What clearing cache does and why you might want to
Cache is temporary data that apps store on your tablet to load faster the next time you use them. Over time, cached files pile up and can slow your tablet down, use storage space, or cause an app to behave oddly. Clearing cache removes these temporary files without deleting your photos, messages, or any data that matters.
You will notice the biggest difference if your tablet has been running for months without a restart, or if a particular app keeps freezing or crashing. Clearing cache is also useful before selling or giving away your tablet, since it removes traces of your activity from apps.
The process takes less than five minutes and you can do it from the Settings app. Android tablets store cache in different places depending on whether you want to clear one app's cache or all of it at once.
Key Takeaways
- You can clear cache for a single app by opening Settings, tapping Apps, selecting the app, and choosing Clear Cache.
- To clear cache for all apps at once, go to Settings, tap Storage or Device Care, and select Clear Cache or similar option.
- Clearing cache does not delete your photos, messages, passwords, or any data you created — only temporary files apps stored.
- If an app crashes or loads slowly, clearing its cache is often the fastest fix before restarting your tablet.
Clear cache for a single app
Open the Settings app on your tablet. Scroll down and tap Apps (on some tablets this is called process Manager or Installed Apps).
Find the app whose cache you want to clear and tap it. You will see a screen with information about that app. Look for a button labeled Clear Cache and tap it. A confirmation message may appear — tap OK or Clear to proceed. The cache for that app is now gone, and the app will rebuild it the next time you use it.
This method works best when one app is the problem. If your whole tablet feels sluggish, clearing cache for every app individually takes time. Use the next method instead.
Clear cache for all apps at once
Open Settings and look for Storage or Device Care (the exact name varies by tablet brand and Android version). Tap it.
You should see a breakdown of what is using space on your tablet. Look for an option that says Clear Cache, Cached Data, or Temporary Files. Tap it and confirm when prompted. Your tablet will remove cached data from all apps in one step.
On Samsung tablets, this option is often under Device Care. On other brands, check under Storage or Memory. If you cannot find it, try Settings > Apps > tap the three-dot menu at the top right > Show System > select any app > Clear Cache, then repeat for a few apps. It is slower but works.
What happens after you clear cache
Apps will take slightly longer to load the first time you open them after clearing cache, because they have to rebuild their temporary files. This slowdown lasts only a few seconds and happens only once per app. After that, performance returns to normal or improves.
You will not lose any of your actual data — photos, videos, messages, login information, or game progress all stay on your tablet. Cache is only the temporary stuff apps use to speed themselves up, not the things you created or saved.
When to clear cache versus when to restart instead
If one app is crashing or freezing, clear that app's cache first. It is faster than restarting your whole tablet and solves the problem in most cases.
If your entire tablet is slow, sluggish, or unresponsive, restart it before clearing cache. Hold the power button until a menu appears, tap Power Off or Restart, and wait for the tablet to turn back on. A restart clears temporary memory and often fixes slowness without you having to dig into settings.
If restarting does not help, then clear cache for all apps. Do both together — restart, then clear cache — if the problem persists after the first restart.
Clearing cache on different Android tablet brands
Samsung tablets use Device Care instead of a generic Storage menu. Open Settings, tap Device Care, tap Storage, and look for Clear Cache or Cached Data.
iPad tablets (which run iPadOS, not Android) do not have a cache-clearing option in settings. Instead, you clear cache by offloading or reinstalling individual apps. This guide covers Android tablets only.
Google Pixel Tablets and most other Android tablets follow the Settings > Storage > Clear Cache path. If you cannot find Storage, look under System or Device Management. The exact menu name depends on your tablet's version of Android and the manufacturer's customizations.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not confuse Clear Cache with Clear Data or Clear Storage. Clear Data deletes everything the app knows about you — saved passwords, login information, game progress, and preferences. You almost never want to do this unless you are trying to reset an app completely. Clear Cache is the safe option.
Do not worry if clearing cache does not when ready speed up your tablet. The benefit shows up over time as apps rebuild cache more efficiently. If you clear cache and the problem continues, the issue is usually something else — try restarting your tablet or uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic app.
Do not clear cache right before you plan to use an app heavily. Your apps will work fine, but they will be slightly slower for the first few minutes as they rebuild their temporary files. Clear cache in the evening or when you are not actively using your tablet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my photos or messages?
No. Cache is only temporary data that apps use to load faster. Your photos, messages, contacts, passwords, and anything else you created or saved stays on your tablet. Clearing cache removes only the temporary files.
How often should I clear cache?
Once a month is reasonable for most people. If your tablet is running slowly or an app keeps crashing, clear cache right away. You can also clear cache whenever you restart your tablet — it is a good habit but not necessary.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?
Clearing cache removes temporary files only. Clearing data removes everything the app knows about you, including saved passwords, login information, and game progress. Only clear data if you want to completely reset an app.
Can I clear cache without going into Settings?
Most Android tablets do not have a shortcut to clear cache from the home screen. You have to go through Settings. Some tablets have a built-in cleaner app that can do it faster, but Settings is the standard method that works on all tablets.
My tablet still feels slow after clearing cache. What should I do?
Restart your tablet by holding the power button and selecting Restart. If it is still slow, check how much storage space is left — if you are using more than 90 percent of your storage, your tablet will slow down. You may need to delete large files or apps you no longer use.