Cache is a temporary data designed to make apps work faster and load content more quickly. But in some cases it can make troubles to users. For example, your browser can load an outdated version of a web page while the information on the website has already been updated.
Another issue we wrote about some time ago – your Contacts app can show obsolete contact info until you purge the contacts storage cache and data to force your device re-sync.
Here is how to clear app cache on Android 9, 8, 7 and 6 on your phone or tablet. We will show you screenshots from Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy S9, so you will be able to repeat everything step by step.
How To Clear The App Cache On Stock Android 8, 7 and 6
Let’s begin with the steps you need to perform if you own a device with the stock Android version – Google Nexus, Pixel or Pixel XL.
Follow the steps to clear cache of almost any app:
Open “Settings“:
Go to “Apps“:
Select the app you want to clear the cache of:
Tap on “Storage“:
Tap “Clear cache“: In a few seconds the cache will be cleared:
App cache has been cleared
That’s it!
Note! If you clear cache you will be able to continue using the app the usual way. But if you go to Storage > Manage space and select Clear all data the app will be reset to default settings and you will need to configure it from a scratch – enter your account credentials, personalize and customize it, etc.
Google Devices Running Stock Android 9 Pie
On Stock Android 9 Pie things are nearly the same except some minor changes. You need to go to:
Settings:
Select Apps & notifications:
Select the app you need from the recent list or tap See all … apps: and select the one you were looking for.
Now select Storage:
And finally tap on Clear cache:
Clear App Cache on Samsung Galaxy Phones (Android 8)
Here is how to do the same on Galaxy S9 running Oreo.
Head to Settings:
Select Apps:
Select the app you need:
Now the same steps we did in stock Android: Storage → Clear Cache: As soon as Galaxy devices update to Android 9 Pie we will update the guide.
How To Clear The Cache Of All Apps At Once (Android 7)
Warning! On Android you can delete all caches at once in one tap. But… Be aware that you may waste a lot of mobile data afterwards. For instance, if you clear the cache for Google Photos App and then launch it and start viewing pictures, in this case 100% of photos will be downloaded from the cloud at least to create thumbnails. That is why we recommend that you clear cache for a specific app.
But nevertheless here is the guide:
Go to “Settings“:
Tap on “Storage“:
Wait until “Calculating” disappears and you see the amount of used storage.
Select “Cached data“:
Tap “OK” to clear cached data: This will clear caches for all apps at once.
Adam Swift
Adam is a real tech maniac. He likes to spend time testing phones, tablets, laptops, as well as any other technical devices, and write practical manuals on their functions. He often sleeps all day, but always works at night.
Adam bought his first computer in 1999, being an absolute beginner who never held a computer mouse in his hands. He began to study Windows, constantly experimented and often crashed the operating system. But six months later, he was able to reinstall Windows 98 from a scratch on his own, fix almost any software problem on a PC, he also did hardware upgrades and realized that computers, operating systems and programs are now his biggest passion.
In addition, Adam has always been a big lover of phones. With the advent of smartphones with Android OS, he began to pick at them much more than in computers.
Now Adam loves to study privacy issues in instant messengers, blocking unwanted calls and other nuances related to privacy and security on the network. You can follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tunecomp
View Comments
Clear all cache is not possible anymore on Android 8… the option disappeared and you have to clear each one manually – you should update your webpage.
Hi
Doesn't work on 7.1.1. No clear cache on storage.