Wirefly helps you save on cell phones and plans by offering innovative comparison tools so consumers can make educated choices. Start saving today with Wirefly!
Wirefly helps you save on Internet service by offering innovative comparison tools to compare Internet providers in your area.
Android smartphones and tablets are outstanding tools for productivity, social networking, and entertainment. However, like any computer, they can slow down over time, especially if you're someone who downloads and tests various apps. One way to keep your device running smoothly is to clear your cache periodically. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clear cache on Android devices.
Before we delve into the steps of clearing your cache, it's crucial to understand what it is and why it's important. The cache is a storage area where data or frequently used processes are saved for quicker access in the future. In other words, cache files are created when you use an app, and they stay on your device, so the app doesn't have to reload data from scratch every time you use it.
While cache files improve load times, they can also eat up storage space and, over time, may cause your device to slow down or behave unexpectedly. This is when clearing the cache can help.
The first step in clearing the cache for individual apps is to navigate to the 'Settings' app on your Android device. This app often resembles a gear and is commonly found in your device's app drawer or on one of your home screens.
In the settings menu, locate and tap on the option that says 'Apps & Notifications'. Note that this name might vary slightly depending on your device model and Android version. For instance, it may simply be labeled 'Apps'.
On the next screen, you'll see a list of all the applications installed on your device. Scroll through this list until you find the app whose cache you want to clear, then tap on it.
Once you've chosen an app, you'll be taken to an App Info page. Here, find and select the 'Storage' option. This will open another menu, where you'll find the 'Clear Cache' button. Simply tap this button to clear the app's cache.
Unlike the previous steps, which target individual apps, the following steps will guide you on how to clear the entire system cache, removing temporary files left by all apps.
Begin by turning off your device completely.
Once your device is off, you need to boot it up in Recovery Mode. This process varies across different Android devices, but generally involves holding a combination of the power and volume buttons. For most devices, you'll need to hold the 'Volume Down' and 'Power' buttons simultaneously until the device logo appears, then release.
In Recovery Mode, use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select. Scroll down until you find the 'Wipe cache partition' option and select it by pressing the power button.
After the process is complete, which should only take a few moments, select the 'Reboot system now' option. Your device will then restart, free of any system cache.
While clearing the cache can help if your device is slowing down, doing it too often can negatively impact performance. That's because every time you clear the cache, you force apps to start from scratch, which can cause them to take longer to open up and load data.
As a rule of thumb, it's generally a good idea to clear the cache of individual apps if they're not working as expected, or to clear the system cache if your device as a whole is performing poorly. However, if you're not noticing any problems, there's no need to regularly clear your cache.
While Android provides built-in tools to clear cache, several third-party apps can automate the process, making it easier and more efficient. Here are two reliable options:
CCleaner is a well-known and widely used tool for clearing cache on Android. It's simple to use and can clean your app cache, browser history, and clipboard content. It also allows you to uninstall multiple unwanted apps at once.
To use CCleaner, download and open the app. Then tap the "Analyze" button. The app will take a few moments to scan your device. Once done, it will provide you with a summary of the files that can be deleted. You can then tap "Clean" to delete these files and clear your cache.
Files by Google is another effective tool for managing your device's storage, including clearing cache. It offers a user-friendly interface that lets you see what's taking up storage and gives you the option to delete these files.
After installing and opening Files by Google, navigate to the "Clean" tab. The app will show you temporary files, junk files, and other items that can be safely deleted. To clear the cache, select "Temporary app files" and then hit "Clear".
While third-party apps can be very useful, remember to always download apps from a trusted source like the Google Play Store to protect your device from malware. And always review what files an app will delete to avoid accidentally removing files that you need.
SD Maid is a comprehensive tool that offers an array of features, including a cache cleaner. Beyond just clearing cache, SD Maid can help you manage installed user and system apps, detect duplicate files, search for files, and optimize your databases. The app is straightforward to use, with a user-friendly interface that makes managing your device's storage a breeze.
The All-In-One Toolbox is another excellent resource for clearing cache on Android. In addition to its cache cleaning feature, this app includes a junk file cleaner, a speed booster, a CPU cooler, an app manager, and a file manager. The All-In-One Toolbox also offers a batch uninstall feature, which allows you to remove multiple apps at once.
Norton Clean is a cache-cleaning app from a trusted name in the cybersecurity industry. It helps you reclaim storage space on your Android device by cleaning junk, residual, and cache files. Norton Clean also includes an app manager that allows you to manage and remove bloatware (pre-installed apps that you don't use).
Please note that while these apps can be very effective at freeing up storage space, you should use them responsibly. Always double-check what the app is deleting to avoid getting rid of something important. And remember that while clearing the cache can be helpful, doing it too frequently may cause your apps to slow down, as they'll have to reload data they previously cached.
Here are some commonly asked questions about clearing cache on Android devices:
A: It depends on how often you use your device and what you do on it. If you frequently download and test various apps, you might need to clear your cache more often. However, if your device is running smoothly and you're not experiencing any problems, there's no need to clear the cache regularly.
A: Clearing your cache deletes temporary files stored by your apps for quick access. This may cause some apps to load slower initially as they will have to recreate the necessary data.
A: No, clearing the cache will not delete any personal data. It only removes temporary files. However, clearing data (which is a different option) can delete your personal settings for apps and should be used with caution.
A: It can, especially if you haven't cleared your cache in a long time or if your device is low on storage space. However, clearing the cache is not a surefire solution to all performance issues.
Clearing the cache on an Android device is a straightforward process, but one that can greatly improve the device's overall performance when used judiciously. Keep in mind that while it's helpful in some scenarios, it's not a magic solution for all performance-related issues. It's just one of the many ways you can maintain your Android device.
Wirefly offers great deals on a large selection of smartphones, cell phones, tablets, mobile hotspots, and other wireless devices for the nation's most popular carriers. Use Wirefly’s innovative cell phone and plan comparison tools to ensure you are getting the best deal on the market. Shop with confidence knowing that Wirefly wants to help you find the best prices on cell phones, cell phone plans, TV, and Internet service.