How to Clear App Cache on Android
If an app on your Android phone is running slowly, crashing, or showing old information, clearing its cache is a safe first step. The cache is temporary data the app stores to load faster, and clearing it does not delete your saved data, logins, or settings. Menus and wording may look slightly different depending on your phone and Android version, and Samsung and Pixel phones may word some options differently.
Before you start
You need your Android phone, unlocked, and the name of the app that is causing trouble. You do not need a computer or any extra app. Note that clearing cache is not the same as clearing data: Clear data deletes the app’s saved data, including logins and settings, so do not tap it unless you mean to start the app from scratch.
Steps
- Open Settings. Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Open Apps. Tap Apps, then See all apps if your phone shows that option.
- Choose the app. Find the app that is misbehaving and tap its name.
- Open Storage. On the app info screen, tap Storage, or Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache. Tap Clear cache, and leave Clear data alone.
- Reopen the app. Go back and open the app again to check it.
What to check
Open the app and check whether it loads normally and the problem is gone. The app may take a little longer to open the first time, because it rebuilds its cache. If the problem continues, restart your phone and try the steps again. If clearing the cache does not help, the problem may be with the app itself or your connection, not the cache.
Conclusion
Clearing an app’s cache is a quick, safe fix for many small app problems on Android. It removes temporary files without touching your saved data, and you can repeat it whenever an app starts acting up.
When clearing cache helps, and when it does not
Clearing the cache helps when an app is slow, crashes when you open it, or keeps showing old information. It does not help when the problem is your internet connection, a problem with your account, or a fault inside the app itself. If clearing the cache does not fix the problem, restart your phone and try the app again.
After you clear the cache, the app rebuilds it as you use it, so the first time you open the app afterwards may be a little slower than usual. Your saved data, logins, and settings are not affected. Only temporary files are removed, so you can repeat this whenever an app starts acting up.
Related guides: browse all Android guides, or read How to Free Up Storage on iPhone.
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