How to clear an app's cache on Android

2 min read · 4 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, tap Apps, choose the app, tap Storage & cache and tap Clear cache. This removes temporary files and keeps your account and data. Clear storage is the stronger option that resets the app completely.

Apps keep temporary files to load faster. When those files are damaged or grow very large, the app can misbehave or take up a lot of space. Clearing the cache is safe and often fixes it.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them, so the Samsung name is given where it differs. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

  1. SettingsNetwork & internetConnected devicesAppsNotificationsBatteryStorageDisplay

    Open Settings and tap Apps

    Then See all apps, and find the app.

  2. App infoNotificationsPermissionsStorage & cacheMobile data & Wi-Fi

    Tap Storage & cache

    On Samsung, tap Storage.

  3. StorageClear storageClear cache

    Tap Clear cache

    The Cache figure drops to zero. Nothing you would miss is deleted.

  4. Use Clear storage only if needed

    It deletes everything the app has saved on the phone, signs you out and returns the app to its first-run state. Make sure your data is in an account or backup first.

Good to know

There is no button to clear the cache of all apps at once on current Android versions. The Storage page's Free up space tool handles junk files across apps.

The cache fills up again as you use the app. That is normal and not a reason to clear it regularly.

More ways to make room: how to free up storage on Android.

In short: Settings, Apps, the app, Storage & cache, Clear cache.

Sources
  • Google Android Help: Free up space

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.