AndroidTutor2018- Anybody who has ever encountered an app or software problem on Android may have been given the advice “clear the app cache” or “clear the app data”. These two solutions are often thought of as miracle cures for Android, but what is the difference between these seemingly similar operations? Let me explain.
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What is clearing the app cache?
The cache is the temporary storage area of a device, which retains certain kinds of data. The aim of this is to speed up how quickly and smoothly your device operates and reduce how much data is processed and consumed.
After restarting your phone, have you ever noticed how slow your camera app is to open at first, while each subsequent attempt is quicker? The increase in speed after the initial launch of an app is thanks to this cached data. Similarly, you might find that websites load faster on a second visit. Once again, this is because files such as images have been previously stored in the cache.
There is often no need to manually manage cached data: Android is very capable of doing this on its own. However, if an app starts to misbehave or stop working, then you may wish to manually take this step.
Going to Settings > Storage > Cached data gives you a one-tap solution for removing cached data. / © AndroidPIT
When you clear an app's cached data, you remove the temporary files placed there, and you'd be surprised how often this simple step works. You should also note, however, that it doesn't guarantee better performance, and the app may even be temporarily slower the next time it's used.
What does 'clear app data' mean?
Clearing app data is a more severe (for want of a better word) step. While the cache can be cleared with little risk to app settings, preferences and saved states, clearing the app data will delete/remove these entirely.
Clearing data resets an app to its default state: it makes your app act like when you first downloaded and installed it. For example, say you make changes to the settings of your favorite fitness app. You change the length of exercises and sound settings. Clearing the cache will not affect these saved settings. Clearing stored data, may – and in all likelihood – will.
Clearing app data is simple, but it will delete all your in-app preferences and settings. / © AndroidPIT
When should they be applied?
There are a few circumstances in which you may wish to clear app or cached data. Firstly, to save storage space. Some apps can store gigabytes of data that you no longer need (podcast apps are often guilty of this). In this case, you may wish to clear their data.
The other, and more common, reason is to reset an app to a default state if it has become problematic, buggy or otherwise disruptive.
How do I clear app or cached data?
I recommend doing preventative cache cleanings from time to time, and when you do it, do it from the list of apps with the most data. In order to do this:
Go to the Settings Menu
Click on Apps
Find the All tab
Choose an app that is taking up a lot of space
Click the button Clear Cache. If you're running Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your device then you'll need to click on Storage and then Clear Cache.
Clear each app's cache separately. / © AndroidPIT
However, this only works to clean one app. In order to clean the cache of every app at the same time, follow the steps below:
Go to Settings
Click on Storage > Cache Data or Saved Data
A screen will ask for confirmation to remove everything stored within the caches. Confirm and save to remove the content.
For individual tutorials for specific devices, you can search the AndroidPIT website.
A word on "performance-boosting" apps
There are many apps that claim to "boost device performance" but often this just isn't true. In many cases, these apps merely provide a one-touch button for ending processes and clearing the cache, both of which are largely unnecessary on today’s Android platform. You can, and should, do this manually if it is ever required, but don't make it a habit.
Opinion by Scott Adam GordonPerformance boosting apps aren't effective
What do you think?
5050246 participants
A cache is basically a storage area where data or frequently used processes are saved for quicker access in the future. Ultimately, the cache actually saves time and avoids unnecessary use of hardware on your phone. So, cleaning your app when your phone is running slowly or the memory is full could seem like the best option in the short run, but it could have consequences in the long term, which is why you shouldn't do it too often.
Final thoughts
There is no “better” or “worse” option when it comes to clearing the cache and clearing app data. Both processes have their own purpose.
Your first step towards fixing a problematic app should be clearing the cache, as this is the least intrusive method for quickly fixing apps. If that fails, or if you wish to free up a larger volume of storage space, then clear the data. Just remember that anything stored or saved in the app, including audio, video, or image files, will also be removed.
Has that cleared up your concerns regarding app data and cached data? If not, tell us in the comments.
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26 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
1 Andre Cahya 1 week ago Link to comment
In a chatting app like Facebook Messenger, if I clear it's data, would all the messages be deleted permanently? even if we open it from browser?
0
Reply
1 Jim 9 months ago Link to comment
Does clearing the app cache delete your text/mms messages?
0
Reply
1 GXP 8 months ago Link to comment
It shouldn't, since you can access your texts through a number of texting apps.
0
Reply
20 Parvind Chahal 9 months ago Link to comment
best article in recent months.... hats off u
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
I have rooted my phone and installed TWRP as recovery.
Sometimes I go in rec.mode and clear the cache partition wiping cache from all apps at once.
0
Reply
1 Ramy Ghanem 10 months ago Link to comment
So the updates are also removed ?
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
no.
Read article again, or:
clearing cache can be done any time when you feel app becomes slow.
Clearing data from app I only can imagine you have made wrong settings in app and want to "reset" the app like you had it just after installing first time.
