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Google released Android 16 to Pixel devices and select OEMs over the summer, bringing performance improvements, new Material U changes, and more upgrades. If you want to try the latest update but are hesitant because you’ve noticed that your Android phone or tablet already seems pretty sluggish, clearing the app and browser caches can give it a fresh boost and free up some storage space.
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Over time, cached data can accumulate, become corrupted, or simply become outdated, which can slow down your device. Restarting your phone often helps, but clearing the targeted cache is a quick way to boost responsiveness without upgrading your hardware.
In this guide, I will show you how to clear cached data on Android. If you’re an Apple user, here’s how to clear cache on iPhone.
How to clear cached data from Android apps
what you’ll need: Any Android device. The exact steps may vary slightly by manufacturer, but the general process remains the same.
Open Settings, go to Storage and tap Apps. If you don’t see a dedicated Apps entry, use the search field in Settings to quickly find it.
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Additionally in the Storage menu, some Android devices now include a “Free up space” suggestion through the Google Files app. To use it, open Files, tap the three-line menu at the top left, and select Clear. Review each suggestion (e.g. unused apps, large files, duplicates) and follow the steps to delete files you no longer need.
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Repeat for any apps that use a lot of space. You might start with data-heavy hogs like social apps or streaming services.
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Also, some Android versions make it easier to see which apps take up the most space when you’re in the Apps menu. Simply look for the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Sort by Size.
Comment: Some Android phones may have a built-in clear all cache option available. Under Settings > Storage > And app cache, look for the ‘Select all’ button at the top.
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How to clear cache from Chrome
what you need: Chrome app on your Android 16 device.
1. Go to History Settings in Chrome
Open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu > History > Clear browsing data.
2. Select the data you want to delete
Select the time range and check “Cached images and files” (and any other data you want to delete). Then tap “Clear data”.
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Each option explains what it does and how it affects your experience. For example, clearing cookies and site data will log you out of many or all websites, while clearing cached images and files may cause Chrome to load images slower the next time you visit a site.
3. Alternative: A Simple Shortcut
On newer versions of Chrome for Android, tapping the menu button displays an option called Clear browsing data. When you select it, a pop-up will appear asking you to clear browsing data from a specific period. If you select the More option, you will be taken to the Browsing data screen, where you can choose the data to delete and select a time range.
What does cached data mean?
The cache stores temporary files – such as images, scripts, and other resources – to speed up apps and websites. Clearing it removes these files without affecting personal settings or login credentials.
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For example, in the Facebook app, cached data may include profile pictures, photos, and videos. Deleting cached data from the Facebook app will delete these temporary files on your device, but will not log you out.
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Will clearing the cache delete my app data?
No, clearing the cache only removes temporary files. Your accounts, settings, and app data will remain intact.
Will clearing cache make my device faster?
Yes. This frees up storage and removes potentially corrupted or outdated files, which can resolve slowdowns and glitches.
How often should I clear cache?
Whenever you notice slowdown or errors in the app. For most users, every three to six months is sufficient.
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Is clearing cache only for storage?
Clearing the cache can also fix app problems by forcing the app to recreate its temporary files. This is a quick troubleshooting step, not just a storage cleanup.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2023. It was fact-checked and fully updated on December 10, 2025 to reflect the latest Android 16 update.
