How to Wipe the System Cache on Your Android Phone?

When an Android app keeps on crashing repeatedly, it is annoying. But when this happens, what will you do to fix it? Just easy. On Android, Clear Cache.

How to Wipe the System Cache on Your Android Phone?

The Android operating system partitions your device’s internal storage into different sections, including user data sections and cached data for frequently accessed apps.

For individual apps on your device, you can clear the data and cache, or boot the device into a special recovery partition. You can remove any cached data from the device from the recovery console, as well as clear all data from the device.

Should You Wipe the System Cache?

Wiping the system cache shouldn’t cause any trouble, but it’s also not likely to help much either. The files that are stored there allow your device to access commonly referenced information without having to rebuild it constantly.

If you wipe the cache, the system will rebuild those files the next time your phone needs them (just like with app cache).

While we don’t recommend clearing the system cache—especially regularly or for no reason—there are occasions where it can help. For example, sometimes, these files can become corrupted and cause issues.

If you are experiencing trouble on your phone and you’re out of options, you’re welcome to give this a try.

How Do I Wipe the Cache Partition?

This is the partition where Android stores frequently accessed data and app components. Wiping the cache does not affect personal data.

It simply gets rid of the existing cached data there, which is automatically rebuilt as you continue using the device.

The cache partition stores some data from the apps installed on the device to improve access to the Apps. Sometimes the data is cluttered or outdated.

Wiping the cache partition is different from clearing individual app caches. It is recommended to clear this partition from time to time and after system updates.

This process may take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. To wipe the cache partiton, follow these steps:

  1. Begin with the device turned off.
  2. Power the device on while holding the Volume Down and Power buttons. Note: Depending on your device, you may need to press Volume Up and Power.
  3. Once the logo appears on the screen, release ONLY the Power button.
  4. If you see FTM (Field Test Mode) or FTD (Field Test Display) on the screen instead of the Android System Recovery Menu, repeat Step 1 and alternate the Volume key combination for Step 2.
  5. Use the Volume Up/Down Keys to navigate the Android System Recovery Menu.
  6. Navigate to “Wipe Cache Partition.”
  7. Press the Power button to execute the action. Depending on the flavor of the operating system, you may have to choose “YES” and then press the Power button to execute the action.
  8. After the action is executed and the recovery menu is reset, navigate to “Reboot System Now.”
  9. Press the Power button to reboot the phone normally and exit the Android System Recovery Menu.

The device may take 30 seconds or longer to reboot after going through the Wipe Cache Partition process. It can start the Optimizing App process, especially after system updates.

Read: How to Recover Deleted WhatsApp Images on iPhone & Android

What Is App Data On Android?

When you install an app, either from the Google Play Store or by sideloading a third-party APK, the executable app file along with any necessary runtime library files are stored in the system’s /data/app directory.

This directory is inaccessible by file explorer, unless you root your device.

Each installed app also gets its own directory for private data, located in the system’s /data/data directory. This directory is also inaccessible except by rooting your device.

As you use your various Android apps, certain settings and inputs get stored between sessions. For example, logging into an app and checking “Remember me” will store your details to private data. Data also stores things like account settings, app preferences, etc.

Some apps (like Spotify) may store offline audio data, while others (like Maps) may store offline map data. This can take up a LOT more storage space than you were expecting, so it can be useful to know how to wipe app data in case your storage space runs low.

How To Clear App Data On Android Phones

When you clear app data, you’re essentially clearing all of the private data it has ever stored since you installed it and used it. In other words, clearing app data “resets” an app back to how it would be when first installed.

To clear app data for a specific Android app:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Navigate to Apps.
  3. Tap on the app you want to clear.
  4. Tap on Clear Data.

Bottom Line

It may seem like an issue, but it cannot hurt to clear the cache from time to time on Android devices. A lot of space on your device might not clear up, but it helps to keep things going as smoothly as possible, and it is harmless.

The extra memory is likely to be nominal, so what is the point of keeping data that you are never likely to visit again for lost apps and old web sites, when it could be used for more significant things, like a great puzzle game, or a few more episodes of your favorite show?

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