How to clear your Android phone cache - the 30-second routine every user should be doing

ZDNET's key takeaways

• Clearing app cache can free storage and fix minor Android issues.

• It removes temporary files, not your accounts or login credentials.

• Clearing cache every so often helps keep your device running well.

Google is preparing to release Android 17 in the coming months, so you may be wondering how to get your phone ready. Or maybe your Android phone or tablet is starting to feel sluggish and could use a tune-up before you even think about installing the next major release. 

One simple place to start is clearing the cache, which can free up storage and help resolve minor performance hiccups.

Also: Slow Android phone? My 4-step refresh routine can speed it up fast

Over time, cached data can pile up, become outdated, or occasionally get corrupted. Restarting your phone can help, but a targeted cache clear is the quickest way to troubleshoot slowdowns and odd app behavior without upgrading hardware.

In this guide, I'll show you how to clear your Android device's cache. If you're an Apple user, here's how to clear the cache on an iPhone .

How to clear Android phone cache

What you'll need:Any Android device. Steps may vary slightly by manufacturer and Android version, but the general process is consistent across most newer phones. I'm using a Google Pixel 8 running Android 16.

1. See all apps on your Android phone Let's look at which apps use the most space

On Android, cache must be cleared on a per-app basis. While this can be tedious, it helps prevent accidental data loss and broader performance issues. To find which apps are using the most space and clear their cache, open Settings, go to Storage, and tap Apps. (If you don't see Apps, use the search bar in Settings to find it.)

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2. Clear cache for Android apps Don't tap clear storage

Now simply tap an app you've installed and select Clear cache. I recommend you avoid system apps like Google Play Services, and do not tap Clear storage unless you want to fully reset the app and erase all its data.

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3. Repeat for other Android apps Try first on social, gaming, and streaming apps

Repeat this process for any apps that use a lot of space.

Start with data-heavy apps such as social media or streaming services. You can see how much storage each app uses listed beneath its name. For example, Google Photos is using 1.24GB of space on my phone.

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4. Bonus: Clear cached data in Chrome Delete cached images and files, cookies, and more

You can clear Chrome's cache using steps 1 through 3 above, but Google's mobile browser also includes built-in tools for removing browsing data, such as cached images and files.

1. Open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and select Delete browsing data.

2. Tap More options.

3. Confirm the time range and select the data you want to remove.

4. For most people, "Cached images and files" is enough.

5. When you're ready, tap Delete data.

If you choose to delete "cookies and site data," you'll be signed out of most sites. Deleting "browsing history" only removes the list of sites you've visited. I don't recommend deleting saved passwords or autofill data.

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5. Restart your Android phone Flush temporary system files and refresh memory

After clearing browser and app caches, restart your phone to clear temporary system files.

1. Hold the Power button.

2. Tap Restart (or Power off, then turn it back on).

Also:How to restart your Android phone without using the power button: 2 ways

Many Android users notice immediate performance improvements after a restart because it refreshes memory, clears temporary system files, and often resolves background glitches.

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FAQs

What is cache?

Think of cache as temporary files, such as images, scripts, and other resources, that help apps and websites load faster. Clearing cache removes those temporary files from your device without affecting your personal app settings or login credentials.

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For example, in the Facebook app, cached data may include saved profile pictures, photos, and videos. Clearing the app's cache removes those temporary files from your device, but it does not log you out.

Will clearing cache delete my app data?

No. Clearing cache only removes temporary files. Your accounts, settings, and app data remain intact.

Will clearing cache make my device faster?

Yes. It frees up storage and removes potentially corrupted or outdated files, which can resolve slowdowns and glitches.

How often should I clear cache?

Whenever you notice your Android device acting sluggish. For most users, every few months is sufficient.

Which apps have built-in clear cache options?

Beyond Chrome, many apps let you clear cache within settings. 

Also: Your Android phone feeling slow? My 4-step refresh routine works wonders every time

For example, the Google Search app includes clear cache controls. Even Snapchat has a clear cache button , so you can free up storage and fix issues. It's worth checking the settings in your most frequently used apps to see what cache-clearing tools they offer.

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