What clearing cache does and why you might need to
Cache is temporary data that apps store on your phone to load faster next time you open them. When you clear cache, you delete this stored data without removing the app itself or your personal information like passwords, messages, or photos. Clearing cache can free up storage space, fix an app that is running slowly or crashing, or solve login problems.
You have two main options: clear cache for one app at a time, or clear cache for all apps at once. Most people start by clearing cache for the specific app giving them trouble, since that takes less time and is less disruptive. If you are running low on storage space, clearing cache for all apps at once is faster.
Key Takeaways
- Clearing cache removes temporary app data but keeps your passwords, messages, photos, and other personal information intact.
- You can clear cache for a single app through Settings > Apps, or clear cache for all apps through Settings > Storage.
- The exact menu names vary slightly by phone brand — Samsung, Google Pixel, and other Android phones use slightly different labels.
- Clearing cache usually takes less than a minute and is safe to do whenever you need storage space or want to fix a misbehaving app.
Clear cache for one app through Settings
This method works on most Android phones and is the best choice if one specific app is slow, crashing, or not logging you in correctly.
Step 1: Open Settings on your phone. This is usually a gear icon on your home screen or in your app drawer.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap Apps (on some phones this says Application Manager or Manage Apps).
Step 3: Find the app you want to clear cache for and tap it. If you do not see it in the list, tap the three dots or menu icon at the top right and select Show system apps to see every app on your phone.
Step 4: Tap Storage or Storage and cache (the exact wording depends on your phone).
Step 5: Tap Clear cache. Do not tap Clear storage or Clear data, as those will remove more than just cache.
The app will now load fresh data the next time you open it. If the app was crashing, this often fixes it. If you were locked out, try logging in again.
Clear cache for all apps at once
Use this method when you need to free up storage space quickly or when multiple apps are running slowly. This removes cache for every app on your phone in one action.
Step 1: Open Settings.
Step 2: Tap Storage or Storage and cache (the label varies by phone brand).
Step 3: Tap Clear cache or Delete cached data. The button may also say Free up space or Clean up storage.
Your phone will delete cache for all apps. This usually takes a few seconds. You will not lose any apps, messages, photos, or login information — only the temporary data that apps use to load faster.
Where to find these settings on different Android phones
Android phones from different makers use slightly different menu names. If you cannot find the steps above on your phone, use this guide to locate the right menu.
| Phone Brand | Path to Clear Cache for One App | Path to Clear Cache for All Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel | Settings > Apps > [App name] > Storage > Clear cache | Settings > Storage > Other apps > Clear cache |
| Samsung | Settings > Apps > [App name] > Storage > Clear cache | Settings > Storage > Other apps > Clear cache |
| OnePlus | Settings > Apps > [App name] > Storage > Clear cache | Settings > Storage > Other apps > Clear cache |
| Motorola | Settings > Apps > [App name] > Storage > Clear cache | Settings > Storage > Other apps > Clear cache |
If you still cannot find the menu, search your phone's Settings for the word "cache" — most Android phones have a search function at the top of Settings that will take you directly to the right place.
What happens after you clear cache
After clearing cache, apps will take slightly longer to load the first time you open them, since they have to download fresh data instead of using stored copies. This slowdown is usually just a second or two and only happens once per app. After that, the app will run normally and rebuild its cache as you use it.
If you cleared cache because an app was crashing, the problem is usually solved. If the app still crashes after you clear cache, the problem is something else — try restarting your phone, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
When not to clear cache
Clearing cache is safe and will not harm your phone. However, there are a few situations where you should be careful about what you clear.
Do not tap Clear storage or Clear data unless you want to remove the app's saved information — this will log you out of apps and delete any data stored locally on your phone. If you only want to free up space or fix a slow app, stick to Clear cache.
If you are about to travel and want to use an app offline (like Google Maps with downloaded maps), clear cache after you download the offline data, not before. Clearing cache will not remove offline maps, but it is safer to do it after you have what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my photos or messages?
No. Clearing cache only removes temporary data that apps use to load faster. Your photos, messages, passwords, and all personal information stay on your phone. If you want to delete those things, you have to do it separately.
How much storage space does clearing cache free up?
This varies widely depending on which apps you use and how long they have been on your phone. Social media apps like Instagram and TikTok often have large caches, sometimes 100 MB to 500 MB each. Clearing cache for all apps might free up 1 GB to 5 GB of space, but the exact amount depends on your phone and apps.
Is it safe to clear cache regularly?
Yes. Clearing cache is safe to do as often as you want. Many people clear cache monthly to keep their phone running smoothly and maintain free storage space. There is no downside to doing it regularly.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?
Clearing cache removes temporary files that help apps load faster. Clearing data removes everything the app has stored, including your login information, settings, and saved files. Always use Clear cache unless you want to completely reset an app.
Why is my app still slow after I cleared cache?
If an app is still slow after clearing cache, the problem is usually not cache. Try restarting your phone, closing other apps running in the background, or checking if your phone storage is almost full. If the app still runs slowly, try uninstalling and reinstalling it.