What clearing cache does and why you might need to

Cache is temporary data that apps and your browser store to load faster next time. Over time, cached files pile up and can slow your tablet down, cause apps to freeze, or prevent updates from installing properly. Clearing cache does not erase your passwords, photos, or documents—it only removes those temporary files.

You will notice your tablet running slower, apps taking longer to open, or storage space filling up for no clear reason. Clearing cache is one of the first troubleshooting steps to try before considering a factory reset.

Key Takeaways

  • Cache lives in two places on your Samsung tablet: inside individual apps and in your browser, and you can clear each separately.
  • Clearing app cache through Settings takes about two minutes and does not delete your app data or login information.
  • Browser cache includes saved passwords and autofill information, so clearing it will log you out of websites.
  • You can set most Samsung browsers to clear cache automatically every time you close them.
  • If an app is frozen or crashing, clearing just that app's cache often fixes the problem without affecting others.

Clear cache for a single app through Settings

This method works when one app is slow or crashing. Open Settings, then tap Apps. Find the app you want to clear cache for and tap its name. Tap Storage, then Clear cache. The button will be gray if there is no cache to clear.

This takes about 30 seconds per app and does not remove your login information or saved data inside the app. You can repeat this for as many apps as you need.

Clear cache for all apps at once

Open Settings and scroll down to Apps. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and select Show system apps if you want to include Samsung's built-in apps. Tap the three-dot menu again and choose Clear cache. Your tablet will clear cached files from every app in one action.

This usually takes one to three minutes depending on how much cache has built up. Your apps will run slower the first time you open them after clearing cache, because they have to rebuild their temporary files—this is normal and temporary.

Clear browser cache on Samsung Internet

Open Samsung Internet (the default browser on most Samsung tablets). Tap the three-line menu in the bottom right corner, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Privacy. Tap Delete browsing data.

A popup will appear with checkboxes. Make sure Cached images and files is checked. You can also check Cookies and site data if you want to clear saved passwords and login information, but this will log you out of websites. Tap Delete at the bottom. The process takes about 30 seconds.

Clear browser cache on Chrome

If you use Google Chrome instead, open the app and tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Tap Settings, then Privacy and security. Tap Clear browsing data. Make sure the time range at the top is set to All time so you clear everything, not just the last hour.

Check the box next to Cached images and files. You can also check Cookies and other site data to clear saved passwords. Tap Clear data at the bottom. This takes about 30 seconds.

Set your browser to clear cache automatically

In Samsung Internet, open the three-line menu and go to Settings > Privacy. Scroll down to Delete browsing data and tap Delete browsing data on exit. Toggle this on. Now your browser will automatically clear cache every time you close it completely.

In Chrome, open the three-dot menu and go to Settings > Privacy and security. Tap Clear browsing data and toggle on Delete browsing data when you quit Chrome. This does the same thing—cache clears automatically when you fully close the app.

What to do if clearing cache does not fix the problem

If your tablet is still slow after clearing cache from all apps and your browser, the issue may be something else. Restart your tablet by holding the power button until the power menu appears, then tap Restart. Wait for it to fully boot up and try again.

If the problem is still there, check how much storage space you have left. Open Settings > Storage. If you have less than 1 GB free, your tablet will run slowly no matter what. Delete large files, old photos, or apps you no longer use. If one specific app keeps crashing even after clearing its cache, uninstall and reinstall it from the Google Play Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my photos or documents?

No. Cache is only temporary files that apps create to run faster. Your photos, documents, emails, and any files you saved are stored separately and will not be affected.

Will I lose my passwords if I clear cache?

Clearing app cache will not erase passwords. Clearing browser cache will log you out of websites, but only if you also check the box for "Cookies and site data"—if you only clear cached images and files, your passwords stay saved.

How often should I clear cache?

There is no set schedule. Clear cache when your tablet feels slow, an app is crashing, or you are running low on storage space. If you set your browser to clear cache on exit, you do not need to do it manually.

Can I clear cache without going into Settings?

Not directly. You have to use the Settings app or the browser's menu. Some third-party cleaning apps claim to clear cache, but Samsung's built-in tools are safer and work just as well.

What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?

Cache is temporary files that speed things up. Data includes your login information, saved preferences, and messages inside an app. Clearing data removes everything and resets the app to like-new. Only clear data if an app is seriously broken.