When you open a website or an app more than once, it often tends to load or function faster. This faster functionality is the result of cache. Cache functions like a short term memory that stores data temporarily, retaining bits of layouts, images or scripts. This process saves time, but its accumulation can slow down device performance. Understanding its types and how to clear cache in Android can help prevent such issues.
Types of Cache on Your Android Phone
All caches do not serve the same purpose, and their locations also differ. To effectively clear the cache, it is important first to understand common types and their functions:
- Web Cache: This type of cache is stored by browsers. When browsing the web, you may open certain websites or webpages frequently, and the web cache stores data like images and scripts from these pages to help with quick loading.
- App Cache: This cache stores data that relates to all apps that you frequently use. The data stored includes images, texts, and other media files that help with the swift opening of the app. It helps reduce reloads and buffering.
- System Cache: The operating system manages system cache. It helps accelerate system tasks like app switching and screen transitions.
How to clear cache in Android Phones
If you want to understand how to clean an Android smartphone cache, read through the following methods:
Method 1. Clear App Cache Through Settings
These steps will help delete app cache on Android through settings:
- Open your device’s ‘Settings’ app.
- Tap on ‘Battery and device care.’
- You will find a ‘Memory’ option wherein you have to tap on ‘Apps not used recently.’
- Browse through this list.
- Select an app that you want to clean.
- To clean, tap on the app and tap on ‘App Info’ and then on ‘Storage.’
- A ‘Clear cache’ option will be available.
Method 2. Clear Cache for All Apps at Once
To clear the cache on an Android phone for all apps, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Search for the ‘Storage and Memory’ option, where ‘Device care’ may be available.
- An option like ‘Cached Data’ or a cleaner tool may be available.
- Once you tap on it, you may be able to clear all app cache.
Method 3. Wipe System Cache Partition
- Turn your phone off.
- Press and hold the volume up and power buttons at once.
- Release when the recovery menu pops up.
- Use the volume down button to navigate the menu and highlight the ‘Wipe cache partition’ option.
- Press the power button to select it and highlight ‘Yes’ by using the ‘Volume Down’ button.
- The system wipes the cache, and pressing the power button helps reboot the device.
How to clear browser cache in Android
If you use a browser like Chrome on your Android device, clearing the cache will help improve its browsing speed. Follow these steps to clear browser cache:
- Open your browser and look for the menu. If using Chrome, tap on the three dots in the right corner.
- From the set of options, tap on ‘History’ and then choose the ‘Clear Browsing data’ or similar option.
- Select the ‘Cached images and files’ option to get rid of cookies, browsing history, and search.
- You can then choose the desired time frame and tap on ‘Clear data.’
Conclusion
Clearing the cache helps eliminate temporary files and data, which then frees up storage. It can significantly boost system, app, and browser performance. There are many methods for clearing the cache when it comes to Android devices. Each of these is meant to clear a specific cache. Use these techniques to maintain your Android phone and eliminate the risk of performance issues.