As with other operating systems such as Windows, The Android system accumulates temporary files and cache over time.These files play an essential role in keeping apps running smoothly, but if not managed properly, they can clog up storage and affect device performance. Fortunately, there are simple and safe ways to delete these temporary files without putting your important data or system integrity at risk.
In this guide you will learn How to delete temporary files and cache on Android, understanding what they are, what they're used for, when to delete them, the most effective manual and automatic methods, and the recommended apps that offer the best guarantees. In addition, the differences between cache, cookies, and other temporary files will be explained in detail, as well as additional tips for responsibly freeing up space on your Android phone or tablet.
What are temporary files and cache on Android?
The Temporary files and Cache This is data generated by apps and the Android system itself to speed up access to frequently used information. The main function of the cache is to temporarily store images, videos, installation files, history, and other content that is generated, downloaded, or viewed frequently.
For example, when you log into Instagram, the app caches images and videos so they load faster the next time you access it. The same goes for browsers like Chrome, which cache parts of web pages to speed up their loading.
Advantages of cache and temporary files in Android:
- They allow that apps and web pages load quickly without having to re-download data each time.
- They reduce mobile data usage and save time on slow connections.
- Facilitate offline use of applications that can display previously loaded content offline.
Although caching benefits performance, Excessive accumulation can saturate internal storage, slowing down the system and causing app errors. It's also common for the cache to be mismanaged in some apps, resulting in residual files that are never automatically deleted.
Why is it important to delete cache and temporary files periodically?
La Periodically deleting temporary files and cache on Android It has become an essential practice for several reasons:
- Free up storage spaceApps, by accumulating unnecessary or old data, can take up several gigabytes, especially if you use social media, messaging apps, or games a lot.
- Improve device performanceThe more temporary files are stored, the slower the device tends to become. Clearing the cache helps Android run more smoothly.
- Troubleshooting operational issues: Many times, when an app behaves strangely, doesn't load images, or displays errors, clearing its cache often resolves the situation (especially useful in apps like Google Play, Instagram, TikTok, or WhatsApp).
- Avoid blocks and out-of-space messagesIf your phone is displaying low storage warnings, clearing the cache is one of the most immediate and effective steps to free up memory.
It is not recommended to clear the cache daily. The ideal frequency is once a month or every two weeks on devices with little free space. This way, you can ensure your phone stays optimized without sacrificing app loading speed. Clear the cache does not delete your photos, documents or user data, only unnecessary temporary files.
What is the difference between cache, cookies, and temporary files?
It is very common to confuse these terms, but they have different functions:
- Cache: These are temporary files used by applications and the system to load images, data and other elements faster.
- Cookies: Files created by websites to save browsing information, preferences, login details, and other personal data to improve your experience when you visit a site again in your browser.
- Temporary filesIn addition to the cache, some apps generate intermediate files, logs, and residual data that no longer serve any purpose. These also include installers, failed downloads, log records, and so on.
By deleting cache and temporary files, your privacy and personal data generally remain intact.Extra caution is required when deleting cookies, as they can affect automatic logins or saved sessions on web services.
When and how should you clear app cache on Android?
The decision to clear the cache is up to each user, but certain situations make it advisable:
- When your phone is slow or runs out of spaceIf free storage is low or apps are slow to open, it's time to clear the cache.
- If there are errors or failures in any applicationWhen an app doesn't load properly, displays blank screens, or displays errors, clearing its cache often resolves the issue without losing personal data.
- After updating the system or an application: Updates may generate residue or incompatibilities that are resolved by cleaning temporary files.
- Routinely, every month: Keeps the system in optimal conditions and prevents unexpected saturations.
Methods to delete temporary files and cache on Android
Android offers several ways to delete these files, both manually, from the system settings, and using specialized applications that facilitate and automate the process.
Clear the cache from System Settings
The manual method is the safest and doesn't require installing third-party apps. The steps may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and Android version, but are generally as follows:
- Open the application Settings on your Android device.
- Look for the section Applications (sometimes called “Apps & Notifications” or similar).
- Choose "See all applications" to show the full list.
- Choose the app that you use the most or that consumes the most storage. It's usually recommended to start with apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Chrome, Google Play Services, or Google Photos.
- Click on “Storage and cache” or “Storage”.
- Choose "Clear cache"This process will only delete temporary files, keeping your user data, photos, and accounts intact.
Important: Don't choose the "Clear storage" or "Clear data" option unless you want to restore the app to its newly installed state, as this will result in the loss of settings and saved data.
