Clearing the cache and data are two basic actions for managing apps installed on any Android device. For beginners in the system, it is essential to understand the difference between the two options. Although they look similar, they serve different purposes. Find out the difference of these actions in the article below.
Clear cache
Clearing the cache can solve many problems, not only for Android, but also for different operating systems. The cache is generally a temporary storage tank, in which data can be retrieved quickly when needed, streamlining the process of initialization and continuity of previously saved applications.
When should you clear an app cache
There is no need to clear the cache daily, but periodically deleting it can help resolve some issues, such as when an application crashes constantly. Emptying it can also be useful to free up more storage space on your device.
You should clear an application cache only when it is experiencing problems, or if it desperately needs memory.
How to clear an app cache
Below you will find the step by step to clear your device cache:
- Go to the System Settings menu;
- Select the Applications option;
- Locate the All tab;
- Select the application that is causing problems;
- Select data / storage and click "Clear data".
If you want to do a general cache clearing, instead of clearing it for each app installed in device memory, you can save time by using one of the options offered by your Android's settings menu:
- Go to Settings;
- Click Storage> Cached Data or Stored Data;
- A window prompts you to confirm the removal of all stored cache. Confirm and wait for content removal.
Erase Data
In this case, all data from the selected application will be permanently removed. This includes any type of predefined files, accounts, databases, and configurations. With this, when reopening the application, it returns as if it were downloaded for the first time. We recommend that before you do so, you make sure you really need this process.
An easy example to remember Spotify. If you clear data from this app, the songs you download to listen offline (Premium account) will disappear. You can use Google Files Go to better select files that can be manually deleted from storage.