What clearing cache does and why you might want to
Cache is temporary data your tablet stores to load apps and websites 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, passwords, or any data you actually want to keep.
Most tablets benefit from a cache clear every few months, especially if you notice apps freezing, websites loading slowly, or your tablet running hot. The process takes a few minutes and is safe to do anytime.
Key Takeaways
- Cache is temporary data stored by apps and browsers; clearing it frees up space and can fix slow performance without deleting your personal files.
- On iPad, go to Settings > General > iPad Storage, select an app, and tap Offload App to clear its cache while keeping your data.
- On Android tablets, go to Settings > Apps, select an app, tap Storage, and choose Clear Cache to remove temporary files.
- Clearing your browser cache (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox) removes stored website data and is done through each browser's settings menu.
- After clearing cache, apps may take slightly longer to load the first time, but performance usually improves overall.
How to clear cache on an iPad
On iPad, the fastest way to clear cache for individual apps is through the Storage settings. Open Settings, tap General, then tap iPad Storage. You will see a list of your apps sorted by size. Tap the app you want to clear cache for, then tap Offload App. This removes the app's temporary files but keeps your data—logins, saved games, documents—intact. Tap Reinstall App when prompted, or the app will reinstall itself the next time you open it.
Repeat this step for any other apps that are running slowly. You do not need to offload every app at once; focus on the ones you use most or that seem sluggish.
To clear Safari cache, open Settings, scroll down and tap Safari, then tap Clear History and Website Data. Choose whether you want to clear data from the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all time. Tap Clear History and Data to confirm. This removes cached website files, browsing history, and cookies.
How to clear cache on an Android tablet
On Android tablets, open Settings and tap Apps (sometimes labeled Applications). Find the app you want to clear cache for and tap it. Tap Storage, then tap Clear Cache. The button may also say Storage and cache—tap that, then select Clear Cache. This removes temporary files without affecting your saved data in that app.
If you want to clear cache for all apps at once, go back to Settings, tap Storage or Device Care (depending on your tablet brand), and look for an option like Clean or Optimize. This will clear cache across multiple apps in one step, though the exact wording varies by manufacturer.
To clear Chrome cache on Android, open the Chrome app, tap the three-dot menu in the top right, tap Settings, then tap Privacy. Tap Clear browsing data, make sure Cached images and files is checked, and tap Clear data. You can choose to clear data from the last hour, day, week, month, or all time.
Clearing cache for specific browsers
If your tablet feels slow mainly when browsing the web, clearing your browser cache often helps more than clearing app cache. Each browser stores this data differently.
On Firefox, tap the three-line menu at the bottom right, tap Settings, tap Privacy, then tap Delete browsing data. Check Cache and tap Delete. On Edge, tap the three-dot menu, tap Settings, tap Privacy, search, and services, then tap Clear browsing data. Choose your time range and tap Clear now.
Clearing browser cache is safe and does not log you out of most websites, though you may need to re-enter passwords on some sites the first time you visit them after clearing.
What to expect after clearing cache
After you clear cache, apps and websites may load slightly slower the first time you open them because your tablet has to read fresh data instead of using stored copies. This slowdown lasts only a few seconds and happens just once per app or site. After that, your tablet should feel noticeably faster overall because it is no longer storing months of temporary files.
If an app crashes or behaves strangely after clearing cache, force-close it and reopen it. The app will rebuild its cache as you use it. You will not lose any of your personal data—photos, messages, logins, or saved progress—because cache is always separate from your actual files.
When to clear cache and common mistakes to avoid
Clear cache when your tablet feels slow, an app is crashing repeatedly, or you want to free up storage space before installing something new. You do not need to clear cache every day; once a month or every few months is usually enough for most people.
The most common mistake is confusing cache with data. Clearing cache is safe and reversible; clearing data or offloading an app removes your saved logins, game progress, and other personal information. Always tap Clear Cache, not Clear Data or Delete, unless you specifically want to remove everything.
Another mistake is clearing cache for every app when only one or two are slow. Start with the apps you use most or that seem to be causing problems. If your tablet still feels sluggish after clearing cache for those, then clear cache for others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my photos or messages?
No. Cache is temporary data only. Your photos, messages, documents, and all personal files stay on your tablet. Clearing cache removes only the temporary files apps and browsers store to load faster.
Why is my tablet still slow after clearing cache?
If clearing cache does not help, the problem may be something else—too many apps running at once, low storage space, or an app that has a bug. Try restarting your tablet, closing unused apps, or checking how much free storage you have in Settings.
Do I need to clear cache before selling or giving away my tablet?
Clearing cache alone is not enough. Before selling or giving away your tablet, do a full factory reset through Settings to erase all your personal data, not just temporary files. This ensures the new owner cannot access your accounts or files.
Can I clear cache automatically on my tablet?
Most tablets do not have a built-in automatic cache-clearing feature. Some Android tablets include a scheduled cleaning tool in Settings or Device Care that you can turn on, but you will need to check your specific tablet brand. On iPad, you would need to manually clear cache or use a third-party app.
Does clearing cache use a lot of battery?
No. Clearing cache is a quick process that uses very little battery. It takes a few seconds to a minute depending on how much cache you are clearing, and your tablet will not drain noticeably.