How To Clear The Cache Partition On Samsung Galaxy

If you are experiencing a problem with your Samsung phone or tablet, one of the troubleshooting steps that we usually recommend is to clear the Cache Partition. This is often suggested especially if the issue occurs right after an update although you are also welcome to try it in fixing most Samsung troubles. 

If it’s your first time to hear about this potential solution, continue reading to know what a system cache is and where it’s stored. We will also show you the step-by-step instructions on how to perform the cache partition wipe below.

Why refresh the system cache?

Samsung Galaxy devices are some of the Android phones and tablets that use a cache partition to store a system cache. This cache is a set of temporary files that Android uses in order to perform tasks efficiently.

Such files are usually used often so instead of downloading them from somewhere every time they’re needed, Android stores them in a separate portion in the storage device called cache partition for faster access. If you wipe the cache partition, the system will rebuild the cache again over time.

Sometimes, a major software update or app installation may affect the system cache and cause it to become corrupted. This, in turn, can result in problems so wiping the cache partition may help. 

Steps to clear the Cache Partition on a Samsung Galaxy

Estimate Cost : 0

Time Needed : 7 minutes

If your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet is not working properly, you can either wipe the cache partition or perform a master reset. Both of these procedures are done within Recovery Mode but each one clears a different portion or partition of the phone storage.

Unlike master reset though, cache partition wipe won’t delete your personal data so it can be done anytime without worrying to backup your files first. 

  1. Turn off your Samsung Galaxy.



    This is important as your device won’t boot to Recovery Mode when it’s on. If you are unable to power down the device normally for some reason, wait for the battery to become empty.

    Afterwards, charge the device for at least 30 minutes before proceeding to the next steps below.

  2. Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Power key.



    If your Samsung Galaxy device has the Home button, make sure that you press and hold Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons together.

    Continue pressing and holding the buttons until the Recovery Mode screen comes up.

  3. Release the buttons.



    Once the Android Recovery screen comes up, you can let go of the buttons.

  4. Highlight “Wipe cache partition”.



    Use the Volume Down button to highlight ‘Wipe cache partition.’

  5. Select “Wipe cache partition”.



    Press the Power button to select ‘Wipe cache partition.’

  6. Highlight “Yes”.



    Use Volume Down button to highlight “Yes.”

  7. Select “Yes.



    Press the Power button to confirm “Yes.”

  8. Allow the system to clear the cache.



    Wait for a few moments as the system wipes the cache.

  9. Select “Reboot system now.”



    Press the Power button to reboot the device. This will return the device to the normal interface.

Tools
  • Recovery mode
Materials
  • Samsung Galaxy

Suggested readings:

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Having Issues with your phone? Feel free to contact us using this form. We’ll try to help. We also create videos for those wanting to follow visual instructions. Visit our TheDroidGuy Youtube Channel for troubleshooting.

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George Tsay

Executive editor in charge of The Droid Guy since 2012. Coordinates a group of more than 10 editors and writers based around the world as they cover the latest and greatest products in consumer technology. Grew up and lives in Southern California. Go Bruins. Go Padres. Go Chargers. Find me on Twitter

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