How to Clear Cache on Your Samsung Smart TV

Why and when to clear your Samsung TV's cache

Your Samsung Smart TV stores temporary files—called cache—from apps, streaming services, and the system itself. Over time, this cache can pile up and slow down your TV, cause apps to freeze or crash, or prevent updates from installing properly. Clearing the cache is one of the fastest fixes for a TV that has become sluggish or unresponsive.

You should clear cache if your TV is running slowly, an app keeps crashing, you are having trouble signing into a streaming service, or you have just updated the system and things feel stuck. The process takes about five minutes and requires no special tools—just your remote.

Clearing cache does not erase your passwords, account logins, or any shows you have saved. It only removes temporary files that your TV can rebuild on its own. Think of it as emptying a junk drawer—you are throwing out scraps, not your important documents.

Key Takeaways

Cache buildup slows down your Samsung TV and can cause apps to crash; clearing it is safe and takes about five minutes.
The fastest method is to go to Settings > Apps > System Apps Manager, select the app that is misbehaving, and tap Clear Cache.
You can also clear the entire system cache by holding the power button on your remote for ten seconds while the TV is off, then selecting Restart.
Clearing cache does not remove your passwords, logins, or saved content—only temporary files.
If clearing cache does not fix the problem, a factory reset may be necessary, but that will erase all your settings and logins.

Clear cache from individual apps

This is the most common fix and works for apps that are freezing, loading slowly, or refusing to sign you in. Start by pressing the Home button on your remote to go to the main screen. Then navigate to Settings (the gear icon in the top right corner).

From Settings, go to Apps > System Apps Manager. Scroll through the list until you find the app that is giving you trouble—for example, Netflix, YouTube, or the Samsung TV Plus app. Select it, and you will see a button labeled Clear Cache. Tap it. A confirmation message will appear; select OK. The app will now work with a fresh set of temporary files the next time you open it.

Repeat this step for any other apps that are misbehaving. You do not need to restart your TV after clearing individual app caches—the change takes effect when ready.

Clear the entire system cache at once

If multiple apps are slow or if you want to do a thorough cleaning without going app by app, you can clear all system cache in one step. This method works on most Samsung Smart TV models made in the last five years.

Turn off your TV using the power button on your remote. Once it is completely dark, press and hold the power button on the remote for about ten seconds. Your TV will turn back on and display a menu with options like Power Off, Restart, and Factory Reset. Select Restart. Your TV will shut down, clear its entire cache, and boot back up. This usually takes two to three minutes. Do not unplug the TV during this process.

After the restart completes, your TV will be noticeably faster. All your logins and settings remain in place.

Clear cache on older Samsung TV models

If your TV is older or does not have a System Apps Manager option, you can still clear cache through the Settings menu. Go to Settings > Storage, and look for an option labeled Clear Cache or Manage Storage. Select it, and your TV will remove temporary files.

Some very old models may not have a dedicated cache-clearing option. In that case, the restart method (holding the power button for ten seconds) will still work on most sets. If neither method is available on your model, you can check your TV's manual by searching "Samsung [your model number] manual" online, or contact Samsung support for your specific year and model.

What to do if clearing cache does not fix the problem

If your TV is still slow or apps are still crashing after you clear the cache, the issue may be something else—a software bug, a network problem, or a failing component. Before you do anything drastic, try these steps: unplug your TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This soft reset often fixes glitches that cache clearing does not catch.

If that does not work, check whether a system update is available. Go to Settings > Support > Software Update and select Update Now. A pending update can cause slowness and crashes until it is installed.

A factory reset will erase all your settings, logins, and app data and return your TV to its original state. Only do this as a last resort, and only if you are willing to set up your TV again from scratch. To factory reset, go to Settings > General > Reset, enter your PIN (the default is 0000), and select Reset. Your TV will restart and ask you to set it up as if it were brand new.

How to prevent cache from building up
You do not need to clear cache constantly, but doing it once every few months keeps your TV running smoothly. Set a reminder on your phone to clear cache quarterly, or do it whenever you notice your TV is sluggish.

Uninstalling apps you no longer use also helps—each app stores cache, so fewer apps means less clutter. If you have a lot of apps installed that you rarely open, go to Apps > System Apps Manager, select the ones you do not use, and choose Uninstall or Remove.

Keeping your TV's software up to date also reduces cache problems. Samsung releases updates that improve how efficiently your TV manages temporary files. Check for updates once a month by going to Settings > Support > Software Update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my saved shows or passwords?

No. Cache is only temporary files. Your logins, passwords, saved shows, and all your personal settings stay in place. Clearing cache is completely safe and will not erase anything you care about.

How often should I clear cache on my Samsung TV?

Once every two to three months is usually enough for most people. If you use your TV heavily or notice it slowing down, clear cache more often. There is no harm in clearing it weekly if you want to.

What is the difference between clearing cache and a factory reset?

Clearing cache removes only temporary files and leaves all your settings and logins intact. A factory reset erases everything and returns your TV to its original state. Always try clearing cache first; only factory reset if nothing else works.

Can I clear cache while my TV is on?

Yes. You can clear individual app caches while your TV is running without any problem. The system cache clearing method (holding the power button) requires the TV to be off first, but it is still safe and will not damage anything.

Why is my TV still slow after clearing cache?

Cache buildup is one common cause of slowness, but not the only one. Check for pending software updates, restart your TV by unplugging it for 30 seconds, or restart your internet router. If slowness continues, the TV may have a hardware issue and you should contact Samsung support.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.