The Ultimate Guide: How to clear cache on phone

A phone will continue to collect cached data and the longer you use your phone, the more cache there will be. Before you know it, the phone will act in a sluggish manner, slow to operate, and frustrating. But, that does not mean that the phone needs to get replaced. It only means that there is too much cache stored in the phone and it needs to be removed.

With every game you play, or website you browse, or app you use, small pieces of the information stay in the cache that helps in going back to those pages fast. However, these cached files can become corrupted and can ruin the phone’s performance, or, there can be an overload of data that is no longer of use. 

Clearing the cache should be the first step you take if you sense any problem with your phone. If, after this is cleared, you still have issues with the smartphone, you may need to get the device serviced by professionals. Therefore, to fix the phone’s performance ourselves, let’s learn all about cached files and how to clear them. 

Why do you need to clear your cache?

One of the reasons for performance issues on your android phone is due to the collection of cache. This cache is the temporary data that the browser or apps use to recall all related information when you open the browser or app. But, these bits of data can become corrupted or there may be an overload of information. By deleting cache, you are increasing the loading time of the web pages. You are also improving the performance of the device. It is a form of troubleshooting.

Moreover, the old cache can be a security threat. The web pages you have browsed through may retain sensitive information. It is easy for someone else to view this data. You get the updated version when you clear the cache and refresh the page. Otherwise, you will see the old cached page only.

What happens when you clear the cache on your phone?

Your phone works faster. Your phone’s storage space gets a little freer. It helps to resolve any website loading problems and ensures that the latest version is being uploaded. You also ensure that your sensitive information is safe and secure.

How to clear cache on Android Phone?

There are a few easy steps to clearing cache on your Android phone. You can start with the Chrome app, which is a default browser on your phone.

Clear Site Data

✦ Open the Chrome app on the Android phone.
✦ Locate the three-dot icon at the top right corner. Tap the icon and open the dropdown menu.
✦ Tap on History, select Clear browsing data.
✦ You can select the time frame from the Time Range dropdown. You can choose the oldest date of the cache you want cleared.
✦ Select Cached images and files.
✦ Tap the Clear data button. 

That’s it, your cache from the browser is cleared.

Clear app cache

Now, let’s clear the cache on your 3rd party apps. Just as the little bits of data that accumulate on your browser, your apps also gather such data. But, you may find that some of these apps do not open quickly enough, or close suddenly.

The first step to take is clear the cache and then try to use the app. The problem may have been resolved. It will free up your phone’s storage and troubleshoot the problem apps.
 
✦ Go to the Settings menu on your Android phone. 
✦ Tap Storage. You will view the amount of storage used from the available storage in the device. 
✦ Tap Internal storage under Device storage.
✦ Select Cached data.
✦ You will have a dialogue box pop up asking if you are sure you want to clear all app cache. Click OK.
✦ Clearing this cache will not delete your account information on the app. You can delete the account information in the same way, only if you want to.

Phones that don’t have SD card storage will not get a choice of selecting internal storage or SD card storage.  

Clear cache one app at a time or all at once:

You can clear app cache from one app or all of them at the same time. To clear cache files of a particular app, follow these steps:

✦ Open the Settings app on your phone.
✦ Select Apps. You can view the list of all apps on your phone
✦ Tap on the one you want to be cleared of cache.
✦ On the app’s App Info screen, tap Storage.
✦ The next screen will have a button that says, ‘clear cache’. 
✦ Click on that to clear the cache from the app. 

How often should you clear cache on phone?

While clearing the cache is important to improve the phone’s performance, it is counterproductive to clear it too often. The purpose of quickening the loading process gets defeated. Periodic clearing will suffice. If you find yourself clearing cache just to free up storage space on the device, you might want to review the unused apps and remove them. Or, archive the stored photos and videos in the cloud. A microSD card can give you the additional space you require, too. 

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