How to clear app cache on Android (phone & tablet)

Method 1: Clear app cache from your home screen (fastest)

This shortcut works on almost all modern Android phones running Android 10 and newer.

1. Locate the app on your home screen or app drawer.
2. Press and hold the app icon until a pop-up menu appears.
3. Tap the Info icon (the small i inside a circle) or tap App info.
   
4. Tap Storage (or Storage and cache).
5. Tap Clear cache (located at the bottom of your screen or near the top, depending on your device).
   

Method 2: Clear app cache through Android settings

If holding the app icon doesn't bring up the menu on your device, use the system settings menu instead:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Tap Apps (or Apps & notifications).
3. Select See all apps and tap the app you want to clear (e.g., WhatsApp, Instagram, Chrome, TikTok, or YouTube).
4. Tap Storage (or Storage and cache).
5. Tap Clear cache (located at the bottom of your screen or near the top, depending on your device).
   

How to confirm the app cache is cleared

Once you tap Clear cache, check the storage breakdown on your screen:

• Cache size: The Cache entry will immediately drop to 0 B (or 0 Bytes).
• Button state: The Clear cache button will turn gray and become unclickable (disabled).

Seeing these changes confirms that all temporary cached files have been safely removed from your device.

Note: Don't worry if you see the cache count immediately jump to a tiny amount (like 12 KB or 24 KB). Some apps automatically recreate basic temporary files if they are actively running in the background. As long as it dropped down from its original size, your cache was successfully cleared!

Frequently asked questions

How often should you clear app cache on Android?

You only need to clear an app's cache when you are running low on storage space or when a specific app is crashing, freezing, or failing to update content properly.

What is the difference between Clear cache and Clear data?

Clear cache removes temporary files to free up space without affecting your personal settings. Clear data (or Clear storage) erases all app files, settings, accounts, and databases, resetting the app back to its fresh installation state.