Guide to clearing cache and "Other" storage

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When you browse the internet or use apps like WhatsApp or Instagram, your device accumulates a large amount of temporary files, stored data, and a mysterious section called “Other” storage which we often don't even know where it comes from. All of this is part of the famous cache memory and other hidden data that, although it helps speed up daily use, can also become a problem if it isn't cleared from time to time.

If you notice that your phone is getting slower, that your browser is constantly loading, or that you've almost run out of storage space without installing anything new, you most likely need a... Clear guide to clearing cache and "Other" storageThroughout this article, you will see, in great detail, exactly what the cache is, what happens when you clear it, how it affects your privacy, and how to clear it step by step in browsers, mobile devices, and apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, including one. Guide to clearing app cache.

What is cache memory and how is it different from cookies?

A browser or app cache is a type of temporary storage where files are saved that you've already downloaded: images, styles, scripts, videos, web page snippets, etc. The goal is very simple: that the next time you visit the same page or open the same section of an app, that information loads faster without having to download it again.

When you first visit a website, your browser downloads text, photos, stylesheets, and other necessary resources. Some of that content is cached for future visits. Thanks to this local “memory”, pages open fasterThis saves bandwidth and provides a smoother browsing experience. This applies to computers, mobile phones, and tablets.

On the other hand, cookies are something different. Cookies are small text files created by websites that store information about your usage: preferred language, logged-in status, shopping carts, advertising preferences, etc. If you need specific instructions, here's a guide on how delete cookies on AndroidWhile the cache focuses on speeding up loading by reusing static resources, cookies are responsible for remembering data about you to offer you a more personalized experience.

It is important to understand the difference: Deleting the cache is not the same as deleting cookiesClearing the cache usually affects website speed and design, while deleting cookies impacts your logged-in sessions and saved information about your preferences.

Why you should clear the cache and "Other" storage

The existence of caching isn't bad; in fact, it's necessary for fast browsing. The problem arises when That cache and other temporary data grow uncontrollably.Over time, several things can happen: your browser becomes slower, applications behave strangely, or you see old versions of a website that has already changed.

When an online service is frequently updated, as happens for example with platforms like Zendesk or other web tools, the files saved in the browser cache may become outdated. out of date in a matter of days or hoursThis causes the browser to continue using old files instead of new ones, which can lead to errors, design flaws, or features that don't appear or don't work.

Furthermore, as you browse the internet or use resource-intensive applications, the system accumulates temporary files and elements in internal storage, which end up grouped together in what many mobile phones display as “Other” or “System Data”This includes app caches, update remnants, thumbnails, hidden files, automatic backups, etc. If you never clean anything up, this section can take up several gigabytes without you even realizing it, and there are methods to... Free up space on Android without deleting photos.

For all these reasons, it is advisable to clear the cache and part of that "Other" storage when you notice slowdowns, strange errors, or lack of spaceIn many cases, it is the first action recommended by technical support teams because it solves most everyday problems with websites and applications without having to do anything more complex.

What happens when you clear your cache and cookies?

When you clear the cache and cookies of your browser or applications, several changes occur that you should be aware of so you're not caught off guard. First, they delete specific website settingssuch as whether you were logged into a specific page, the language you had selected, or certain locally saved preferences.

In browsers like Chrome, if you also have synchronization with your Google account enabled, clearing the cache and cookies from the device will also affect this process. Your synced Google account session does not closeHowever, you may need to log back in to other websites where you were previously logged in. In other words, your Google account is retained, but many external sessions are lost; if you want to better manage this, see how Clear browsing history in Chrome.

On the other hand, websites may seem a bit slower right after the cleanup. This is perfectly normal. The browser has to re-download images and other elements which is no longer stored locally. After a few visits, the cache is regenerated and the speed improves again.

In the case of apps like WhatsApp or Instagram, clearing caches and temporary files can free up a significant amount of space without affecting your main data. For example, WhatsApp conversations or photos from your Instagram account are not deleted This only happens when you clear the cache. What disappears are local copies, temporary files, and items that can be downloaded or regenerated.

Cache, performance and storage on your smartphone

Smartphones, having less storage capacity than many computers, are particularly susceptible to the accumulation of cache and hidden data. Applications like Chrome, WhatsApp, and Instagram are responsible for a much of that “invisible” memory consumptionwhich ends up being reflected in the storage section as "Other" or similar.

The browser cache on Android, for example, saves browsing data and temporary files to load web pages faster. Over time, this information can take up hundreds of megabytes or even gigabytes.This slows down the system and leaves you with no room for photos, videos, or new apps. If you're looking for practical instructions, here's a guide for clear cache on Android.

In the case of WhatsApp, the problem is twofold. On the one hand, all the photos, videos, voice notes, and documents you send and receive are saved to your phone's internal storage. On the other hand, WhatsApp creates automatic backups of your chats which are also stored on the device. If you don't clean up, the app can easily take up several gigabytes.

