How to clear your Android cache and cookies.

Over time, your Android device collects temporary data like cache and cookies to make apps and websites load faster. However, clearing this data periodically can help free up space, improve performance and protect your privacy.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily clear your Android cache, remove cookies and keep your device running smoothly.

Before diving into how to clear them, let’s break down what cache and cookies are and how they work on your Android device.

What is cache?

Cache refers to temporary data stored by apps and websites on your device to help them perform faster and more efficiently. When you visit a website or use an app, certain elements—like images, scripts or videos—are saved in the cache so they don’t have to be downloaded again the next time you use them.

Examples of cached data

• Images from a frequently visited website
• App layouts or animations
• Video thumbnails in a streaming app

How cache helps

• Speeds up loading times: Cached data reduces the time it takes to load an app or webpage.
• Improves performance: Apps and websites can deliver a smoother user experience by using pre-stored data.

Drawbacks of cache

While cache improves performance, it can also:

• Consume storage space over time
• Contain outdated or corrupt files that may cause issues

What are cookies?

Cookies are small files created by websites and stored on your device when you visit them. They contain information about your interactions with the site, such as login details, browsing activity or personalised settings.

Types of cookies

1. Session cookies: Temporary cookies that are deleted when you close your browser.
2. Persistent cookies: Cookies that stay on your device until they expire or are manually deleted.

How cookies help

• Save preferences: Websites remember your language, theme, or other settings for future visits.
• Streamline logins: Cookies allow you to stay signed into your favourite websites.
• Track activity: Cookies help websites understand how you interact with them, often for analytics or personalized ads.

Drawbacks of cookies

While cookies are useful, they can:

• Pose privacy concerns if they track sensitive information
• Accumulate and affect browser performance over time

Key differences between cache and cookies:

Clearing your cache and cookies is essential for maintaining your Android device’s performance and privacy. Here’s a closer look at why this simple task is so important:

1. Free up storage space

Cached data and cookies can accumulate over time, taking up valuable storage on your device. Clearing this data can free up space for apps, photos or other files you need.

2. Improve app and browser performance

Sometimes, outdated cache files can cause apps or websites to behave unexpectedly. Clearing the cache removes these outdated files, helping resolve issues like:

• Apps crashing or freezing
• Websites loading incorrectly or slowly
• Difficulty accessing updated content on apps or websites

3. Protect your privacy

Cookies often store sensitive data like login credentials, preferences and browsing history. While this can be convenient, it may also expose your information if accessed by others. Clearing cookies reduces the risk of:

• Personal data being tracked by websites
• Unauthorised access to saved account details

4. Fix common issues

If an app or website isn’t functioning as expected, clearing cache and cookies is often a quick fix. It helps eliminate corrupted or conflicting data that might be causing the problem.

5. Optimise device speed

When your Android device is bogged down by unnecessary cached files, it can slow down overall performance. Regularly clearing cache ensures your device runs at its best, providing a smoother experience.

6. Reset preferences safely

Cookies store your preferences for websites, which is convenient but not always ideal if you want a fresh start. Clearing cookies allows you to reset your browsing preferences and settings.

By clearing your cache and cookies regularly, you can enjoy a cleaner, faster and more private Android experience while minimising common performance hiccups.

Here’s how to clear the cache for apps and browsers on your Android device:

Clearing app cache

1. Open Settings
• Go to the Settings app on your Android device
2. Navigate to Apps
• Tap App or Apps and notifications (varies by device)
3. Select the app
• Choose the app you want to clear the cache for
4. Clear cache
• Tap Storage and Cache, then select Clear Cache

Repeat this for any other apps causing issues or taking up too much space.

To clear cookies from your Android browser, follow these steps:

Clearing cookies in Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome
• Launch the Chrome browser on your Android device
2. Access Settings
• Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Settings
3. Go to Privacy and Security
• Scroll down and tap Privacy and Security
4. Clear browsing data
• Select Clear browsing data
5. Choose Cookies and Data
• Check the box for Cookies and site data and any other data you want to clear, like browsing history or cached images
6. Clear data
• Tap Clear Data and you’re done

Clearing your cache and cookies isn’t something you need to do every day, but there are key situations where it can help improve performance, free up space and maintain privacy.

Here’s a detailed look at when you should consider clearing this data on your Android device:

1. When your device feels slow

If your Android device is running sluggishly, apps are taking longer to load or websites aren’t responding quickly, it could be due to an overloaded cache. Clearing cached data can help refresh your device and speed things up.

2. When apps or websites misbehave

Cached files can sometimes become outdated or corrupted, causing issues like:

• Apps crashing or freezing unexpectedly.
• Websites not displaying properly.
• Problems loading updated content (e.g., an app showing old information).

Clearing the cache can resolve these conflicts by removing outdated or conflicting files.

3. When storage space is running low

Over time, cache and cookies can take up significant storage on your device, especially for apps and browsers that you use frequently. If you notice your storage filling up, clearing the cache is a quick way to reclaim space without affecting your essential files.

4. After visiting untrusted websites

If you’ve recently browsed websites you’re unsure about, clearing cookies and cached data can help remove any potentially harmful tracking cookies or stored information from your device.

5. When you want to maintain privacy

Cookies store sensitive data, like login credentials or browsing history. If you share your device with others or want to prevent websites from tracking your activity, clearing cookies periodically can help safeguard your privacy.

6. When diagnosing performance issues

If you’re troubleshooting an app or browser problem, clearing cache and cookies is often one of the first steps recommended. It eliminates temporary files and allows the app or website to load fresh data, often fixing minor issues.

7. Periodically for regular maintenance

Even if you’re not experiencing problems, it’s a good idea to clear cache and cookies every few weeks or months as part of routine maintenance. This ensures your device stays clutter-free and optimised.

8. After major app updates or system changes

When apps or Android itself receive a big update, cached data from the previous version might no longer be compatible. Clearing the cache ensures your apps and system are working with updated, relevant files.

9. Before selling or giving away your device

If you’re planning to sell or pass on your Android device, clearing cookies and cache (along with a factory reset) helps remove your personal data, ensuring your accounts and preferences aren’t accessible to the next user.

By regularly clearing cache and cookies, you ensure that your Android device stays fast, secure and clutter-free. Now that you know how to clear the cache, remove cookies on Android and maintain your device, it’s easy to stay in control of your data and performance.

For more helpful tips, visit Android Help Center.