There are two irrefutable facts: the cache and cookies have their mission on an Android phone and its absence would have detrimental consequences on the user experience. But at the same time, they require some maintenance. More precisely, it is good to remove them from time to time.
In this article we are not going to delve into the definition of cache, nor what a cookie is, but rather their similarities and differences and how, whichever one we are talking about, you have to clean them from time to time. Because a little cache and cookies is good, but too much can have harmful consequences.
Cookie vs cache: a practical explanation
What is the difference between cache and cookies? In both cases, we are dealing with two types of temporary storage of data used by applications (in the case of cookies, a browser remains an application) to improve performance and user experience. And here are the similarities. Although both serve important functions, they differ in what they store and their effects.
So the cache saves application data and files which we use frequently on the device. In the case of cookies, what they store are small browser text files and there are different types: technical or necessary, performance or analysis, advertising or marketing.
Applied to a browser, when you enter a website, the cache will store elements such as images, scripts, style sheets, etc., so that they can be load faster next time we come back to this page. In the case of cookies, they optimize the functioning of the website (technical cookies) and save user preferences and settings, such as login information, language or shopping cart content.
Simply put, cookies allow the website to identify us and what we have done previously. This makes it easier for us to have this more personalized experience if we come back
The data s tored in the cache can take up valuable space (especially if we have a device with little basic storage) and if it fills up too much it can affect performance, which you will suffer more from if you have a mobile of entry level. . On another side, Too many cookies can pose a privacy problem
So when let’s clear the cache Loading this website (or another app) may initially cost more, but we won’t lose our preferences or have to log in again. This happens when we delete cookies: When you access a website again, it will be necessary to log in and configure the available options again. In addition, we have the option of not accepting certain cookies, while others, such as technical cookies, will not be possible.
How to Clear Cache and Cookies on an Android Device
To clear the cache of an application, simply follow the following path: ‘Settings’ > ‘Storage’ > ‘Other apps’ or since ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps & notifications’ and there enter the application that we want to clean. Once inside we tap on Storage and cache and tap on ‘Empty the cache’.
To clear the cache of the browser whatever it is, we will have to enter it and enter its settings. In the case of Chrome (Android’s default browser), these are the three points. In the section ‘advanced settings‘we play’confidentiality‘ > ‘Clear browsing data‘ and once inside we select ‘Cookies and site data’ and finally click on ‘Delete data.
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