When you delete the cache folder, you are essentially removing all the temporary files stored on your device. These files are created by various applications and web browsers to improve the performance and load times of websites and apps.
Here’s a detailed explanation of what happens when you delete the cache folder:
1. Improved Device Performance:
Deleting the cache folder can help improve the overall performance of your device. As the cache files accumulate over time, they can take up a significant amount of space on your device’s storage. By clearing the cache, you free up this space, allowing your device to run more efficiently.
Personal Experience: I have noticed a noticeable improvement in my phone’s speed and responsiveness after clearing the cache. Apps launch faster, and there is a smoother overall experience.
2. Frees Up Storage Space:
Cache files can occupy a considerable amount of storage space on your device. These files include images, scripts, stylesheets, and other temporary data. By deleting the cache folder, you can reclaim this space for other purposes like installing new apps or storing media files.
Personal Experience: Once, I was running out of space on my computer’s hard drive. After clearing the cache folder, I regained a significant amount of storage, which allowed me to store important files and media without any issues.
3. Website and App Data Refresh:
When you delete the cache folder, all the temporary data stored for websites and apps gets wiped out. This means that the next time you visit a website or use an app, it will not have any previously cached data. As a result, the website or app will have to load fresh data, improving the accuracy of the information displayed.
Personal Experience: I encountered a situation where a website was not displaying updated information on my browser. Clearing the cache folder resolved the issue, and I could view the website with the latest data.
4. Loss of Offline Data:
Some apps and websites store offline data in the cache folder, allowing you to access certain content even without an internet connection. Deleting the cache folder will remove this offline data, and you may need to download or sync it again when you go online.
Personal Experience: I once deleted the cache of a music streaming app on my phone. As a result, all the songs I had downloaded for offline listening were removed, and I had to re-download them to listen to them without an internet connection.
5. Logging Out and Session Termination:
In some cases, deleting the cache folder may log you out of certain apps or websites. This happens because the cache stores session information, such as login credentials or session tokens. When you remove the cache, these session details are lost, and you may need to log in again to access your accounts.
Personal Experience: I deleted the cache of a social media app on my device, and it logged me out. I had to enter my login details again to regain access to my account.
Deleting the cache folder can have several effects on your device. It can improve performance, free up storage space, refresh website and app data, result in the loss of offline data, and log you out of certain apps or websites. It is a useful practice to clear the cache from time to time to maintain optimal device performance and ensure you have the latest data from websites and apps.