How to clear Android app and browser cache to free space and fix slowdowns

ZDNET published a how-to guide explaining how to clear cached data on Android phones and tablets to free storage and improve responsiveness, noting Google is preparing the Android 17 release this year. The guide says cached data—temporary files like images and scripts—can accumulate, become corrupted or outdated and slow a device.

Restarting can help, but a targeted cache clear is presented as a quicker way to boost responsiveness without new hardware. For app caches, ZDNET outlines the general steps: open Settings, go to Storage and tap Apps (or use Settings search). Some Android devices offer a "Free up space" suggestion via the Google Files app (Files > menu > Clean).

The guide also notes you can sort apps by size in the Apps menu and that some phones may include a built-in "clear all cache" option under Settings > Storage > App Cache. For Chrome, the guide advises: open Chrome > three-dot menu > History > Clear browsing data, choose a time range, check "Cached images and files" and tap "Clear data." It adds an optional shortcut on newer Chrome versions called Clear Browsing Data.

ZDNET says clearing cache removes temporary files without affecting accounts or settings, will not log you out of apps, and can free space and resolve slowdowns; it suggests clearing cache when you notice glitches or roughly every three to six months.

Key Topics

Tech, Android, Chrome, Google Files, Cached Data