How to Clear Apps Cache on Android: A Step-by-Step Guide
What is Cache in Android?
Before we dive into the process of clearing application cache on Android, it’s essential to understand what cache is. Cache is a temporary storage area where your Android device stores data, such as images, videos, and other files, for faster access and loading. Cache helps improve the performance of frequently used apps, reducing the time it takes to load data. However, this cache can also take up valuable storage space on your device, leading to performance issues and slow device speed.
Why Clear Apps Cache?
Clearing apps cache is crucial to maintain your Android device’s performance, security, and storage space. Here are some reasons why:
- Improve Device Performance: A clogged cache can slow down your device, making it unresponsive and sluggish. Clearing cache can help free up space, reducing the likelihood of freezing and crashes.
- Improve App Performance: A clear cache can also improve the performance of individual apps, as they won’t have to rely on old, outdated data.
- Enhance Security: Malware and viruses often conceal themselves in the cache, posing a security risk. Clearing cache can help remove these malicious files, ensuring your device remains safe.
- Free Up Storage Space: Clearing apps cache can also help free up storage space, making room for new apps, files, and data.
How to Clear Apps Cache on Android?
Clearing apps cache is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do so:
Method 1: Clear Cache through Settings
- Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your device.
- Select Storage: Scroll down and select "Storage" (or "Internal Storage" or "Memory" depending on your device).
- Select Apps: Tap on "Apps" or "installed apps".
- Select an App: Choose the app you want to clear cache for. You can sort the list by "Size" to identify the apps with the largest cache.
- Clear Cache: Tap on the app and then tap "Clear cache" to remove the cache files.
Method 2: Clear Cache using Third-Party App
- Search for a Cache Cleaner App: Type "Cache Cleaner" or "App Cache Cleaner" in the Google Play Store and download a reputable app, such as CCleaner or Disk Cleanup for Android.
- Launch the App: Open the cache cleaner app and grant it necessary permissions.
- Select Apps: Choose the apps you want to clear cache for.
- Clear Cache: Tap on the "Clear cache" button to remove the selected apps’ cache.
- Schedule Cleanups: Some cache cleaners, like CCleaner, allow you to schedule regular cleanups, ensuring your device remains clutter-free.
Method 3: Clear Cache Manually (Rooted Devices)
Note: This method requires root access and may not be available for all devices.
- Root Your Device: Ensure your device is rooted.
- Use a File Manager: Download and install a file manager app like ES File Explorer or Solid Explorer.
- Navigate to /data: Use the file manager to navigate to the "/data" directory.
- Select the App’s Cache Directory: Find the app’s cache directory (e.g., "/data/data/com.example.app/cache").
- Delete the Cache Files: Delete the cache files (e.g., "cache" or "cache.db").
- Restart Your Device: Reboot your device to complete the process.
Tips and Variations
- Clearing Data: Be cautious when clearing data, as this may reset app settings and remove saved data. Only clear data if the app allows it, and be prepared to re-enter settings and data.
- Clearing Cache on individual Apps: Some apps, like Facebook, offer a "Clear cache" option within the app settings. Use this option instead of the methods above.
- Schedule Regular Cleanups: Set up a monthly or weekly schedule to clean your device’s cache, reducing the need for manual intervention.
By following these methods, you can effectively clear apps cache on your Android device, improving performance, security, and storage space. While it’s essential to clear cache regularly, remember to do so with caution, as excessive clearing can lead to issues with app functionality. Bookmark this guide and refer to it whenever you need to clear apps cache on your Android device.