How To Clear App Cache On Android

Apps on Android phones store temporary files known as cached data. These files can help apps load content faster but they can also build up over time and use storage space.

Clearing an app's cache can also help when an app is running slowly, crashing or not working properly.

What Is App Cache?

App cache is temporary data stored by an application on your phone. It can include images, files and other information that the app may need to access again.

Clearing the cache removes these temporary files without uninstalling the app.

How To Clear App Cache On Android

The steps may vary slightly depending on your phone brand and Android version but the process is generally similar.

Step 1: Open Settings

Open the Settings app on your Android phone.

Step 2: Tap Apps

Scroll through the Settings menu and tap Apps.

Depending on your phone, this option may be called Apps & notifications, App management or something similar.

Step 3: Select The App

Find the app whose cache you want to clear and tap it.

You can select any app that you are having problems with or one that is taking up a large amount of temporary storage.

Step 4: Tap Storage

On the app information page, tap Storage or Storage & cache.

Step 5: Tap Clear Cache

Tap Clear cache to remove the temporary files stored by the app.

You can then close Settings and open the app again.

What Happens When You Clear App Cache?

Clearing an app's cache removes temporary files stored by that application.

It does not uninstall the app or normally remove your personal information. The app may take slightly longer to open the first time after clearing its cache because it needs to create some temporary files again.

Clear Cache Vs Clear Storage

Android may show both Clear cache and Clear storage or Clear data options.

Clear cache removes temporary files.

Clear storage or Clear data removes the app's stored information and can reset the app. Depending on the application, this may remove saved settings and require you to sign in again.

If your goal is simply to remove temporary files, choose Clear cache.

When Should You Clear App Cache?

Clearing an app's cache can be useful when:

• An app is running slowly
• An app keeps crashing
• An app is not responding properly
• An app is displaying outdated information
• An app is using a large amount of temporary storage
• You are troubleshooting an app problem

How Often Should You Clear App Cache?

You do not need to clear your app cache regularly.

Cached files are designed to help applications work efficiently and will build up again as you use them. It is better to clear the cache when an app is experiencing problems or when you need to free up some temporary storage.

Clearing App Cache Can Help Fix App Problems

Clearing the cache is a simple way to troubleshoot an Android app without removing the application or its stored data.

Go to Settings → Apps → select the app → Storage or Storage & cache → Clear cache.

The exact steps may differ depending on your phone manufacturer but the Clear cache option is usually found within the selected app's storage settings.

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