Written by Kerry Wan for ZDNET
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During the summer season, Google officially rolled out Android 16 for its Pixel lineup as well as select devices from partnered original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This update represents more than a routine software refresh — it introduces significant performance refinements, deeper system-level optimizations, and various visual and functional changes under the evolving Material You design framework. These enhancements collectively contribute to smoother operation, improved responsiveness, and a more cohesive software experience across the Android ecosystem.

If you’re eager to test-drive Android 16 but are concerned because your current Android smartphone or tablet already exhibits signs of sluggish performance, rest assured that there are quick and effective remedies before considering a hardware upgrade. One of the simplest ways to revitalize your device and reclaim valuable storage space is by clearing accumulated app and browser caches. This process removes temporary files that can otherwise slow down your system over time, giving the impression of an aged or cluttered device.

Over extended use, cached files may pile up, become corrupted, or merely hold onto outdated data that no longer contributes to faster loading times. Instead, these remnants can act as bottlenecks, subtly degrading performance. While a standard device restart can temporarily alleviate such slowdowns, strategically clearing the cache from specific applications offers a more direct and sustainable improvement to system speed and responsiveness—all without the need to modify or reset core settings.

In the following detailed guide, you’ll learn how to eliminate cached data on an Android device step by step. If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem, you can consult our complementary guide on how to clear the cache on an iPhone.

**How to Clear Cached Data from Android Apps**

**What you’ll need:** Any device running the Android operating system. Although the precise steps can vary somewhat depending on the manufacturer (such as Samsung, OnePlus, or Google Pixel), the general procedure remains consistent across most Android-based interfaces.

Begin by opening the **Settings** application on your phone. Navigate to **Storage**, then tap **Apps**. If your particular version of Android does not feature a dedicated “Apps” listing within the Storage menu, use the built-in search function within Settings to quickly locate the correct section.

Many newer Android versions also integrate intelligent storage management suggestions powered by the **Google Files** application. Within the same Storage menu, you may find a “Free up space” recommendation. By opening the Files app, tapping the three-line menu in the top-left corner, and selecting **Clean**, you’ll receive personalized suggestions to delete unnecessary data—such as unused applications, duplicate files, or large downloads. Reviewing and accepting these recommendations can immediately release gigabytes of space while streamlining storage efficiency.

Repeat this process for any applications known to consume extensive storage—commonly multimedia-heavy or social platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram. Within the Apps menu, some Android builds also enable you to organize apps by the volume of space they occupy. Access the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select **Sort by Size** to identify the heaviest offenders quickly.

*Note:* Certain Android phones further simplify this process by providing a universal “clear all cache” functionality. This can often be found under **Settings > Storage > App Cache**, where a convenient **Select All** button allows for simultaneous cleanup across all installed applications.

**How to Clear Cache from Google Chrome**

**What you’ll need:** The Chrome browser installed on your device running Android 16.

1. **Access Chrome’s History Settings**
Open the browser, tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner, and navigate through **History > Clear browsing data**.

2. **Select the Data to Delete**
Choose your desired time range—from the last hour to all time—and select **Cached images and files** among other available data types. Once selected, tap **Clear data** to finalize the action. Each option in this menu includes a brief explanation of how it impacts your browsing experience, helping you make an informed decision. For instance, clearing cookies and site data will sign you out of most websites, while removing cached images may cause pages to load slightly slower upon your next visit as Chrome rebuilds fresh copies of those resources.

3. **Optional Shortcut for Faster Cleanup**
Newer versions of Chrome simplify cache management further. After tapping the menu button, you might see **Clear Browsing Data** displayed directly. Selecting this brings up an intuitive pop-up interface that lets you specify the timeframe for deletion. Choosing **More Options** redirects you to the full Browsing Data screen, where you maintain granular control over exactly what gets purged.

**Understanding Cached Data**

Cached data refers to the temporary files that applications and websites automatically store to enhance load times and improve performance. These files include images, scripts, video thumbnails, and other quick-access resources used to recreate an interface more quickly during repeated visits. When you clear the cache, you remove this temporary repository without affecting your personal configurations, login credentials, or saved preferences.

For example, in the Facebook application, cached data might consist of recently loaded profile pictures, post thumbnails, or video previews. Erasing this cache will remove those temporary items from your local storage, but it won’t log you out or delete your account information.

**Will Clearing Cache Delete My App Data?**
No. The cache-clearing process targets only those transient files that apps store for convenience. Your personalized settings, login information, messages, or saved configurations will remain completely preserved.

**Will Clearing Cache Make My Device Faster?**
Yes, in most cases. By eliminating outdated or corrupted cached data, your device can operate more freely and efficiently, reducing lag, random glitches, or stuttering animations. This simple maintenance step can also reclaim meaningful amounts of storage space.

**How Often Should You Clear the Cache?**
While there’s no universal schedule that fits every user, performing a cache cleanup whenever you experience noticeable slowdowns or application malfunctions is a good practice. Generally, a session every three to six months balances efficiency and convenience for the majority of users.

**Is Clearing Cache Only for Storage Management?**
Not exclusively. Clearing cache functions as a valuable troubleshooting procedure in addition to freeing storage. When an app misbehaves—whether it crashes unexpectedly, loads outdated data, or refuses to sync—clearing its cache forces it to rebuild fresh temporary files, often resolving hidden inconsistencies that drain performance. It’s a lightweight yet powerful fix that can preempt many common software issues without resorting to a factory reset.

*Editor’s Note:* This guide was originally published in 2023 and has undergone comprehensive fact-checking and revisions as of November 17, 2025, to align with the features and optimizations introduced in Android 16.

For readers eager to continue optimizing their digital experience, explore **ZDNET Recommends**—a curated collection of expert insights, product evaluations, and editor-endorsed purchases designed to help you make smarter technology choices.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-clear-your-android-phone-cache-and-say-goodbye-to-slow-performance/