0
Reply
1 Mhamad Kazem 9 months ago Link to comment
No
0
Reply
3 Y Abusitta 10 months ago Link to comment
Thanks,
Very informative and nicely written.
0
Reply
1 Sophia Williams Oct 17, 2016 Link to comment
Go to the
“Settings”.
Click on the “storage” option.
Click on “cached data”.
A pop up window will be open on your screen.To delete the cached data, click on the “OK” button.The data will be erased.
0
Reply
2 Käb Dâw Sep 26, 2016 Link to comment
nice
0
Reply
2 Rohit Sharma Sep 20, 2016 Link to comment
Nice one! Got it
0
Reply
4 Opeyemi Rasaq Sep 18, 2016 Link to comment
Nicely written.
2 Annette MellonGT Ohh
Reply
4 peter Sep 17, 2016 Link to comment
Now ,everything is more cleare,thanks for your desctibtion
0
Reply
8 chayusiro Jul 19, 2016 Link to comment
Thank you so much for your explanation. It's kind of like the android cleaner and eraser, right?
0
Reply
1 Willie J Mackey Jul 16, 2016 Link to comment
I am still uncomfortable with clearing data from Google / HTC / T-Mobile apps. A national pharmacy app had accumulated 10 Gb of data, so that definitely was cleared. (too many weekly ads w/graphics) I just have to re-enter username, password, favorite store, etc.
Google Play services = 132 Mb, Google App = 92Mb, Google+ = 50 Mb. What is the danger of clearing this data?
0
Reply
4 Sneha Capoor Jul 15, 2016 Link to comment
That is the best deciption that I have ever seen for how to clear cache in android phone.
1 Annette Mellon
Reply
1 Shawn Schoenherr Jun 22, 2016 Link to comment
Helped out a great deal, thank you do much!!!!! :-)
0
Reply
1 Kate Slattery May 31, 2016 Link to comment
That was awesome! Even though I already knew the difference, the article was written so well I wish everything in life could be explained that wonderfully :)
0
Reply
1 Playful Jaydog May 29, 2016 Link to comment
I love my Galaxy too! I just got it this month & already marvel at how I lived without it for so long! It's harder to text on tho. I was a real speed demon on my flip-top! LOL
0
Reply
Show all comments
Write a comment!
Best Android apps
Best Android games
What is clearing the app cache?
The cache is the temporary storage area of a device, which retains certain kinds of data. The aim of this is to speed up how quickly and smoothly your device operates and reduce how much data is processed and consumed.
After restarting your phone, have you ever noticed how slow your camera app is to open at first, while each subsequent attempt is quicker? The increase in speed after the initial launch of an app is thanks to this cached data. Similarly, you might find that websites load faster on a second visit. Once again, this is because files such as images have been previously stored in the cache.
There is often no need to manually manage cached data: Android is very capable of doing this on its own. However, if an app starts to misbehave or stop working, then you may wish to manually take this step.
Going to Settings > Storage > Cached data gives you a one-tap solution for removing cached data. / © AndroidPIT
When you clear an app's cached data, you remove the temporary files placed there, and you'd be surprised how often this simple step works. You should also note, however, that it doesn't guarantee better performance, and the app may even be temporarily slower the next time it's used.
What does 'clear app data' mean?
Clearing app data is a more severe (for want of a better word) step. While the cache can be cleared with little risk to app settings, preferences and saved states, clearing the app data will delete/remove these entirely.
Clearing data resets an app to its default state: it makes your app act like when you first downloaded and installed it. For example, say you make changes to the settings of your favorite fitness app. You change the length of exercises and sound settings. Clearing the cache will not affect these saved settings. Clearing stored data, may – and in all likelihood – will.
Clearing app data is simple, but it will delete all your in-app preferences and settings. / © AndroidPIT
When should they be applied?
There are a few circumstances in which you may wish to clear app or cached data. Firstly, to save storage space. Some apps can store gigabytes of data that you no longer need (podcast apps are often guilty of this). In this case, you may wish to clear their data.
The other, and more common, reason is to reset an app to a default state if it has become problematic, buggy or otherwise disruptive.
How do I clear app or cached data?
I recommend doing preventative cache cleanings from time to time, and when you do it, do it from the list of apps with the most data. In order to do this:
Go to the Settings Menu
Click on Apps
Find the All tab
Choose an app that is taking up a lot of space
Click the button Clear Cache. If you're running Android 6.0 Marshmallow on your device then you'll need to click on Storage and then Clear Cache.
Clear each app's cache separately. / © AndroidPIT
However, this only works to clean one app. In order to clean the cache of every app at the same time, follow the steps below:
Go to Settings
Click on Storage > Cache Data or Saved Data
A screen will ask for confirmation to remove everything stored within the caches. Confirm and save to remove the content.
For individual tutorials for specific devices, you can search the AndroidPIT website.
