s not much as the files shouldn’t be too large.)

But keep this in mind.

When you load up the app or web page for the first time after clearing the cache, it might take a little longer to start up. But, your device will save new temporary files that are more relevant to your recent usage.


How to wipe the cache partition

Clear cache data on Android

Now we know what it is, how exactly do we clear the Android system cache?

Woman wiping the window with a yellow rug
NOPE. Not this kind of ‘wipe’.

Well, it’s pretty easy! In fact, there are a few methods to choose from, which should take around a minute to complete if all goes to plan.

The first and second methods listed will clear all cache files on your device. The third method in this list details how to clear cache data for individual applications if you want to keep some of your files, so the choice is yours. You can also wipe the system cache partition with the help of Android cache cleaners.

(These methods will not erase any personal data or settings on the device, just the temporary cache files.)

Let’s get into the list!


Clear Android cache through recovery mode

1. Enter Recovery Mode

This is usually done by holding the Power, Home, and Volume Up buttons when the device is switched off.

However, some devices like the Moto G3 and Xperia Z3 have different ways of entering Recovery Mode. So if it isn’t working, check online to see how it’s done for your specific device.


2. Wipe cache partition

The device will load in Recovery mode when powered on. From this mode, you can select the option to clear the system cache. This option is labeled as ‘Wipe Cache Partition’.

Use the volume buttons to navigate through the options.

clear cache on Android by wiping cache partition in recovery mode

3. Be careful!

This will result in no loss of data or personal settings, but be careful NOT to select the ‘Wipe Data’ option, as this will cause your phone to reset to factory defaults.

Again, Wipe Cache Partition won’t delete any data except for cache. Wipe Data will delete everything you saved on your phone. That’s it! And from now, the cache will begin to rebuild as you use your device.


Clear Android cache through settings

You can clear cache on Android through your phone’s settings

1. Access the system cache data

  1. Go to Settings and tap Storage.
  2. From here, you’ll be able to see just how much memory is being used by the partition under Cached Data.
clear cache on Android through internal storage
See what fills your memory

NOTE: This step may differ depending on your phone’s model.


2. Delete cache data

Tap Cached Data and choose Okay if there’s a confirmation box to complete the process.

NOTE: Some versions of the Android OS won’t let you delete system cache this way. If you’re unable to delete your Android device’s cache this way, resort to the other methods

can't wipe system cache

It’s as simple as that. If it solves your problems, it’s a reasonably painless quick-fix that has no chance of damaging your device, so it’s worth a try.


Clear individual apps cache on Android

If you want to clear the cache data of a specific app, you can do so by:

  • Going to Settings, and tapping Apps.
  • Tap on the app that you want to clear.
  • Tap Clear Cache, located near the bottom of the screen.
Clear app cache on Android through storage settings
Clear app cache in settings

This can be useful if you want to keep your Android’s cache data for everything else. But it can be a time-consuming process if you decide to delete all of the cache data manually.


Why Clear the Cache and How Often To Do So

So, what’s the point of it all? What’s in it for you? Your apps will run a little slower the first few times you open them after clearing cache on Android. The reason for this is your device rebuilds the system cache.

However, it will soon run as quickly as before, and it could be even faster if the phone hasn’t been properly optimized when updating the software. It’s hard to say exactly how often the system cache should be wiped. It’s usually good practice to wipe the cache after a system update, (such as 4.2 to 4.3) because updated system apps won’t use the outdated optimization files.

This can help to drastically improve battery life among other problems normally encountered when updating the Android software. There’s literally no reason why you shouldn’t give it a go.

ALSO READ: 15 Best Phone Cleaner Apps for Android in 2020!

8 Best Android Cache Cleaners – Easily Delete Cache Data

How to Clear the Cache of Nexus 5 with Ease


People Also Ask

What is cache?

The cache stores temporary system data for everyday tasks. These ‘temporary’ files are the images, text, and videos that are used to display things like web pages and adverts. They help to load things quickly when you revisit web pages or load your favorite apps.

What happens when you clear Android cache?

All the temporarily-stored data from apps and websites will be deleted. Don’t worry! Clearing cache will not delete any app or reset it.

Is cleaning the Android system cache good for your phone?

Regularly cleaning your cellphone cache can greatly benefit you in the long run. If you clean your cache, your Android phone will be faster and perform better.

Why clear the cache on an Android phone?

Clearing your cache on Android can help you save space while also improving the battery life, speed, and security of your device. Cached data can get corrupted, causing performance issues.

Does clearing cache delete photos?

Photos are saved in the /user data partition of the internal memory of an Android device. This differs from the /cache partition, which is deleted when the cache is cleared. As a result, cleaning the cache does not affect your photos, videos, or other media assets.


Clearing things up

It might seem like a problem, but it can’t hurt to clear cache on Android devices from time to time. It might not clear up much space on your device, but it helps to keep everything running as smoothly as possible, and it’s harmless.

The extra memory will probably be nominal, but what’s the point of keeping data for forgotten apps and old web pages that you’re never likely to visit again, when it could be used for more important things, like a great puzzle game, or a few more episodes of your favorite show?

Did clearing the system cache solved a problem with your device?

If we managed to help out or you have any problems with clearing your cache data, let us know in the comments below!

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13 Comments

    1. Hi Rachelle,
      System cache? Where was the option to do that in settings?
      Or do you mean simply app cache?
      Either way, no worries. Everything should be fine. =-)

    1. Thanks for letting us know. We are making changes to the site and a few articles lost some content. Check back soon and it will be back up.

  1. I have a samsung j320a and I cannot download or send images in messenger. I have done a whole list of things and nothing is fixing this. Do I need to do a system reset? out of options

    1. Hi Mel! Could you give a bit more detail on what messenger is doing when it won’t download or send images?

  2. Very informational. I hope that the System Cache is whats causing my phone to freeze. I uninstalled all cleaner and optimizer apps. Restart is the easiest solution for me. If your phone isn’t acting right, a factory reset is a no-brainer and is a lot easier that reinstalling Windows.

  3. I have the j7 crown, when I get a link in any message, text, or email it will not open it. I click on the link and nothing happens. I have tried opening a link in apps also and they simply do not open.
    This makes it difficult if I am trying to complete a form and have to go to another link to add a photo or see more information.

    1. Hi Pamela! There have been reports of Android devices being unable to open links, although no common fixes. If clearing the app cache doesn’t work for you, what you can do is to copy the link and paste it on your web browser instead.

  4. I have a Galaxy J7 Perx running on Boost Mobiles network. It will not send or receive group texts or MMS messages. I have done a hard factory reset and even cleared the cache separately after that. The problems persist. Any advice?

    1. Hi Carl, use your provider’s network settings. Do a quick search of Boost Mobile’s network settings for your device and use that. Restart your device then try again.

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