Clear Your Android Cache to Eliminate Phone Lag
▼ Summary
– Android 16 was released with performance improvements and Material You changes for Pixel devices and select OEMs.
– Accumulated or corrupted cached data can slow down Android devices, and clearing it can boost responsiveness and free up storage.
– To clear app cache, go to Settings > Storage > Apps, select an app, and tap “Clear cache” without selecting “Clear storage.”
– Chrome cache can be cleared by opening the app, going to History > Clear browsing data, and selecting “Cached images and files.”
– Clearing cache only removes temporary files and does not delete personal data, accounts, or settings, and it can resolve slowdowns and app glitches.
Clearing your Android phone’s cache is one of the most effective ways to combat lag and reclaim valuable storage space. With the release of Android 16 bringing new features to Pixel and other devices, ensuring your phone runs smoothly is more important than ever. Over time, cached data can build up, become outdated, or even corrupted, which often results in a noticeably slower and less responsive device. While restarting your phone can offer a temporary fix, performing a targeted cache clear provides a more substantial performance boost without requiring any hardware upgrades.
Here is a straightforward guide on how to clear cached data from both your Android apps and the Chrome browser.
How to Clear Cached Data from Android Apps
You will need any Android device to follow these steps. While the exact navigation might differ slightly depending on your phone’s manufacturer, the core process is generally consistent.
- Access Your Installed Apps List
- Clear an App’s Cache
- Repeat for Other Applications
How to Clear Cache from Chrome
For this process, you will need the Chrome app installed on your Android device.
- Navigate to History Settings
- Select Data to Delete
- An Optional Shortcut
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is cached data? Cache refers to temporary files, such as images, scripts, and other resources, that apps and websites store on your device to load faster. Clearing the cache removes these temporary files without affecting your personal settings, accounts, or saved data.
Will clearing the cache delete my personal app data? No. Clearing the cache only removes temporary files. Your accounts, settings, and any data you have created within the app will remain completely intact.
Can clearing the cache actually make my phone faster? Yes. This process frees up storage space and removes potentially corrupted or outdated temporary files, which can resolve noticeable slowdowns and app glitches.
How often should I clear my cache? A good rule of thumb is to perform this maintenance whenever you notice your device becoming sluggish or apps start to misbehave. For the average user, performing a cache clear every three to six months is often sufficient.
Is clearing the cache only about freeing up storage? No, it serves a dual purpose. Clearing the cache can also resolve app issues by forcing the application to download fresh, updated temporary files, making it a valuable troubleshooting step beyond just a storage cleanup.
(Source: ZDNET)
