Hideout. This thing. We don’t see it, but there it is, well paired with our smartphones (as in many other devices). The cache of Android mobiles is essential in many times, but useless in many others.
Specifically in the case of the Android operating system, let’s say we are different types of files stored in the cache. On one side we have the applications as culprits, and on the other the system. Let’s see what differences this implies and which of these data can be eliminated (and how).
The cache, in itself, does not imply anything bad
We have to start by remembering what is the cache. It is not a component as such, nor software. It is the name given to a certain section of the ROM memory reserved for the storage of certain data of a temporary nature.
In itself, having files stored in cache is not bad. In addition, it can be very beneficial to optimize performance or save battery and mobile data. An example of elements that are stored in the cache are the images of a web page, this being useful so that when reloading the page in question, it is done more quickly.
The problem occurs when too many of these files accumulate and they end up taking up a lot of space in the device memory. More when they are not needed because, continuing with the previous example, we do not need to return to this web page.
Returning to the file types that are stored in the cache, we find that applications have two formulas for storing temporary files. On the one hand, they keep some data in RAM as long as the app is open (or started in the background) and on the other hand, they keep some data whether the app is closed or not, which goes into the ROMs.
We also find the The Android system’s own cache. In essence, it serves the same purpose as applications, but in relation to the operating system itself, ensuring good performance and that all processes run smoothly.
Application cache is most relevant and can be easily cleared
If you are determined to completely clear the cache of your mobile, you must know how to do it. If what you want is delete temporary cache stored in RAM You will only have to close the application and restart the mobile. When you turn the terminal back on, all those files will be gone, only appearing if you open it again or if it runs on its own on startup (you can control that as well).
If what you want is clear the cache that is stored in the mobile ROMThe process to do this is very simple:
- Open the mobile settings and enter the “Applications” section.
- Locate the app whose cache you want to clear and click on it.
- Now enter the “Storage and cache” section of the application.
- Click ‘Clear Cache’ (important not to confuse it with ‘Clear Storage’, which will delete all app data, although it won’t uninstall it).
As you will have seen, this is quite a tedious process, since it requires going application by application. To make a deep cleaning of all applications simultaneously It is convenient to use applications dedicated to it. Google’s native, called Google Files, can be used for this from its “Clean” section.
On the other hand, it must be said that the system cache is emptied automatically. Doing it manually is not only something that is not recommended because it will jeopardize the proper functioning of the device, but it is also not easy.
To do this, it would be necessary to access the system cache partition, which could be done from Android recovery mode, but this it hasn’t been accessible for a long time. Therefore, it is better to entrust everything to the automation that the system has going for it and eliminate that of applications with relative frequency (when we see that it is getting out of control and taking a lot.
Cover image | Sergeitokmakov on Pixabay | freepik
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