Clearing the cache on your smartphone is an effective way to resolve minor glitches, enhance speed, and free up extra storage space, all without affecting your personal files or data. In this expert guide, we explain what cache actually is, when it’s helpful to clear it, and provide clear step-by-step instructions for both Android and iPhone users.
What Is Cache and Why Does It Matter
Cache is temporary data that your apps and browsers store to load content faster. Over time, these files pile up and can cause slowdowns, odd behaviour, or storage warnings. The key point: “What does clearing the cache do?”. It removes those temporary files so apps and web pages fetch fresh data, often fixing stutters and display issues while freeing space.
The benefits of clearing cache include smoother performance, fewer app hiccups, and a bit more storage headroom.
Will Clearing Cache Delete My Stuff?
A common worry is “Does clearing the cache delete data?”. The answer is no, clearing the cache removes temporary files only. Your logins, messages, photos, and settings remain intact. Clearing app data or storage is different and will reset an app to its default state.
On Android, “Clear cache” and “Clear storage/data” are separate actions; always choose “Clear cache” if you only want to remove temporary files.
When You Should Clear Cache
- An app is crashing, freezing, or showing out-of-date content.
- Your browser is slow, pages won’t load, or a site won’t sign you in correctly. Clearing cookies as part of browser data can help, but note that it may sign you out of websites.
- Storage is tight, and “Other/System Data” or an app’s temporary files look oversized. On iPhone, check Settings > General > iPhone Storage for recommendations.
Android
Learn how to clear the cache on your Android smartphone.
Clear an App’s Cache in Settings
Follow these steps (labels vary slightly by device):
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps (or Apps & notifications).
- Select the app.
- Tap Storage (or Storage & cache).
- Tap Clear cache. (Avoid clearing storage/data unless resetting the app.)
Tip: If an app misbehaves after clearing the cache, try force-stopping it. If that doesn’t work, back up in-app content and then clear storage/data.
Clear Chrome’s Cache & Cookies
This can fix page loading and login issues:
Steps
- Open Chrome.
- Tap the three dots (More) > Clear browsing data.
- Choose a Time range (e.g., All time).
- Choose “Cached images and files” (and “Cookies and site data” if you want to log out and refresh).
- Tap Clear data.
Advanced
Some Samsung Galaxy devices allow wiping the system cache partition from Recovery Mode, which can help after major updates. This does not delete personal data, but use it with care:
- Power off the phone.
- Boot to Recovery Mode (button combo varies by model).
- Use volume keys to highlight Wipe cache partitions and confirm with Power.
iPhone
Apple doesn’t provide a single “clear all app caches” switch. You’ll manage browser data and use offloading or app-specific options.
Clear Safari History, Cache, and Cookies
If Safari is sluggish or a site misbehaves, clear its browsing data:
Steps
- In Safari, tap the bookmarks button > History > Clear.
- Or go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
- Choose a timeframe and confirm.
Note: Clearing cookies may sign you out; if using Safari Profiles, choose which one to clear!
Offload or Reinstall Apps to Reclaim Space
When an app’s cache and temporary files grow too large, offloading can help:
Steps
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Select an app and tap Offload App, or enable Offload Unused Apps.
- Reinstall the app to restore its data while removing the app binary and some temporary files!
Note: On iPhone, some apps include an in-app Clear Cache or Reset Cache button (check the app’s settings). Otherwise, offloading or reinstalling is the standard route. Apple also notes that cached and temporary data may not always appear in storage totals!
Clear Chrome’s Data
- Open Chrome > … (More) > Clear Browsing Data.
- Choose the time range and tick Cached Images and Files (and cookies if needed).
- Tap Clear Browsing Data. (Expect to be signed out of sites if you clear cookies.)
How to Delete Cache Files Safely?
- Target the problem first if one app is glitching; clear that app’s cache rather than everything.
- For browsers, clearing cache and cookies fixes stubborn page issues, but be ready to log in again.
- Keep it occasional. Cache exists to speed things up; constant clearing can slow initial loads.
- Combine with storage housekeeping: remove downloads you don’t need, back up media to cloud storage, and update apps and system software regularly.
If you’re on a Samsung Galaxy and still seeing errors after clearing app/browser cache, professional diagnostics can help. For hardware-related faults or persistent software issues, consider Fone World Hove’s Samsung phone repair services for a quick assessment and fix.
Troubleshooting
- The app keeps crashing: Update the app and the OS, then try Clear storage/data (Android) after backing up any in-app content. If that fails, reinstall the app!
- Browser oddities persist: Clear cache and cookies, close all tabs, and try again. If the problem remains, reinstall the browser!
- System-wide lag on Samsung: Consider a cache partition wipe from Recovery Mode, then reboot. If symptoms continue, test in Safe Mode to rule out third-party apps.
FAQs
1. Does clearing the cache delete my personal data or photos?
Clearing cache only deletes temporary files; your photos, messages, contacts, and saved data stay safe.
2. How should I clear the cache on my smartphone?
There’s no fixed rule. Clear cache only when apps are misbehaving, storage is low, or the browser isn’t loading websites properly. Doing it too often can actually slow down app loading.
3. Will clearing the cache make my phone faster?
Clearing the cache can free up space and help apps or browsers run better by fetching fresh data.
4. What’s the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?
Clearing the cache deletes temporary files only. Clearing data (or storage) resets the app to its default state, removing saved preferences, accounts, and downloaded content.
Final Thoughts
Clearing cache is a safe, targeted way to fix niggling app issues, refresh the browser, and claw back storage, without touching your data. You now know how to delete cache files properly on Android and iPhone, when to do it, and what to expect after. Use it sparingly, focus on the apps or browsers that are actually causing trouble, and you’ll keep your phone running smoothly.
If you’ve tried these steps and still have problems, screen damage, a failing battery, port issues, or water damage, get help from a trusted local team. For a fast, friendly broken phone repair service, check out Fone World Hove for expert diagnostics and repairs that get your device back up and running in no time.