App cache vs app data on Android

On Android, an app's cache is temporary data the app can rebuild, such as thumbnails and downloaded images, while its data (shown as Clear storage or Clear data) is everything the app keeps: accounts, settings, offline files and databases. Clearing the cache is safe; clearing storage resets the app as if newly installed.

1Cache

Apps store cache files in their own cache directory. Android may delete these files by itself when the device runs low on storage, so apps must be able to recreate them. Clearing it frees space and can fix display or loading glitches; the app may start a little slower once.

2Storage (data)

Clear storage deletes the app's files, settings, databases and signed-in accounts on this device. Data that the app syncs to a server, such as cloud-backed messages or email, comes back after signing in; local-only data does not.

3Where the buttons are

Settings > Apps > select the app > Storage & cache, with the buttons Clear cache and Clear storage. Names can differ slightly between manufacturers.

How to clear an app's cache

1. Open Settings > Apps and select the app.
2. Tap Storage & cache.
3. Tap Clear cache.
4. Only if the problem stays and you know what you lose, tap Clear storage.

Related articles

• Freeing up storage on AndroidWhere Android storage goes, the built-in ways to free space, and what to check before deleting photos, downloads or apps.
• Safe mode on AndroidWhat Android safe mode is, how to start it on Pixel, Samsung and other phones, and how to use it to find a problem app.
• App permissions on AndroidHow Android runtime permissions work, how to review them per app or per permission, and what 'only while using the app' means.

Sources

1. Free up storage on your Android device (Android Help) support.google.com
2. Access app-specific files (Android Developers) developer.android.com

Note: Rain Cleaner for Android shows where the space went and cleans only after you confirm.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-08