Instagram, for its part, downloads and stores a large number of high-quality images and videos to ensure the feed displays smoothly. All that content is stored in the app's cache.which grows continuously as you scroll. While this improves the experience, it also significantly increases the app's size on your phone.

How to clear cache and cookies in major browsers

Browsers are updated quite frequently, so the exact location of the menus may vary slightly. Even so, the procedure for Clearing the cache and cookies is very similar in almost all cases.: access the settings or configuration, look for the privacy or browsing data section and delete the stored files.

Google Chrome (desktop)

On computers, Chrome dominates the market thanks to its simplicity. To clear the cache and other browsing data from a PC, start by opening the browser and going to the three-dot menu in the upper right corner. From there, you can access the options where you'll find the function to “Delete browsing data”which allows you to choose what type of information to delete (history, cookies, cached images and files, etc.) and from what time period (last hour, last days, all time…).

Mozilla Firefox (desktop)

Firefox remains a highly valued option, especially for its focus on privacy. In this browser, the process involves opening it and clicking on the icon with three horizontal lines in the upper right corner. Then, go to "Settings" and look for the section on "Privacy & Security"There you'll find the option to "Clear data" or manage cookies and site data. From there you can clear the cache and other stored items.

Microsoft Edge (desktop)

Microsoft's Edge browser offers a menu similar to Chrome's. To clear the cache, open the browser and click the three dots in the upper right corner to access "Settings." Within this panel, in the section of “Privacy, Search, and Services”There is a section called "Delete browsing data", from which you can choose what to delete and from what time range.

Opera (desktop)

Opera stands out for including built-in features like an ad blocker and an integrated VPN. Clearing the cache is almost identical to other browsers: open the browser, go to "Settings," and within that section... "Privacy & Security" Locate the "Clear browsing data" option. There, choose the time range and data types, selecting cached images and files to be deleted.

Safari (Mac)

Safari, exclusive to macOS and Apple devices, handles web data somewhat differently. Clearing website data removes both cache and cookies. associated. To do this, open Safari, click on “Safari” in the system's top bar, and select “Preferences.” In the panel that appears, go to the “Privacy” section and use the “Manage Website Data…” button, from where you can delete data from a specific page or from all pages at once.

Clear browser cache on mobile devices: Android and iPhone

On mobile devices, the process for clearing the browser cache differs slightly from the desktop version, as it's done through the app itself or via system settings. However, the idea is the same: locate the stored data and empty it to free up space and resolve potential errors.

Android (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera and other browsers)

On most Android phones, app settings are managed through the system settings. To clear your browser cache (whether it's Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, or another browser), you can usually just follow a generic path like “Menu > Settings > Applications > Storage”The "Clear cache" button is usually found within this section. If you need a step-by-step guide to improve performance, see how. Clear the cache on Android to improve performance.

In the case of Chrome on Android, you can also do it from the app itself: open Chrome, tap the three-dot icon next to the address bar, and select "Clear browsing data." There you can select the time interval and data types (history, cookies, cached files…). If you choose “More options” or an advanced tab, you will have greater control over exactly what is deleted.

Please note that after deleting this data, some pages may ask you to log in again, and others will load more slowly the first time. After a few visits, the speed will return to normal. when the cache regenerates.

iPhone and iPad (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)

On iOS and iPadOS, app storage management is more centralized. To clear the cache and browsing data of browsers like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, the usual route is to go to “Settings > > Your browser > Clear history and website data”The system usually warns you that doing so will delete history, cookies, and other browsing data, not just the cache.

Just like on Mac, deleting this data in Safari not only discards the cache, but also cookies and part of the history for the selected period. This may close your active sessions on some websites.However, the passwords you have saved in your iCloud keychain will still be available to log back in without difficulty.

WhatsApp cache and hidden data: how to clear it without losing your chats

WhatsApp is one of the apps that can take up the most space on a smartphone, and not just because of the cache itself. Every photo, video, voice note, and document you send or receive is saved in internal folders, even if you've deleted some of the content from within the app. Therefore, to reclaim space without deleting conversationsIt is advisable to act on stored files and old backups.

On Android, you can use the phone's file manager to go to "Internal Storage" and then follow the path Android > media > com.whatsapp > WhatsApp > MediaWithin this folder, you'll find subfolders for photos, videos, voice notes, documents, etc. By deleting files you no longer need, you empty this sort of "hidden trash" that isn't visible from the WhatsApp interface; learn how Delete temporary files on Android to reclaim space.

Additionally, WhatsApp stores local backups of conversations in a folder called “Databases”. These backups, especially when they accumulate over months, can occupy several hundred megabytes or even more. From the file explorer you can access that folder and delete the oldest copies, keeping only the most recent one in case you need to restore chats in the future.

Another useful option is to clear individual or group chats directly from the app without deleting the chat itself. To do this, simply open the conversation, tap the menu icon, and select "Clear chat." This deletes messages and attachments but preserves the threadwhich allows you to continue talking without dragging along all the previous history.

