How to Clear Cache on Your Samsung TV

Why and When to Clear Your Samsung TV Cache

Clearing the cache on your Samsung TV removes temporary files that apps and the system store to load faster. Over time, this cached data can pile up and slow down your TV, cause apps to freeze, or prevent updates from installing properly. If your TV is running sluggishly, an app keeps crashing, or you're seeing error messages, clearing the cache is often the fastest fix.

You do not need to clear cache regularly on a schedule — only when you notice a problem. The process takes about five minutes and does not delete your passwords, saved shows, or any personal settings.

Key Takeaways

Access the cache-clearing menu through Settings > Apps > System Apps > Storage, then select each app and tap Clear Cache.
Clearing cache removes temporary files but keeps your login information, saved content, and personal settings intact.
If your TV is frozen or unresponsive, a soft reset (unplugging for 30 seconds) often works faster than clearing cache.
Some Samsung TVs use Tizen OS and others use Android TV, so the exact menu names may differ slightly on your model.
After clearing cache, restart the affected app or reboot your TV to see the improvement.

Clear Cache for Individual Apps

This method removes cached files from one app at a time and is the most common fix when a single app is misbehaving.

Step 1: Press the Home button on your remote to open the main menu.

Step 2: Navigate to Settings (the gear icon) and select it.

Step 3: Scroll down and select Apps.

Step 4: Select System Apps (on some models this may be labeled "Manage Apps" or "process Manager").

Step 5: Find the app you want to clear — for example, Netflix, YouTube, or Plex. Scroll through the list and select it.

Step 6: Select Storage.

Step 7: You will see two buttons: Clear Cache and Clear Data. Select Clear Cache only. Do not select Clear Data, which will erase your login information and saved preferences for that app.

Step 8: A confirmation message will appear. Select OK or Confirm.

Step 9: Exit Settings and reopen the app. It should now run faster or stop crashing.

Repeat these steps for any other apps that are giving you trouble. Most people only need to clear cache for the apps they use most — Netflix, YouTube, and streaming apps are common culprits.

Clear System Cache for Your Entire TV

If multiple apps are slow or your whole TV feels sluggish, clearing the system cache can help. This removes temporary files from the TV's operating system itself, not from individual apps.

Step 1: Press Home and go to Settings.

Step 2: Select Apps.

Step 3: Select System Apps.

Step 4: Look for an app called System or System Cache (the exact name varies by model). Select it.

Step 5: Select Storage, then Clear Cache.

On some Samsung models, you may not see a separate System app. In that case, clearing cache from your most-used apps (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video) will have the same effect. The system cache clears automatically over time, so this step is optional unless your TV is noticeably slow.

Soft Reset Your TV If Cache Clearing Does Not Work

If clearing cache does not fix the problem, your TV may need a soft reset. This is different from clearing cache — it restarts the TV's operating system without erasing any of your settings or data.

Step 1: Unplug the power cable from the back of your TV.

Step 2: Wait 30 seconds. This allows the TV's memory to fully clear.

Step 3: Plug the power cable back in and turn the TV on.

A soft reset fixes most freezing, crashing, and slowness problems faster than clearing cache. If your TV is completely unresponsive or stuck on a black screen, try this before anything else.

Differences Between Samsung Tizen and Android TV Models

Samsung makes two types of smart TVs: those running Tizen OS and those running Android TV. The cache-clearing steps are nearly identical, but menu names may differ slightly.

On Tizen TVs, you will see Settings > Apps > System Apps > Storage > Clear Cache. On Android TV models, the path is Settings > Apps > System Apps > Storage > Clear Cache, but the app list may be organized differently and some apps may be labeled differently.

If you cannot find System Apps in your Settings menu, check your TV's manual or search the model number on Samsung's support website to confirm which operating system your TV uses. The manual will show the exact menu path for your specific model. You can also try pressing the Menu button on your remote instead of Home — some older Samsung TVs use Menu to access settings.

What Clearing Cache Does and Does Not Do

Clearing cache removes temporary files that apps read to speed up loading. It does not delete your login information, saved shows, watch history, or any personal settings. After you clear cache, you will still be logged into Netflix, YouTube, and other apps — you will not have to sign in again.

If you want to remove your login information or reset an app completely, you would select Clear Data instead of Clear Cache. Clear Data is a much more drastic step and should only be used if an app is so broken that clearing cache does not fix it. Once you clear data, you will have to log back in and set up the app from scratch.

Clearing cache also does not free up much storage space on your TV. Modern Samsung TVs have plenty of storage, so cache buildup is rarely a storage problem — it is a performance problem. If your TV is running out of storage, the issue is usually too many apps installed, not cache files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my saved shows or watch history?

No. Clearing cache removes only temporary files. Your login information, saved shows, watch lists, and viewing history stay on your TV and in your accounts. If you want to erase your watch history, you do that separately in each app's settings.

How often should I clear cache on my Samsung TV?

Only clear cache when you notice a problem — an app crashing, the TV running slowly, or an update failing to install. There is no benefit to clearing cache on a schedule. Most people clear cache once or twice a year, if at all.

What is the difference between Clear Cache and Clear Data?

Clear Cache removes temporary files and usually fixes slowness or crashing. Clear Data erases everything — temporary files, login information, and app settings — and forces you to set up the app again. Only use Clear Data if Clear Cache does not solve the problem.

My TV is frozen and will not open the Settings menu. What should I do?

Unplug the TV for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This soft reset will restart the operating system and almost always fixes freezing. You do not need to clear cache first — the reset itself solves most frozen-TV problems.

Can I clear cache on all apps at once instead of one at a time?

Samsung TVs do not have a button to clear cache for all apps simultaneously. You must go through each app individually. However, clearing cache for just your most-used apps (Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video) usually solves the problem without needing to clear every single app.

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.