Clear Cache Through Settings in Three Steps

The fastest way to clear cache on a Samsung tablet is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then tap Apps (or process Manager on older models). Find the app whose cache you want to clear, tap it, then select Storage and tap Clear Cache. The cache disappears when ready, and the app continues to work normally.

This method clears cache for one app at a time. If you want to clear cache from multiple apps, you will repeat these steps for each one. The process takes about 30 seconds per app.

Clearing cache does not delete your saved passwords, login information, or any files you have created in the app. It only removes temporary files the app stored to load faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Cache is temporary data apps store to load faster; clearing it frees up storage space without affecting your accounts or files.
  • You can clear cache for a single app through Settings > Apps > [app name] > Storage > Clear Cache.
  • To clear cache for all apps at once, go to Settings > Storage > Cache and select the option to clear it (exact wording varies by Samsung model and Android version).
  • Clearing cache may cause apps to load slightly slower the first time you open them after clearing, because they rebuild their temporary files.
  • If an app is misbehaving, clearing its cache often fixes the problem without requiring you to uninstall and reinstall the app.

Clear Cache for All Apps at Once

If you want to clear cache from every app on your tablet in one action, go to Settings, then Storage (or Device Care on newer Samsung tablets). Look for an option labeled Cache or Cached Data, then tap it and confirm. Samsung tablets vary in where this option sits, so if you do not see it under Storage, check Device Care or Battery and Device Care instead.

This clears cache from all apps at once and can free up several hundred megabytes of storage, depending on how long it has been since you last cleared it. The process takes less than a minute.

Some Samsung tablets also show a Clean Up or Optimize button in the Storage section that clears cache as part of a larger cleanup. This is safe to use and will not delete your photos, videos, or documents.

What Cache Actually Is and Why It Builds Up

Cache is temporary data that apps read and store on your tablet to load faster the next time you open them. When you watch a video in YouTube, for example, YouTube stores pieces of that video on your tablet so it does not have to read the same parts again. When you scroll through Instagram, Instagram stores thumbnail images so the feed loads faster next time.

Cache builds up over time because apps keep adding to it. Most apps do not automatically delete old cache, so it can eventually take up hundreds of megabytes or even gigabytes of storage space. Clearing cache does not break anything—the app will straightforward rebuild it the next time you use it, which may take a few extra seconds on first load.

Cache is different from app data. App data includes your login information, saved settings, and files you have created. Clearing cache leaves all of that untouched.

When to Clear Cache and When Not To

Clear cache when your tablet is running low on storage space, when an app is crashing or freezing, or when you notice an app loading slowly. Clearing cache often fixes performance problems because it forces the app to rebuild its temporary files fresh, which can resolve corruption or conflicts.

You do not need to clear cache on a regular schedule. If your tablet has plenty of free storage and apps are running smoothly, there is no reason to clear cache. Clearing cache too frequently can actually make apps load slightly slower because you are forcing them to rebuild their temporary files more often than necessary.

Do not clear cache if you are about to use an app that relies on cached data, such as a map app with offline maps or a music app with downloaded playlists. Clearing cache will remove those offline files. Check the app's settings first to see if it stores important data as cache.

Clear Cache Without Using Settings

Some Samsung tablets include a Device Care app (pre-installed on newer models) that can clear cache from its home screen. Open Device Care, look for a Storage or Memory section, and tap Clean or Optimize. This clears cache along with temporary files and is often faster than navigating through Settings.

You can also use a file manager app to manually delete cache folders, but this is more complicated and unnecessary for most users. The Settings method is simpler and safer because it clears cache through the system rather than by deleting files directly.

What Happens After You Clear Cache

After you clear cache, apps will work exactly as they did before, except they may load slightly slower the first time you open them. This slowness lasts only a few seconds and happens only once per app, because the app rebuilds its cache on first use. Subsequent opens will be as fast as before.

You will not lose any saved passwords, login information, photos, videos, documents, or settings. All of those are stored separately from cache. If you were logged into an app before clearing cache, you will still be logged in afterward.

If clearing cache fixes a problem with an app—such as crashing or freezing—the fix is usually permanent. The app will continue to work normally unless the same problem develops again, which is rare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my photos or videos?

No. Cache is temporary data apps create, not your personal files. Your photos, videos, and documents are stored separately and are never affected by clearing cache. If you want to delete photos or videos, you must do that through the Gallery app or file manager.

Can I clear cache for just one app without clearing it for all apps?

Yes. Go to Settings > Apps, find the specific app, tap Storage, and select Clear Cache. This clears cache only for that app and leaves cache for all other apps untouched.

How often should I clear cache on my Samsung tablet?

There is no set schedule. Clear cache only when your tablet is running low on storage, when an app is misbehaving, or when you notice performance issues. If your tablet has plenty of free space and apps are running smoothly, you do not need to clear cache regularly.

What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing app data?

Clearing cache removes temporary files the app created. Clearing app data removes everything—temporary files, saved settings, login information, and files you created in the app. Only clear app data if you want to reset an app completely, because you will lose your login information and settings.

Why is my app still crashing after I cleared its cache?

If clearing cache does not fix the problem, try clearing the app's data instead (Settings > Apps > [app name] > Storage > Clear Data). If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall the app from the Google Play Store. If the app continues to crash after reinstalling, contact the app maker's support team, because the problem may be with the app itself rather than your tablet.