What does Clear cache do?

Answered by Robert Flynn

Clearing the cache on your Android phone can have several benefits in terms of improving the performance and overall functionality of your device. The cache is essentially a storage location where your apps and web browser store temporary files and data. These files and data are used to speed up the performance of your phone by allowing apps to quickly access and retrieve information they need.

Over time, the cache can become filled with a large amount of unnecessary and outdated data. This can lead to performance issues on your phone, such as slower app loading times, lagging or freezing apps, and even decreased battery life. Clearing the cache regularly helps to eliminate these issues by removing all the unnecessary files and data that have accumulated.

When you clear the cache on your Android phone, you essentially delete all the temporary files and data stored in the cache. This includes things like images, videos, web pages, and other types of content that your apps and browser have stored for quick access. By clearing the cache, you are essentially starting fresh and allowing your phone to rebuild the cache with only the most up-to-date and relevant data.

Clearing the cache can also help in troubleshooting certain issues on your phone. For example, if you are experiencing app crashes or errors, clearing the cache can sometimes resolve these problems. It can also free up valuable storage space on your device, particularly if the cache has become bloated with large files.

To clear the cache on your Android phone, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your phone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications” (the exact wording may vary depending on your phone model).
3. Here, you will see a list of all the apps installed on your device. Tap on the app for which you want to clear the cache.
4. On the app’s info page, tap on “Storage” or “Storage & cache” (again, the wording may vary).
5. You will see options to clear both the cache and the app’s data. Tap on “Clear cache” to delete all the temporary files stored by the app.

If you want to clear the cache for all your apps at once, you can go to the “Storage” or “Storage & cache” section in the Settings app and look for an option that says “Cached data” or “Cached files.” Tapping on this option will clear the cache for all your apps.

It is important to note that clearing the cache does not delete any personal data or settings for your apps. It only removes temporary files and data that can be easily regenerated when needed. However, if you clear the app’s data instead of just the cache, you will lose any personalized settings or saved data for that app.

Clearing the cache on your Android phone can help improve performance, resolve certain issues, and free up storage space. It is a simple and effective way to optimize your device’s functionality and ensure smooth operation.