Clearing cache frees up storage space and can fix apps that are running slowly or crashing

Cache is temporary data that apps store on your Fire tablet to load faster the next time you use them. Over time, this cache builds up and can slow your tablet down or cause apps to behave oddly. Clearing it is straightforward and won't delete your photos, documents, or app settings—only the temporary files.

You can clear cache in two ways: clear it for a single app, or clear it all at once from your tablet's storage settings. Most of the time, clearing cache for the app that's giving you trouble is enough. If your tablet feels sluggish overall, clearing all cache at once is faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Cache is temporary data apps store to load faster; clearing it frees space without deleting your files or settings.
  • To clear cache for one app, go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > Manage All Applications, select the app, and tap Clear Cache.
  • To clear all cache at once, go to Settings > Storage and select Clear Cache from the menu.
  • Clearing cache is safe and won't remove your photos, documents, passwords, or app login information.
  • If an app continues to crash after clearing its cache, try uninstalling and reinstalling it instead.

Clear cache for a single app

This method works when one app is slow or crashing. Open Settings on your Fire tablet. Tap Apps & Notifications, then tap Manage All Applications. Scroll through the list and tap the name of the app you want to clear cache for.

On the app's information page, you will see a button labeled Clear Cache. Tap it. The system will remove the temporary files for that app only. You will see a message confirming the action is complete. The app itself stays installed and your login information stays saved.

Clear all cache at once

If your tablet feels slow overall or you want to free up space quickly, you can clear cache for every app in one step. Open Settings and tap Storage. At the top of the screen, you will see your storage breakdown showing how much space is used and available.

Tap the menu button (three vertical dots) in the upper right corner of the Storage screen. Select Clear Cache from the dropdown menu. Your tablet will remove temporary files from all apps. This takes a minute or two depending on how much cache has built up. When it finishes, you will see your available storage increase.

The difference between clearing cache and clearing data

Cache and data are not the same thing, and clearing one is very different from clearing the other. Cache is temporary—it is meant to be deleted. Data includes your login information, saved settings, high scores in games, and any files the app has created. Clearing data erases all of that.

Always clear cache first if an app is misbehaving. Only clear data if clearing cache does not fix the problem and you are willing to lose your settings and log back in. Your Fire tablet's storage settings only offer the option to clear cache, not data, so you do not have to worry about accidentally wiping your app settings.

When clearing cache does not fix the problem

If an app still crashes or runs slowly after you clear its cache, the problem may be with the app itself or with how much free storage your tablet has overall. Check your storage by opening Settings and tapping Storage. If you have less than 1 GB of free space, your tablet will run slowly no matter how much cache you clear. Consider deleting apps or files you no longer use.

If storage is not the issue, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Open Settings, tap Apps & Notifications, tap Manage All Applications, select the app, and tap Uninstall. Then go to the Amazon Appstore, search for the app, and reinstall it. This gives you a fresh copy of the app and often fixes problems that clearing cache alone cannot solve.

How often you should clear cache

There is no set schedule for clearing cache. Many people clear it once a month or whenever they notice their tablet is running slowly. If you use your tablet heavily and install many apps, clearing cache every two weeks can help keep things running smoothly. If you use it lightly, clearing cache once or twice a year is usually enough.

You can also turn on automatic cache clearing on some Fire tablets. Go to Settings, tap Apps & Notifications, tap Manage All Applications, select an app, and look for an option to clear cache automatically. Not all apps support this, but if yours does, it is a convenient way to keep cache from building up in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my photos or documents?

No. Cache is temporary data only. Your photos, documents, emails, and any files stored on your tablet will not be affected. Only the temporary files that apps use to load faster are removed.

Can I clear cache while apps are running?

Yes, but it is safer to close apps first. If an app is actively using its cache when you clear it, the app may crash. Close all apps before clearing cache to avoid this.

What if I clear cache and the app still does not work?

Uninstall the app and reinstall it from the Amazon Appstore. This gives you a fresh copy. If the problem continues, the issue may be with your internet connection or the app itself—contact the app maker's support team.

Does clearing cache make my tablet faster?

It can, especially if a lot of cache has built up. Clearing cache frees storage space, and a tablet with more free space runs faster. However, the first time you open an app after clearing its cache, it may load slightly slower because it has to rebuild the cache.

Is it safe to clear cache?

Yes, clearing cache is completely safe. It is designed to be temporary and can be deleted without risk. Your passwords, login information, and app settings are stored separately and are not affected.