Currently, Android no longer allows you to clear the cache for all apps at once from the system settings in modern versions. Therefore, you'll need to do this. application by application, which can be tedious if you have a lot of apps installed.
Delete temporary files and cache with specialized applications
Fortunately, there are free and trusted apps in the Play Store that automate cleaning, identifying junk files, temporary data, and accumulated cache in all applications quickly and safely.
Files by Google: the recommended option for cleaning Android
Developed by Google, Files It's a free and easy-to-use tool designed to thoroughly scan your device's storage and securely delete files that are no longer needed. Its main advantages include:
- Analyzes and classifies temporary, junk, multimedia, duplicate, and useless downloads.
- Proposes intelligent recommendations and warns you before deleting sensitive data or files from apps like WhatsApp that may need a more careful review.
- Cleaning is selective, allowing you to choose what you want to delete and what you prefer to keep.
- It contains no ads, consumes very few resources, and is very secure.
Steps to clean temporary files with Files by Google:
- Download and install Files from the Google Play Store, if you don't have it already.
- When you open the app for the first time, grant the necessary memory access permissions.
- Access the tab "Clean" on the bottom.
- Files will show you recommendations like “Junk Files,” “Large Files,” “Duplicate Files,” and “Old Files.”
- Click “Clean” in the sections you want (you can review the details of each file before deleting it).
- Confirm the action and you'll see how many megabytes or gigabytes you've freed up at the end of the process.
Files is great not only for clearing cache, but also for managing documents, photos, and moving files directly to cloud storage.
CCleaner: A veteran app for cleaning your Android phone
CCleaner is another classic in the optimization world, known for its versions for both computers and Android phones. Its features include:
- Efficient cache clearing of applications, residual files and empty folders.
- Management of installed applications and in-depth storage analysis.
- Image optimization (in Pro version) and programmable automatic cleaner.
- Simple interface and guided analysis with clear indications of which files and data can be safely deleted.
When running CCleaner:
- Performs a device analysis showing how much space is occupied by temporary files, cache, images, videos, and outdated apps.
- It allows you to delete whatever you want with a single touch, always warning you if any file is potentially important.
- It offers tools to schedule automatic cleanings according to your criteria.
Other recommended apps to clear cache and temporary files on Android
- 1Tap Cleaner: Clear cache, search history, and logs with a single tap. Ideal for those who want speed and simplicity.
- Norton CleanThis well-known antivirus also offers a cleaning tool that identifies and removes temporary, residual, and unnecessary APK files.
- Avg Cleaner: In addition to clearing the cache, it allows you to hibernate applications, manage photos, and free up RAM for smoother operation.
Tips and precautions before clearing cache and temporary files
Before carrying out any cleaning, it is advisable to be clear about certain recommendations:
- No personal data is deleted when clearing cache, only temporary files and useless residual data. Your photos, videos, documents, and personal settings are safe.
- Don't overuse cleaning: Clearing the cache every day is not advisable, as apps will have to generate or re-download certain data, which may cause them to take longer to load the first time after clearing.
- Back up important filesIf you're going to take advantage of the opportunity to delete other files (photos, documents, videos), use cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox.
- On some devices you can expand storage via SD card. It's recommended to move multimedia files to the SD card to free up internal memory for the system and apps.
- Avoid installing untrusted cleaning apps, as some include aggressive advertising or even malware.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing Cache on Android
- Does clearing the cache delete my photos or user data? No. Only temporary files and residual data are deleted. Your photos, videos, and settings remain safe.
- How often should I clear the cache? Ideally, you should do this every month or every two weeks, especially if you use a lot of apps or have little storage available.
- Can you clear the cache of all apps at once? In recent versions of Android, it is no longer possible to do this from the system settings, but it is possible through applications such as https://androidguias.com/limpiar-cache-android/.
- What do I do if an app continues to malfunction after clearing the cache? If the problem persists, try clearing the app's data as well (this does remove settings and accounts) or reinstalling it completely.
Other recommendations to free up space on Android
Aside from clearing cache and temporary files, there are several ways to reclaim storage and keep your device fast:
- Check the folder downloads and delete old or duplicate files.
- Uninstall apps that you no longer use. Many apps remain in the background and take up resources.
- Move photos and videos to the cloud or an SD card, especially those that take up more space.
- Delete large files, movies, or music files that you don't use frequently.
- Set up automatic backups so you don't lose information when you free up space.
By following these best practices, your Android will run more efficiently, faster, and without space issues. Always remember to use recognized, official apps to avoid security risks or losing sensitive data. Regularly clearing cache and temporary files, along with good organizational habits and cloud backup, will ensure an optimal experience with your Android phone or tablet.