A word on "performance-boosting" apps
There are many apps that claim to "boost device performance" but often this just isn't true. In many cases, these apps merely provide a one-touch button for ending processes and clearing the cache, both of which are largely unnecessary on today’s Android platform. You can, and should, do this manually if it is ever required, but don't make it a habit.
Opinion by Scott Adam GordonPerformance boosting apps aren't effective
What do you think?
5050246 participants
A cache is basically a storage area where data or frequently used processes are saved for quicker access in the future. Ultimately, the cache actually saves time and avoids unnecessary use of hardware on your phone. So, cleaning your app when your phone is running slowly or the memory is full could seem like the best option in the short run, but it could have consequences in the long term, which is why you shouldn't do it too often.
Final thoughts
There is no “better” or “worse” option when it comes to clearing the cache and clearing app data. Both processes have their own purpose.
Your first step towards fixing a problematic app should be clearing the cache, as this is the least intrusive method for quickly fixing apps. If that fails, or if you wish to free up a larger volume of storage space, then clear the data. Just remember that anything stored or saved in the app, including audio, video, or image files, will also be removed.
Has that cleared up your concerns regarding app data and cached data? If not, tell us in the comments.
596 Shares
Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Share on Google+ 596 Shares
More from the web
Monterey Park, California: This Company You May Not Have Heard Of Is Disrupting A $200 Billion IndustryEverQuote Insurance Quotes
These 8 Supplements Will Strengthen And Grow Your PhysiqueBodybuilding.com
How I Found Motivation by Ditching Earbuds and Embracing DiscomfortZappos
We Tried HelloFresh: Here's What HappenedPopdust for HelloFresh
by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links
26 comments
Write a comment!
Write new comment:
SubmitCancel
1 Andre Cahya 1 week ago Link to comment
In a chatting app like Facebook Messenger, if I clear it's data, would all the messages be deleted permanently? even if we open it from browser?
0
Reply
1 Jim 9 months ago Link to comment
Does clearing the app cache delete your text/mms messages?
0
Reply
1 GXP 8 months ago Link to comment
It shouldn't, since you can access your texts through a number of texting apps.
0
Reply
20 Parvind Chahal 9 months ago Link to comment
best article in recent months.... hats off u
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
I have rooted my phone and installed TWRP as recovery.
Sometimes I go in rec.mode and clear the cache partition wiping cache from all apps at once.
0
Reply
1 Ramy Ghanem 10 months ago Link to comment
So the updates are also removed ?
0
Reply
17 Jerry's W. 9 months ago Link to comment
no.
Read article again, or:
clearing cache can be done any time when you feel app becomes slow.
Clearing data from app I only can imagine you have made wrong settings in app and want to "reset" the app like you had it just after installing first time.
0
Reply
1 Mhamad Kazem 9 months ago Link to comment
No
0
Reply
3 Y Abusitta 10 months ago Link to comment
Thanks,
Very informative and nicely written.
0
Reply
1 Sophia Williams Oct 17, 2016 Link to comment
Go to the
“Settings”.
Click on the “storage” option.
Click on “cached data”.
A pop up window will be open on your screen.To delete the cached data, click on the “OK” button.The data will be erased.
0
Reply
2 Käb Dâw Sep 26, 2016 Link to comment
nice
0
Reply
2 Rohit Sharma Sep 20, 2016 Link to comment
Nice one! Got it
0
Reply
4 Opeyemi Rasaq Sep 18, 2016 Link to comment
Nicely written.
2 Annette MellonGT Ohh
Reply
4 peter Sep 17, 2016 Link to comment
Now ,everything is more cleare,thanks for your desctibtion
0
Reply
8 chayusiro Jul 19, 2016 Link to comment
Thank you so much for your explanation. It's kind of like the android cleaner and eraser, right?
0
Reply
1 Willie J Mackey Jul 16, 2016 Link to comment
I am still uncomfortable with clearing data from Google / HTC / T-Mobile apps. A national pharmacy app had accumulated 10 Gb of data, so that definitely was cleared. (too many weekly ads w/graphics) I just have to re-enter username, password, favorite store, etc.
Google Play services = 132 Mb, Google App = 92Mb, Google+ = 50 Mb. What is the danger of clearing this data?
0
Reply
4 Sneha Capoor Jul 15, 2016 Link to comment
That is the best deciption that I have ever seen for how to clear cache in android phone.
1 Annette Mellon
Reply
1 Shawn Schoenherr Jun 22, 2016 Link to comment
Helped out a great deal, thank you do much!!!!! :-)
0
Reply
1 Kate Slattery May 31, 2016 Link to comment
That was awesome! Even though I already knew the difference, the article was written so well I wish everything in life could be explained that wonderfully :)
0
Reply
1 Playful Jaydog May 29, 2016 Link to comment
I love my Galaxy too! I just got it this month & already marvel at how I lived without it for so long! It's harder to text on tho. I was a real speed demon on my flip-top! LOL
0
Reply
Show all comments
Write a comment!
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