Android
How to Clear the Cache on Galaxy S9
In this quick guide we’ll show you how to clear the cache on the Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9+. Then, we’ll explain why you’d want to and when you should. We’ll detail the steps for clearing both the app cache and the system cache on the Galaxy S9.
Whether you’re trying to free up space or you’re dealing with Galaxy S9 problems, this is an important step to take. Unlike a factory data reset, wiping the cache partition does not delete any personal data. This simply clears temporary files from your device’s storage and memory.
If you’re wondering what the “cache” is to begin with, let us explain. Each time you use an app it stores files, data, or information to use later, or the next time you open it. This makes your phone faster, and apps run better. For instance, when you load Instagram it caches a lot of the app, including auto-play videos, that way everything is fast, smooth, and instantly loads for you.
However, sometimes the cache takes up too much space or starts to make an app misbehave. As a result, most guides for fixing Galaxy S9 problems mention clearing the cache at some point. We have a similar situation after each big software update too. That’s why clearing the system cache is an important step to keep your phone at optimal performance. It clears out residual leftovers from apps or updates and gives your phone a fresh start. If you didn’t watch our video above, here are the step-by-step instructions.
How to Clear the System Cache on the Galaxy S9
- Turn off the Galaxy S9 or S9+
- Press and hold the Volume Up and Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key (& Hold all three down)
- When you see the Android robot logo (blue screen), release all keys (You’ll see “Installing system update” for 40-60 seconds) Just wait for the Android recovery menu shown below to popup.
- Press the Volume down key to navigate down to “wipe cache partition”
- Tap the Power button to select (enter)
- Press Volume down key to “yes” to confirm this step, and press Power again to start
- When the wipe cache partition is complete (only takes a few seconds), “Reboot system now” is highlighted.
- Tap the Power key to restart your Galaxy S9
This entire process only takes about a minute or so, as long as you the steps above. If it doesn’t load into the recovery turn your phone off and try again. Make sure to hold all three buttons until you see the blue Android, then let go.
As a precaution, don’t select “factory data reset” as that will erase your entire device. Just be careful in here, is all.
How to Clear App Cache on Galaxy S9
Another step you’ll want to learn or do is clearing the cache for specific apps on your phone. This will fix a misbehaving app, or free up space when something like Instagram or Facebook uses too much space. That’s because all of your apps temporarily store information. And slowly, that cache starts to add up and you might run out of space on your phone. Here’s how to clear the cache on each app themselves.
- Head to Settings in the app tray (or tap the gear-shaped setting button in the pulldown bar)
- Select Apps or Applications
- Scroll through the list and find the app you’d like to clear (we chose Instagram)
- Now, tap on Storage
- Select Clear Cache
It’s that simple. Tap “clear cache” for that specific app, and you’re all done. Your Galaxy S9 will erase all of those temporary files and the app should work fine now. Make sure you don’t tap clear data, otherwise it’ll erase everything for that app too. Like settings, preferences, login information or data, and more.
When Should You Clear the Cache?
In closing, you’re probably wondering when you should actually clear the cache for an app, or for your phone. The answer for that is technically never. Most likely you’ll never have to clear any caches on your device. And while it can help after a major update like the Galaxy Android 9.0 P update later this year, you still shouldn’t need to. That said, if an app starts to misbehave or “feel” slow and laggy, this is a good place to start. Clear the cache first, then try uninstalling and reinstalling it.
For more help check out this list of 35 Galaxy S9 tips and tricks. Or, learn how to fix a few other Galaxy S9 problems in this guide.
