Your device may slow down as a result of cached data that builds up, corrupts, or just becomes out of date over time. Although a targeted cache clear is a quick fix that doesn’t require updating hardware, restarting your phone frequently helps.
In June, Google introduced Android 16 to Pixel devices and a few OEMs, bringing with it new Material You updates, performance enhancements, and other improvements. Clearing the cache on your Android phone or tablet can give it a new boost and free up some storage space if you want to attempt this update but are concerned since you’ve observed it already feels too sluggish.
How to clear cached data from Android apps
Although each manufacturer may have somewhat different processes, the overall procedure is the same.
1. See all the apps installed on your Android device
Navigate to Storage in Settings, then select Apps. If there isn’t a specific Apps entry, you may easily locate it in Settings by using the search bar.
Some Android devices now offer a “Free up space” option through the Google Files app in the Storage menu as well. This can be used by opening Files, selecting Clean from the three-line menu in the top-left. Examine each recommendation (such as duplicates, huge files, and useless apps), then follow the instructions to remove any files you no longer require.
2. Clear cache for individual apps
(Avoid system services) press an installed app, choose “Storage and cache,” and then press “Clear cache.” Tap “Clear storage” only if you wish to fully reset the application.
3. Do the same for all apps you want
Do the same with any programs that consume a lot of storage. Data-hungry hogs like social apps and streaming services are a good place to start.
Additionally, some Android versions make it simple to view which apps are using the most space when you’re in the Apps menu. Just choose Sort by Size from the three-dot menu that appears in the upper-right corner.
Note: There may be an integrated clear-all-cache feature on some Android phones. There should be a ‘Select All’ button at the top under Settings > Storage > and App Cache.
How to clear cache from Chrome
1. Go to History settings in Chrome
Open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu Settings > History > Clear browsing data.
2. Choose the data you want to delete
Check “Cached pictures and files” (as well as anything else you want to delete) after choosing the time frame. Next, select “Clear data.”
Every choice describes its function and how it impacts your experience. removing cached files and pictures may result in Chrome loading images more slowly the next time you visit a website, while removing cookies and site data will log you out of many or all websites.
3. Optional: A simpler shortcut
In recent versions of Chrome for Android, hitting the menu button brings up the Clear Browsing Data option. When you choose this, a pop-up window requesting that you delete your browsing history from a certain time frame will show up. Selecting More Options will bring up the Browsing Data screen, where you can pick which data to remove and what time period to use.
Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm)
Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
Cristian Penisoara is a Guides Writer and Android specialist at Droid Tools. An Android user since version 2 and a professional event photographer, he combines technical curiosity with a detail-oriented approach - every guide he publishes is tested step-by-step on a real device before it goes live.
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