How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (2024)

Your apps and web browser store bits of information to speed up your experience using them.

Over time, your phone may collect a lot of files you don't really need. You can clear out the files to free up a little storage space on your device. Clearing cache can also help with website behavior issues.

Clearing browser cache and app cache from an Android phone is a quick and easy process.

Here's a short guide on how to do both.

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Clear cache in the Chrome app (the default Android web browser)

1. Open the Chrome app on your device.

2. Tap the three-dot icon, found at the top right, to open a dropdown menu.

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (1)

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3. Tap History, then Clear browsing data.

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (2)

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4. If desired, select the oldest date you would like cleared using the Time Range dropdown menu.

5. Select Cached images and files.

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (3)

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6. Tap the Clear data button to clear cache.

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Clear cache from third-party apps

App cache is similar to browser cache. It's small bits of information stored to speed up your experience using an app. However, there may be times when an app suddenly closes or stops responding all together. Problems with cached data could be the culprit.

Clearing cache is a quick and easy way to free up space and (hopefully) fix a misbehaving app. Clearing app cache will not delete app data like account information.

Here's how to clear app cache:

1. Go to the Settings menu on your device.

2. Tap Storage.

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (4)

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3. Tap Internal Storage under Device Storage.

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (5)

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4. Tap Cached data.

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (6)

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5. Tap OK when a dialog box appears asking if you're sure you want to clear all app cache.

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (7)

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Clearing app cache will not delete app data like account information. App data, like account information, can be deleted from the same menu - proceed with caution if you decide to do so.

Note: Phones without SD card storage will not be given a choice to select between internal storage or SD card as shown in the above screenshots.

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How often you should clear cache

You may find it helpful to clear cache periodically, but a regular cache clearing schedule isn't required. If you find you're routinely clearing cache to free up space, you may consider removing unused apps or archiving stored video and photos in the cloud. Installing a high volume microSD card is another option to address phone storage needs.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster (2024)

FAQs

How to clear the cache on your Android phone to make it run faster? ›

Open the Chrome browser, tap Menu and go to History > Clear Browsing Data. First, switch to the All Time option at the top and make sure you've checked the Cached images and files option below. Then, tap the Clear Data button to clear the cache. Keep doing this regularly for Chrome and the rest of your apps on Android.

Does clearing cache speed up Android? ›

Clearing cache on Android can also help fix issues and improve performance. That's because cached files can become corrupted or overloaded. Clearing cache can force a browser or app to update and work as it should.

How do I clear my cache all at once on Android? ›

To delete the cache data for all apps on your phone at once, you can follow these steps:
  1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
  2. Tap on Storage.
  3. Tap on Cached data.
  4. Tap on Clear cached data.
  5. Tap on Clear all data.
Oct 31, 2023

How to clear cache on Android with buttons? ›

How to Clear System Cache on Android
  1. Volume up + power button.
  2. Volume up + home + power button.
  3. Volume down + power button.
  4. Try each of those, or just Google your specific make and model + recovery mode.
Oct 31, 2023

Does clearing cache help phone performance? ›

* To improve performance: Clearing your cache can help free up RAM, which is the memory your phone uses to run apps. This can improve the overall performance of your phone, especially if it's running low on RAM.

Will clearing cache improve speed? ›

Clear your cache and cookies

If it's not cleared regularly, your cache can store a huge amount of data, which will slow your internet browser down significantly. Deleting your browser's cache and cookies may speed up your connection, but it will also help ensure you see the latest versions of the websites you visit.

Does clearing cache help with speed? ›

Deleting the cache and cookies data regularly helps to troubleshoot, helps to increase the loading time of web pages, loads new versions of web pages and increases the performance of your computer.

How do I clear my cache all the time? ›

In Chrome
  1. On your computer, open Chrome .
  2. At the top right, click More. Clear browsing data.
  3. Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time.
  4. Select the types of information you want to remove.
  5. Click Clear data.

What happens if I clear cache all time? ›

Tip: Clearing the cache simply clears temporary files. It won't erase login credentials, downloaded files, or custom settings.

How to clean up an Android phone? ›

  1. Close apps that don't respond. You don't usually need to close apps. ...
  2. Uninstall apps you don't use. If you uninstall an app and need it later, you can download it again. ...
  3. Clear the app's cache & data. You can usually clear an app's cache and data with your phone's Settings app.

How do I find hidden cache on Android? ›

Utilizing Device Settings:
  1. Open the settings menu on your smartphone.
  2. Locate and select “Storage” or “Storage & Memory.”
  3. Look for “Internal Storage” or “Phone Storage” and tap on it.
  4. Find the option for “Cached Data” or “Cache” and select it.
  5. Follow the prompts to clear the hidden cache stored on your device.
Mar 18, 2024

What are the three buttons to clear cache? ›

In most computer-based web browsers, to open menus used to clear your cache, cookies, and history, press Ctrl-Shift-Delete (Windows) or Command-Shift-Delete (Mac).

How to clear cache and cookies on Android? ›

How to clear cache and cookies on Android phone or tablet
  1. Open the Chrome app on your Android device.
  2. Tap at the top right.
  3. Tap History, then tap Clear Browsing Data..
  4. Choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
  5. Tap Cookies and site data and Cached Images and Files. ...
  6. Tap Clear data to confirm.
Oct 31, 2023

Does clearing cache slow down Android? ›

Key Takeaways. Regularly clearing your Android phone's cache can free up space and restore speed and responsiveness. The cache serves as a memory bank for your phone, enhancing loading speeds and app performance. Clearing the cache on individual apps can potentially fix performance issues and save storage space.

How do I clear my cache fast? ›

Using Internet Explorer, Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox, you can quickly clear your cache with a keyboard shortcut. While using your browser, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete simultaneously on the keyboard to open the appropriate window. Remember to close the browser and restart it after clearing the cache and cookies.

Does clearing cache speed up apps? ›

Cached data is the data that allows things to load faster. Clearing cached files does not delete essential files, such as media files (photos, videos, or audio), passwords, or other data. Clearing the cache can improve a device's performance by removing unnecessary temporary data, but it won't slow down the app.

How do I clear the cache on my Samsung Android? ›

Follow the steps below to clear the cache of a single app.
  1. Launch the Settings app, and then select Apps. show more.
  2. Select or search for the app you want to clear. show more.
  3. Tap Storage. Here, you can see the Gmail app, for example. show more.
  4. Tap Clear cache. show more.
Nov 17, 2023

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