What clearing cache does and why you might need to

Your Samsung tablet stores temporary files called cache as you use apps and browse the web. These files help apps load faster the next time you open them. Over time, cache can pile up and take up storage space, or occasionally cause an app to behave oddly — freezing, loading slowly, or showing outdated information.

Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, photos, documents, or any files you created yourself. It only removes those temporary copies. Your apps will rebuild their cache the next time you use them, so clearing it is safe to do whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

  • You can clear cache for one app at a time through Settings > Apps, or clear all app cache at once through Settings > Storage.
  • Clearing your browser cache (Chrome, Samsung Internet, or Firefox) requires opening that browser's settings separately.
  • Clearing cache frees up storage space and can fix apps that are running slowly or displaying stale data.
  • Clearing cache does not erase your saved passwords, photos, documents, or any personal files you created.

Clear cache for all apps at once

The fastest way to clear cache from every app on your tablet is through the Storage settings. Open Settings, then tap Storage. Look for an option called Cache or Cached data — the exact wording varies by Samsung model and Android version. Tap it, then confirm when the tablet asks if you want to delete.

This method clears cache for all apps in one action and typically frees up several hundred megabytes of space. The process takes a few seconds. Your apps will work normally afterward; they will straightforward rebuild their cache files the next time you use them.

Clear cache for a single app

If you want to clear cache only for one app — for example, if a specific app is running slowly — open Settings and go to Apps. Find the app in the list and tap it. You should see a button or option labeled Storage or Storage and cache. Tap that, then look for Clear cache and tap it.

You will see a confirmation message. Tap OK or Delete to finish. The app itself stays installed and your data within that app (like saved games or login information) remains untouched — only the temporary cache files are removed.

Clear your web browser cache

If you use Chrome, open the app and tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Go to Settings, then Privacy, then Clear browsing data. Make sure Cached images and files is checked, then tap Clear data.

If you use Samsung Internet (the browser that comes built into Samsung tablets), open the app and tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right. Go to Settings, then Privacy, then Delete browsing data. Check Cached data and tap Delete.

If you use Firefox, open the app and tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right. Go to Settings, then Delete browsing data, and make sure Cache is checked before you tap Delete browsing data.

When to clear cache and what to expect

Clear your cache if an app is running slowly, freezing, or showing information that seems out of date. You can also clear it whenever your tablet is running low on storage space — cache typically takes up 500 megabytes to several gigabytes depending on how many apps you use and how long it has been since you last cleared it.

After clearing cache, apps may take a few extra seconds to load the first time you open them, because they are rebuilding their temporary files. This is normal and temporary. After that first load, they will run at normal speed again.

Clearing cache versus clearing data

Do not confuse clearing cache with clearing data or clearing storage. Clearing cache removes only temporary files. Clearing data or storage removes everything — your saved passwords, login information, game progress, messages, and any files the app created. You almost never want to do that unless you are trying to completely reset an app.

When you are in the app settings and see both options, choose Clear cache unless you have a specific reason to clear all data. If you are unsure, clearing cache is always the safer choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my photos or documents?

No. Cache is only temporary files that apps create while running. Your photos, documents, messages, and any files you created are stored separately and are not affected by clearing cache.

How often should I clear my cache?

There is no set schedule. Clear cache whenever your tablet is running low on storage, when an app is behaving oddly, or straightforward once a month as routine maintenance. Clearing cache regularly does not harm your tablet.

What if I clear cache and an app still runs slowly?

Try clearing the data for that specific app instead (though this will erase any saved progress or login information). If it still runs slowly, the app itself may have a problem, and you might need to uninstall and reinstall it, or contact the app maker for support.

Does clearing cache free up a lot of storage space?

It depends on how long it has been since you last cleared cache and how many apps you use. Clearing all cache typically frees up 500 megabytes to a few gigabytes. If your tablet is critically low on storage, clearing cache helps, but you may also need to delete unused apps or old files.

Can I clear cache automatically?

Samsung tablets do not have a built-in automatic cache-clearing feature in Settings. Some third-party cleaning apps offer this, but they are not necessary — manually clearing cache takes less than a minute and is just as effective.