What clearing cache does and why you might do it

Clearing cache removes temporary files that apps store on your Samsung device to load faster next time. These files pile up over months and can slow down your phone, cause apps to freeze, or use storage space you need. Clearing cache does not delete your photos, messages, passwords, or any data you created—it only removes the behind-the-scenes copies apps made to run more smoothly.

You might clear cache if an app is crashing, your phone feels sluggish, or you are running low on storage. It is one of the fastest fixes to try before restarting your phone or uninstalling an app.

Key Takeaways

  • Clearing cache removes temporary app files but keeps your photos, messages, and login information intact.
  • You can clear cache for one app at a time through Settings, or clear all app cache at once through Storage settings.
  • The exact menu names vary slightly by Samsung model and Android version, but the path is always Settings > Apps or Applications.
  • Clearing cache takes less than a minute and uses no special tools or computer connection.

Clear cache for a single app through Settings

Open Settings on your Samsung device. Scroll down and tap Apps (some older Samsung models label this Applications). Find the app you want to clear cache for—you can scroll through the list or use the search icon at the top. Tap the app name to open its details page.

On the app details page, tap Storage or Storage and cache. You will see two buttons: Clear cache and Clear data. Tap Clear cache only. Do not tap Clear data unless you want to erase your login information and settings for that app. The cache clears when ready with no confirmation needed.

Repeat this process for any other apps that are giving you trouble. Most people clear cache for browsers, email apps, or social media apps, since these store the most temporary files.

Clear all app cache at once through Storage settings

If you want to clear cache for every app on your phone without going through them one by one, use the Storage menu instead. Open Settings and tap Storage (sometimes labeled Device care on newer Samsung phones). Look for an option called Advanced or scroll down until you see Cached data.

Tap Cached data or Clear cached data. A popup will ask you to confirm. Tap Delete or Clear. This removes cache from every app on your device in one step and usually frees up several hundred megabytes of space.

This method is faster if your phone is sluggish overall, but it does the same thing as clearing cache app by app—it only removes temporary files, not your personal data.

Clear cache on Samsung tablets

The steps are identical on Samsung tablets. Open Settings, tap Apps, find the app you want, tap Storage, and tap Clear cache. Tablets sometimes have slightly larger screens, so the buttons may be in different positions on the page, but the menu names and order are the same.

If you own both a Samsung phone and tablet and want to clear cache on both, you do not need to do this separately for each device—clearing cache on one device does not affect the other.

What to do if you cannot find the cache button

On very old Samsung phones running Android 5 or earlier, the Storage button may not appear on the app details page. Instead, look for a button labeled Clear cache directly on the app details page, or tap More options (three dots) at the top right to find it.

If you still cannot find it, try the Storage method instead: go to Settings > Storage > Cached data and clear all cache at once. This works on every Samsung device and Android version.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not tap Clear data unless you want to erase your login information, saved passwords, and app settings. Clearing data is much more drastic than clearing cache and cannot be undone. If you accidentally tap it, you will have to log back into that app and set it up again from scratch.

Do not worry if clearing cache does not when ready speed up your phone. Cache rebuilds as you use apps, so the benefit is most noticeable if your device was very full. If your phone is still slow after clearing cache, the problem may be something else—too many apps running at once, a full storage drive, or an app that is using too much power.

When to clear cache versus when to restart your phone

Clearing cache and restarting your phone both fix sluggish performance, but they work in different ways. Clearing cache removes old temporary files, while restarting stops all running apps and gives your phone a fresh start. If an app is frozen or crashing right now, restart your phone first—it is faster and solves most problems. If your phone has been slow for days, clearing cache is worth trying before you restart.

You can do both: clear cache, then restart your phone. There is no harm in doing them together, and it gives your device the best chance to run smoothly again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my photos or messages?

No. Clearing cache only removes temporary files that apps created to run faster. Your photos, messages, contacts, and any files you created stay on your phone. If you want to delete those, you have to do it separately through the Photos app or Messages app.

How much storage space does clearing cache free up?

It depends on how long it has been since you last cleared cache and which apps you use most. Clearing all app cache at once usually frees up 200 megabytes to 1 gigabyte, though some phones may have more or less. The only way to know is to check your storage before and after.

Do I need to clear cache regularly?

No, but clearing cache every few months can help your phone run smoothly. If your phone is not slow and you have plenty of storage space, you do not need to clear cache at all. It is only necessary when you notice a problem.

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache is temporary files apps store to load faster. Cookies are small text files that websites use to remember your login and preferences. Clearing browser cache removes both, but clearing cache through Settings only removes app cache, not browser cookies. To clear browser cookies, open your browser app and look for a Clear browsing data or Clear cookies option in its settings.

Can I clear cache without going into Settings?

Some Samsung phones have a cleaning tool in the Device care app that can clear cache with one tap. Open Device care, tap Storage, and look for a Clean button. This is faster than going through Settings, but it does the same thing.