How to Wipe the Cache Partition on Android

This wikiHow teaches you how to wipe your Android’s cache partition using the Settings app or Android Recovery mode.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using the Settings App

  1. Image titled Wipe the Cache Partition on Android Step 1
    1
    Open your Android’s Settings. It’s the gear icon
    Android 7 Settings App
    typically located in the app drawer.
    • This method will not delete your personal files.
  2. Image titled Wipe the Cache Partition on Android Step 2
    2
    Scroll down and tap Storage. This may be called Storage and Memory on some devices.
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  3. Image titled Wipe the Cache Partition on Android Step 3
    3
    Tap Internal Storage. This may be called Phone storage on some devices.
    • If you see a button that says Clear Memory instead, tap it to clear the cache.
  4. Image titled Wipe the Cache Partition on Android Step 4
    4
    Tap Cached data. This may be called Cache on some devices. A pop-up will appear, asking you to confirm that you want to delete cached data for all apps on the device.
  5. Image titled Wipe the Cache Partition on Android Step 5
    5
    Tap OK. In a few moments, all app cache and temporary files will be removed from your device.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Recovery Mode

  1. Image titled Wipe the Cache Partition on Android Step 6
    1
    Power down your Android. On most Androids, this is done by pressing and holding the Power button (usually on the top or left edge of the device) and selecting Power Off.
    • This method will not delete your personal files.
  2. Image titled Turn On an Android Phone Step 5
    2
    Hold down the Power, Home, and Volume Up buttons. If your device doesn’t have a Home button, holding down the other two buttons should work. Release the buttons once you see an Android on the screen.
    • This process varies by device. If this doesn’t ultimately bring you to a screen called Android System Recovery (or something similar), search online for your phone’s model and “recovery mode.”
  3. Image titled Wipe the Cache Partition on Android Step 8
    3
    Use the volume up/down buttons to highlight wipe cache partition.
  4. Image titled Turn On an Android Phone Step 2
    4
    Press the Power button to select it. This starts the process of deleting temporary files and app cache. Once finished, you’ll see a confirmation message informing you that the cache partition is wiped.
    • If prompted, use the volume keys to select Reboot system now, then press the Power button.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I wipe a mobile phone?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In most phones you can wipe data by entering the recovery mode. Steps to enter recovery mode differs from brand to brand, so check online for instructions for your particular model.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 14,549 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: January 25, 2021
Views: 14,549
Categories: Android
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