Revive Your Android: How Clearing Cache Can Eliminate Lag and Boost Performance

Android devices, even those running the freshly released Android 16, can start feeling sluggish over time. Google rolled out this update over the summer, delivering performance enhancements, refined Material You designs, and various upgrades to Pixel devices and select OEMs. Yet, despite these improvements, cached data buildup remains a common culprit behind lag and storage woes. Clearing this temporary data offers a straightforward way to restore speed and free up space, no hardware upgrade required.

Over time, apps and browsers store temporary files—such as images, scripts, and resources—to accelerate loading times. When this cache accumulates, becomes corrupted, or grows outdated, it can bog down your phone or tablet. While restarting helps in a pinch, a targeted cache clear provides a more effective fix. This process won't erase your personal settings or login info, making it a low-risk maintenance step for developers, engineers, and everyday users alike who rely on their Android devices for productivity.

Image: A modern Android smartphone in use, highlighting the need for performance tweaks. Source: ZDNET

Clearing Cache from Android Apps: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process is consistent across most Android devices, though slight variations may occur by manufacturer. You'll need only your Android phone or tablet—no additional tools required.

Step 1: Access Your Installed Apps

Start by opening the Settings app. Navigate to Storage, then tap Apps. If Apps isn't immediately visible, use the search function within Settings to locate it quickly. Here, you gain an overview of your app storage usage.

Many Android versions now integrate tools like the Google Files app for broader cleanup. In the Storage menu, look for a Free up space suggestion. Launch the Files app, tap the three-line menu in the top-left, and select Clean. This scans for unused apps, large files, and duplicates, allowing you to delete unnecessary items and complement your cache-clearing efforts.

Step 2: Clear Cache for Specific Apps

Select an app from the list—steer clear of core system services to avoid unintended issues. Tap into Storage and cache, then hit Clear cache. Resist the urge to select Clear storage unless you're prepared to fully reset the app, as that would wipe settings and data.

For insight, apps like social media or streaming services often hoard significant cache due to media files. Clearing it here can yield noticeable gains.

Step 3: Tackle High-Usage Apps and Sort by Size

Repeat the process for other resource-intensive apps. To prioritize, check the three-dot menu in the top-right of the Apps screen and select Sort by Size. This reveals the biggest space consumers at a glance.

Some devices offer a bulk option: Under Settings > Storage > App Cache, a Select All button might appear, enabling a one-tap clear for multiple apps. Use this judiciously to avoid over-clearing.

Image: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, a prime example of a high-performance Android device benefiting from cache management. Caption: Kerry Wan/ZDNET

Managing Cache in Chrome: Browser Optimization

Browsers like Chrome accumulate their own cache, which can impact web performance on Android. Here's how to handle it on Android 16.

Step 1: Access History Settings

Fire up the Chrome app and tap the three-dot menu. Go to History > Clear browsing data.

Step 2: Select and Clear Data

Choose your time range—such as last hour, day, or all time—and check Cached images and files. Optionally, include other items like browsing history or cookies, but note the impacts: Clearing cookies logs you out of sites, while cache removal might slightly slow initial page loads as files reload.

Tap Clear data to execute.

Step 3: Use the Quick Shortcut

Newer Chrome versions simplify this with a direct Clear Browsing Data option from the menu. A pop-up lets you specify the period; selecting More Options routes you to the full settings for granular control.

Why Cache Matters: Implications for Developers and Users

Cached data consists of temporary files designed to enhance speed—think profile images in Facebook or video thumbnails in streaming apps. Removing it forces apps to regenerate these on-the-fly, potentially resolving glitches without disrupting logins or preferences.

For developers building Android apps, understanding cache management is crucial. Poorly handled caching can lead to memory leaks or performance bottlenecks in user-facing software. Regular clears not only optimize end-user devices but also aid in debugging app behavior during development cycles.

Clearing cache won't delete app data—your accounts and customizations stay safe. It primarily frees storage and eliminates corrupted files, directly addressing slowdowns. Users often see improvements immediately, especially on devices juggling multiple apps.

Frequency-wise, perform this every three to six months or when lag appears. It's not solely about storage; it's a troubleshooting staple that rebuilds temporary files afresh.

Editor's note: This article draws from ZDNET's guide, originally published in 2023 and updated November 17, 2025, to align with Android 16. Source: ZDNET.