How to clear Instagram's cache on iPhone, Android, and a web browser

Instagram can also become a space hog due to the sheer volume of visual content it handles. The app caches high-quality photos and videos to keep the feed smooth, which is great for the user experience, but not so much for your storage. Clearing Instagram's cache can resolve bugs, improve privacy, and free up space without losing your account or your posts; here are details on how clear instagram cache.

Instagram on iPhone

On iOS, Instagram doesn't offer a direct in-app option to clear only the cache. The effective way to do it is remove the app and reinstall itThe usual process involves going to “Settings > General > iPhone Storage”, finding Instagram in the list of apps, and selecting “Delete App”. Then, simply go to the App Store and download it again.

Deleting the app removes the cache and locally stored data, but your account, photos, videos, and messages remain on Instagram's servers. When you reinstall and log back in, you'll regain access to everything.If your only concern is freeing up space, you don't even have to reinstall the app right away; you can do it later when you need it.

Instagram on Android

On Android, there's a clearer way to clear Instagram's cache without uninstalling it. Open your phone's settings, go to "Applications," find Instagram, and then access "Storage." From there, you can use the buttons. “Clear data” and “Clear cache”Depending on the Android model and version, the names may vary slightly, but the concept is the same.

Clearing the cache removes temporary files, locally saved images, and other downloaded data. Your posts, messages, drafts, and account itself are not deleted. The app may take a little longer to load images the first few times, but You won't lose your content or have to create the account again.If you also delete the app data, you may need to log in again.

Instagram from the browser

If you use Instagram through a browser like Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, or Opera, the cache is managed by the browser itself, not by Instagram. In this case, you'll need to follow the cache clearing steps for your browser. By clearing your browsing data, you'll also be deleting anything Instagram has saved there.improving privacy and fixing potential loading errors in the web version.

What happens when you clear your Instagram cache and when is it a good idea to do it?

When you clear Instagram's cache, you free up valuable space, resolve common errors (loading failures, crashes, content that doesn't update), and strengthen privacy, especially on shared devices. Clearing the cache does not delete your account, your photos, your videos, or your messages.Not even your saved drafts. The only thing that can happen is that you'll have to log in again.

It's advisable to do this when you notice Instagram is taking up too much space, when the app starts malfunctioning, or when you want to ensure there's no local trace of your activity, for example, if you share a device. On the other hand, if everything is working fine and you have plenty of space, It is not mandatory to constantly clear the cache, since this also has a positive function in performance.

Advanced tools: extensions and developer tools

If you frequently use a browser to work with web tools that change often, you might want to go beyond standard manual deletion. One possibility is to use browser extensions specifically designed to clear cache and cookies only from the current tab or site. This has several advantages: you maintain your sessions on other websites, you don't have to log in again everywhere, and the process is very fast.

In Chrome, for example, you can install an extension to manage the cache, enter “chrome://extensions/” in the address bar, and from the menu icon on the extensions page, access “Keyboard shortcuts”. There you can assign a key combination to activate the extension Instantly, without having to navigate through complicated menus every time you want to clear the cache of a specific site. If you encounter more technical issues, see how fix corrupt cache issues on android.

Another option is to use the browser's built-in developer tools (DevTools). In browsers like Chrome or Firefox, you can use them to: clear the cache in a very specific wayYou can temporarily disable caching or force a full page reload. This is usually faster than using the standard menus, although not as convenient as an extension if you do it regularly.

Frequently asked questions about cache, cookies and security

A common question is whether clearing the cache affects saved passwords. Normally, it does. Passwords are stored in the browser's internal manager (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc.), separate from the file cache and cookies. Therefore, deleting cached images and files shouldn't cause you to lose your passwords. However, deleting cookies may close active sessions on websites, forcing you to re-enter your credentials.

Another frequently asked question is how often you should clear the cache. There's no universal frequency; it all depends on your usage and your device's capabilities. If you browse a lot, visit dozens of sites a day, and your device has little free storage, it's a good idea. perform more frequent periodic cleaningsIf, on the other hand, you barely use the browser and have plenty of space, you can space out these tasks more.

On mobile devices, since storage is usually more limited, it makes sense to pay more attention to the cache of heavy apps (browsers, social networks, messaging) and the multimedia content they generate. Check the storage section from time to time And seeing which apps are taking up the most space is a simple way to tell when it's time to "clean house"; another useful alternative is archive apps without deleting them to save space.

Final considerations

In short, the cache works the same way on both mobile phones and computers: it stores information to speed up daily use. The best approach is to find a balance between letting it do its job and not to let it become a burden that steals space and causes errors.

Understanding how the cache works, what cookies entail, and where those temporary files that inflate the "Other" section are hidden makes it much easier to keep your devices' performance under control: occasionally clearing your browser cache, cleaning hidden data from apps like WhatsApp or Instagram, and using specific tools when necessary will allow you to... Enjoy a faster mobile phone and computer, with more free space and fewer annoying errors when browsing or using your favorite apps.