What cache is and why clearing it helps

Cache is temporary data that apps and your browser store on your tablet to load faster next time. When you open an app or visit a website, it saves images, text, and other pieces so it doesn't have to read them again. Over time, this cache builds up and can slow your tablet down, cause apps to behave oddly, or use storage space you need for other things.

Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, photos, messages, or any files you created yourself. It only removes those temporary copies. Think of it like emptying a junk drawer—you're throwing out scraps, not your important documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Cache lives in two places: inside individual apps and in your browser, and you can clear each one separately.
  • The fastest way to clear all app cache at once is through Settings > Apps > Storage, where you can wipe cache for every app in one step.
  • Clearing browser cache requires opening your browser's settings menu, which looks different in Chrome, Firefox, and Samsung Internet.
  • Clearing cache is safe and will not erase your saved passwords, photos, or personal files.
  • If your tablet is running slowly or an app keeps crashing, clearing cache is often the first thing to try before restarting.

Clear cache for all apps at once through Settings

The quickest way to clear cache across your entire tablet is through the system settings. Open Settings, then tap Apps (sometimes called Applications). At the top or bottom of the screen, look for a button labeled Storage or Manage storage—the exact name varies by tablet brand and Android version.

Tap that button, and you will see how much cache space all your apps are using combined. Look for a button that says Clear cache or Delete cache. Tap it, and your tablet will remove temporary data from every app at once. This usually takes a few seconds.

If you do not see a Storage button in the Apps menu, try this path instead: Settings > Storage > Cached data. Tap Cached data, and you will be asked to confirm that you want to clear it. Tap OK or Delete.

Clear cache for a single app

If only one app is misbehaving or using too much space, you can clear cache just for that app. Open Settings > Apps, then find and tap the app name. Tap Storage or Storage and cache. You will see two buttons: Clear storage and Clear cache. Tap Clear cache only—do not tap Clear storage, which will erase the app's saved data like login information or game progress.

After you tap Clear cache, the button will gray out or show "0 B" next to it, meaning the cache is now empty. The app will rebuild its cache the next time you use it.

Clear browser cache in Chrome

If your web browser is running slowly or pages are not loading correctly, clear the browser's own cache. In Chrome, tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Privacy. Tap Clear browsing data.

A window will pop up with several checkboxes. Make sure Cached images and files is checked. You can also check Cookies and site data if you want, but that will log you out of websites. At the top, choose the time range—All time will clear everything, or pick a specific range like Last 7 days. Tap Clear data.

Clear browser cache in Firefox and Samsung Internet

In Firefox, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner, then tap Settings. Tap Delete browsing data. Check Cache, then tap Delete browsing data at the bottom.

In Samsung Internet (the browser that comes on Samsung tablets), tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right, then tap Settings. Tap Privacy. Tap Delete browsing data. Check Cached images and files, then tap Delete.

When to clear cache and what to expect

Clear cache if your tablet feels sluggish, an app keeps crashing, or you notice you are running low on storage space. You can clear it as often as you want—weekly or monthly is reasonable for most people. The first time you open an app or website after clearing cache, it may load slightly slower because it has to read fresh copies of images and data. After that, it will work normally.

If clearing cache does not fix a slow tablet or a crashing app, try restarting your tablet by holding the power button and tapping Restart. If the problem continues, the issue may be something else, and you may want to check if your tablet has a system update waiting in Settings > System > System update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords and saved logins?

No. Cache only holds temporary copies of images and web pages. Your passwords are stored separately in your browser's password manager. If you want to keep your logins, make sure you tap Clear cache only, not Clear all data or Clear storage.

Can I clear cache without going into Settings?

Some tablets let you clear cache from the notification panel or quick settings menu, but the method varies by brand. The Settings path works on every Android tablet, so that is the most reliable way.

How much storage space does cache usually take up?

It varies widely depending on how many apps you use and how often you browse. Cache can range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes. You can see exactly how much your tablet is using by going to Settings > Storage and looking at the "Cached data" line.

Should I clear cache before or after updating an app?

You do not need to clear cache before updating. After updating, the app will create new cache as needed. If an app behaves strangely after an update, clearing its cache is a good troubleshooting step.

What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing storage?

Clearing cache removes temporary files only. Clearing storage (or clearing data) erases everything the app has saved, including login information, game progress, and settings. Always choose Clear cache unless you want to completely reset an app.