Anybody who has ever encountered an app or software problem on Android may have been given the advice “clear the app cache” or “clear the app data”. These two solutions are often thought of as miracle cures for Android, but what is the difference between these seemingly similar operations? Let me explain what they are, and how and when to use them.
Jump to:
What is clearing the app cache?
What does 'clear app data' mean?
When should they be applied?
How do I clear app or cached data?
Beware of performance boosting apps
Conclusion
What is clearing the app cache?
The cache is the temporary storage area of a device, which retains certain kinds of data. The aim of this is to speed up how quickly and smoothly your device operates and reduce how much data is processed and consumed.
After restarting your phone, have you ever noticed how slow your camera app is to open at first, while each subsequent attempt is quicker? The increase in speed after the initial launch of an app is thanks to this cached data. Similarly, you might find that websites load faster on a second visit. Once again, this is because files such as images have been previously stored in the cache.
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There is often no need to manually manage cached data: Android is very capable of doing this on its own. However, if an app starts to misbehave or stop working, then you may wish to manually take this step.
Settings > Storage > Cached data gives you a one-tap solution for removing cached data. / © AndroidPITWhen you clear an app's cached data, you remove the temporary files placed there, and you'd be surprised how often this simple step works. You should also note, however, that it doesn't guarantee better performance, and the app may even be temporarily slower the next time it's used.
What does 'clear app data' mean?
Clearing app data is a more severe (for want of a better word) step. While the cache can be cleared with little risk to app settings, preferences and saved states, clearing the app data will delete/remove these entirely.
Clearing data resets an app to its default state: it makes your app act like when you first downloaded and installed it. For example, say you make changes to the settings of your favorite fitness app. You change the length of exercises and sound settings.
Clearing the cache will not affect these saved settings. Clearing stored data may, and in all likelihood will.
Clearing app data is simple, but it will delete all your in-app preferences and settings. / © AndroidPITWhen should they be applied?
There are a few circumstances in which you may wish to clear app or cached data.
Firstly, to save storage space. Some apps can store gigabytes of data that you no longer need (podcast apps are often guilty of this). In this case, you may wish to clear their data.
The other, and more common, the reason is to reset an app to a default state if it has become problematic, buggy or otherwise disruptive.
How do I clear app or cached data?
I recommend doing preventative cache cleanings from time to time, and when you do it, do it from the list of apps with the most data. In order to do this:
Go to the Settings Menu
Click on Apps
Find the All tab (if your system doesn't show you all apps by default)
Choose an app that is taking up a lot of space
Click the button Clear Cache. If you're running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or newer on your device then you'll need to click on Storage and then Clear Cache.
To clear the app data instead of the cache, simply select Clear Data instead
Clear each app's cache separately. / © AndroidPITHowever, this only works to clean one app. In order to clean the cache of every app at the same time, follow the steps below:
Go to Settings
Click on Storage>Cache Data or Saved Data
A screen will ask for confirmation to remove everything stored within the caches. Confirm and save to remove the content.
Note: On Android 8 Oreo or newer versions, you may not be able to do a system-wide clearing of cache and data, depending on your manufacturer's skin. If you go to Settings>Storage>Free up space>TemporaryFiles and find Cached data there.
For individual tutorials for specific devices, you can search the AndroidPIT website.
A word on "performance-boosting" apps
There are many apps that claim to "boost device performance" but often this just isn't true. In many cases, these apps merely provide a one-touch button for ending processes and clearing the cache, both of which are largely unnecessary on today’s Android platform.
You can, and should, do this manually if it is ever required, but don't make it a habit.
Opinion by Scott Adam GordonPerformance-boosting apps aren't effective
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A cache is basically a storage area where data or frequently used processes are saved for quicker access in the future. Ultimately, the cache actually saves time and avoids unnecessary use of hardware on your phone.
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So, cleaning your app when your phone is running slowly or the memory is full could seem like the best option in the short run, but it could have consequences in the long term, which is why you shouldn't do it too often.
Final thoughts
There is no “better” or “worse” option when it comes to clearing the cache and clearing app data. Both processes have their own purpose.
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Your first step towards fixing a problematic app should be clearing the cache, as this is the least intrusive method for quickly fixing apps. If that fails, or if you wish to free up a larger volume of storage space, then clear the data. Just remember that anything stored or saved in the app, including audio, video, or image files, will also be removed.
Has that cleared up your concerns regarding app data and cached data? If not, tell us in the comments.
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