Cached files are the copies apps keep so they do not re-download the same images and data every time. Over months they grow — social apps happily hoard gigabytes — and a corrupted cache is a top cause of apps crashing, freezing or showing old content. Clearing cache deletes only these temporary copies; your accounts, photos and settings stay.
Clear one app's cache (any Android)
1. Open Settings → Apps (on Samsung: Settings → Apps; on Pixel: Settings → Apps → See all apps). 2. Tap the app. 3. Tap Storage & cache. 4. Tap Clear cache. Done — the app rebuilds what it needs as you use it. The usual suspects worth doing quarterly: Chrome, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify (downloaded music is separate and stays).
Clear Chrome's cache
Open Chrome → the ⋮ menu → History → Clear browsing data. Choose a time range (All time for a real clean-out), check Cached images and files, and tap Clear data. Leave “Passwords” unchecked; check “Cookies” only if you accept being signed out of websites.
“Clear storage / Clear data” is different
That button (next to Clear cache) resets the app completely: accounts, downloads inside the app, settings — everything, as if freshly installed. It is the right nuclear option for an app that will not open or misbehaves after cache clearing, but expect to sign in again. Never press it casually on messaging or banking apps without knowing your login.
See what is eating your storage
Settings → Storage shows a per-category breakdown; Settings → Apps → sort by size shows the worst offenders. On Samsung, Device care → Storage does the same job with friendlier charts. If “Other/System” is huge and growing, a phone restart and an OS update are the usual fixes — caches there are managed by Android itself.
When clearing cache does NOT help
If the app drains battery, the problem is usage or a bad update, not cache. If storage fills again within days, look for offline downloads (Netflix, Spotify, Maps offline areas and WhatsApp media are the classic four) rather than repeating cache clears.