Clear cache through Settings on your Samsung tablet
The fastest way to clear cache on a Samsung tablet is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then tap Apps. Find the app whose cache you want to clear, tap it, then select Storage and tap Clear Cache. The cache for that single app will delete in seconds, and you'll free up storage space without losing any of your data, passwords, or saved files.
If you want to clear cache for all apps at once, go to Settings > Storage > Cache memory and tap Clear cache. This removes temporary files from every app on your tablet in one action. The process takes a few seconds and is completely safe—cache is meant to be deleted regularly.
You can also clear cache for specific apps by going to Settings > Apps, selecting each app individually, and repeating the process. This method takes longer but gives you control over which apps you want to clean up.
Key Takeaways
- Clear cache for one app by opening Settings, tapping Apps, selecting the app, choosing Storage, and tapping Clear Cache.
- Clear cache for all apps at once through Settings > Storage > Cache memory > Clear cache.
- Clearing cache removes temporary files and frees storage space without deleting your personal data, passwords, or login information.
- Cache builds up over time as apps store temporary files, so clearing it regularly can help your tablet run faster.
- If an app is misbehaving, clearing its cache often fixes the problem without requiring you to uninstall and reinstall the app.
What cache is and why you should clear it
Cache is temporary data that apps store on your tablet to load faster the next time you open them. When you watch a video, load a webpage, or use an app, pieces of that content get saved locally so the app doesn't have to read everything again. Over weeks and months, cache files add up and can take up several gigabytes of storage.
Clearing cache regularly helps your tablet run faster, frees up storage space, and can fix apps that are freezing, crashing, or loading slowly. Cache is safe to delete because it's meant to be temporary—your photos, messages, login information, and other important data stay intact. The app will straightforward rebuild its cache the next time you use it.
Clear cache for individual apps step by step
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Apps (sometimes labeled Applications on older Samsung tablets). You'll see a list of all installed apps.
Find the app you want to clear cache for and tap its name. A details page will open showing how much storage the app uses. Tap Storage or Storage and cache. You'll see two buttons: Clear Cache and Clear Data. Tap only Clear Cache—do not tap Clear Data, which will delete your saved settings and login information for that app.
A confirmation message may appear asking if you're sure. Tap OK or Clear to confirm. The cache will delete in a few seconds. You can repeat this process for any other apps you want to clean up.
Clear cache for all apps at once
If you want to remove cache from every app without going through them one by one, use the system-wide cache clearing option. Open Settings and tap Storage. You'll see a breakdown of what's using space on your tablet.
Look for Cache memory and tap it. A message will appear showing how much cache is stored. Tap Clear cache to remove all temporary files from all apps. This usually frees up between 500 megabytes and 2 gigabytes, depending on how long it's been since you last cleared cache.
This method is safe and does not affect your personal files, photos, or app settings. Your apps will work exactly the same way after clearing cache—they'll just take a few extra seconds to load the first time you open them after the clear.
When to clear cache and how often
Clear cache whenever your tablet feels slow, apps are crashing, or you're running low on storage space. Many people clear cache once a month as routine maintenance. If you use your tablet heavily—streaming video, browsing the web, or using photo apps—you may want to clear cache every two weeks.
You can also set up automatic cache clearing on some Samsung tablets. Go to Settings > Apps > Special access > Device care (or Smart Manager on older models) and look for options to automatically clean cache on a schedule. Not all Samsung tablets have this feature, but if yours does, it's a convenient way to keep your device running smoothly without remembering to clear cache manually.
The difference between clearing cache and clearing data
Clear Cache removes only temporary files. Your login information, saved preferences, messages, photos, and other personal data stay on your tablet. The app will work exactly as before, just with a fresh set of temporary files.
Clear Data (sometimes called Clear Storage) removes everything the app has stored, including cache, settings, login information, and saved files. If you clear data for an app, you'll have to log back in the next time you open it, and any saved preferences will reset to defaults. Only clear data if an app is seriously broken and you want to start fresh. For most situations, clearing cache alone is what you want.
Troubleshooting if cache won't clear
If you tap Clear Cache and nothing happens, or the button is grayed out, the app may be running in the background. Close the app completely before trying again. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open the recent apps menu, find the app, and swipe it away to close it. Then go back to Settings and try clearing cache again.
If the Clear Cache button is still not working, restart your tablet. Hold the power button until you see the power menu, tap Restart, and wait for your tablet to turn back on. Then try clearing cache again. If it still doesn't work, the app may have a bug—try uninstalling and reinstalling it from the Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my photos or messages?
No. Cache is temporary data only. Your photos, messages, contacts, and all personal files remain on your tablet. Clearing cache only removes files that apps created to help them load faster.
How much storage space will I free up by clearing cache?
It depends on how long it's been since you last cleared cache and how much you use your tablet. Most people free up between 500 megabytes and 2 gigabytes. Heavy users who stream video or browse constantly may see 3 to 5 gigabytes freed.
Do I need to clear cache before updating my tablet?
It's not required, but clearing cache before a major update can help prevent problems. If your tablet is running low on storage, clear cache to make sure you have enough space for the update to read and install.
What's the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache is temporary files stored by apps and websites to help them load faster. Cookies are small text files that websites use to remember your login information and preferences. Clearing cache in Settings removes app cache but not browser cookies—to clear cookies, open your web browser's settings instead.
Is it safe to clear cache every day?
Yes, clearing cache is completely safe and can be done as often as you want. Some people clear cache daily without any problems. The only downside is that apps will take a few extra seconds to load the first time after you clear cache, because they have to rebuild their temporary files.