Is cache cleaner necessary for Android?
What is Cache on Android?
Cache is a temporary storage location on Android devices where frequently used data, app files, copies of web pages, images, and other resources are stored for quick access (https://learn.g2.com/what-is-cached-data). There are a few different types of cache on Android:
– App cache – Stores temporary app data and files that apps need to run smoothly and load quickly. Clearing app cache can help free up storage space.
– Browser cache – Stores website files like images, scripts, and web pages so they load faster on future visits. Clearing browser cache can free up space and fix browser issues.
– Dalvik cache – Stores frequently used parts of apps that are compiled into Android’s Dalvik executable format. Typically handled automatically.
The purpose of cache is to improve performance. By storing frequently accessed data and files locally on the device, apps and websites can load much faster compared to having to freshly download or generate everything on each use. This provides a smoother, more responsive user experience.
The Purpose of Cache Cleaners
Cache cleaners are apps that are designed to clear cached data from an Android device. Cached data includes things like temporary files, browsing history, cookies, and unused app data. Cache cleaners claim to improve device performance by deleting this unneeded cached information (source).
Some common claims about cache cleaner apps include:
- Faster app launch times since less cached app data needs to be loaded.
- Speedier web browsing due to clearing browsing history and cookies.
- Recovering storage space by removing temporary files and unused app cache data.
- Better battery life from having less background processes using cached data.
- Overall smoother and more responsive performance.
Most cache cleaner apps promise to optimize Android devices by removing unnecessary cached files and data. However, whether these apps truly improve real-world performance is debated.
When Cache Builds Up
Over time, the cache files on an Android device can grow quite large, taking up significant storage space. There are a few key causes of cache buildup on Android:
Apps frequently update resources and data that gets cached like images, videos, and audio files. The more an app is used, the larger its cache grows (Source). Cached data from apps like social media, games, and streaming services can quickly consume storage.
Browser cache from sites visited and media accessed online also accumulates. This data makes pages load faster on repeat visits but isn’t always cleared out automatically (Source).
Uninstalled app data often remains in the cache. Android doesn’t always delete the cache for apps that have been removed (Source).
As the cache fills up, users may notice declining performance like lag, freezes, crashes, and unresponsive apps. Storage space also dwindles, preventing the installation of apps, updates, media files, and more. Periodically clearing the cache can help optimize Android devices.
The Downsides of Cache Cleaners
One of the main potential downsides of cache cleaners is that they can delete cached data that is still useful. As explained in the “What is Cache on Android?” section, cached data allows apps to launch and run more quickly by storing common files and data locally. Repeatedly clearing the cache can mean apps need to re-download or re-generate this data, slowing things down.
As noted in this analysis, “For day to day use, it’s detrimental to clear the cache because the phone will have to use processing power, battery and data to perform an operation all over again when it could have just accessed the locally saved temporary internet files.” (Source)
In addition, cache cleaners that run automatically or very frequently can end up slowing your device down over time by repeatedly clearing out the cache. As one expert points out, “Removing the cache, again and again, will slow down your device eventually.” (Source) This constant cache clearing means apps need to repopulate their cached data, using extra processing power, battery life, and data each time.
Manual Cache Cleaning
Android allows you to manually clear the cache for individual apps to free up space. Here are the steps to clear cache data for any app on your device:
1. Go to Settings > Apps or Application Manager.
2. Tap on the app you want to clear the cache for.
3. Select Storage or Storage & Cache.
4. Tap Clear Cache or Clear Data to delete the app’s temporary cache files.
This will remove any temporary files stored by the app without deleting your personal data or login information. You can do this for any apps taking up too much storage space.
To clear the browser cache in Chrome for Android, open the app and tap the three dot menu > History > Clear Browsing Data. Make sure “Cached images and files” is checked before tapping Clear Data. This will remove any web pages, images, files temporarily stored by Chrome to free up space.
Manually clearing cache for individual apps is an easy way to free up storage without deleting important app data or requiring any extra cache cleaner apps.
Android’s Built-In Optimization
Android operating systems already have built-in features to help optimize and manage cache automatically without requiring a separate app. For example, starting with Android 8.0 Oreo, the system can clear cached data from apps that have not been used for a long time in order to free up storage space (source). The operating system removes cached data from unused apps on its own.
In addition, Android also periodically optimizes apps automatically through background optimization and app standby. Background optimization identifies apps that haven’t been opened in a long time and clears their cached data. App standby limits background activity and network access for inactive apps in order to conserve battery and optimize performance. These features help manage cache effectively without needing to install a separate cleaner app.
Overall, Android has robust built-in optimization that clears unnecessary cached files and limits resource usage from inactive apps. For most users under normal conditions, the system can handle cache management automatically without requiring a dedicated cleaner app.
Best Practices for Cache Management
Android is designed to effectively manage cache files on its own without requiring the use of third-party cache cleaner apps. Here are some best practices for allowing Android to handle cache optimally:
Let Android manage cache itself. The operating system is designed to clear cached data as needed to free up storage space. Manually clearing cache, especially for system apps, can cause instability.
Only clear cache for problematic apps. If a specific app is misbehaving, you can try clearing its cache as troubleshooting. But avoid routinely clearing cache for all apps.
Restart your phone occasionally. A reboot helps clear memory and allows Android to clean up and optimize itself. You don’t need to do it daily, but a weekly restart can be beneficial.
Rely on Android’s built-in optimization. Features like Storage manager help automatically clear unused cache, downloads, and other files. Letting Android handle this itself is better than using a third-party app.
Update apps and Android OS. Keeping your system up-to-date helps ensure peak performance and efficiency.
Close background apps. Swipe apps out of recent apps view to free up RAM and allow better cache management.
While cache cleaners promise improved speed and storage, they can often do more harm than good. Trust Android to take care of cache effectively.
Signs You Really Need a Cache Cleaner
In most cases, manually clearing the cache for apps causing issues is sufficient. However, there are some instances where a dedicated cache cleaning app becomes necessary:
If you find your device constantly slowing down or apps crashing frequently even after manually clearing cache and data, a cache cleaner may help identify and clean corrupted cache files the system misses. According to Android Police, cache cleaners dig deeper than manual cleaning to remove stubborn cached data.
Cache cleaners can also help diagnose performance issues by showing which apps are caching the most data. If a particular misbehaving app appears at the top of the list frequently, that provides a clue about what’s causing the problems.
In these troubleshooting situations, a cache cleaner gives more control and visibility than manual cleaning alone. But cache cleaners should still only be used as-needed, not as regular maintenance.
Top Cache Cleaner Apps
There are several high quality cache cleaner apps available for Android that can help keep your device running smoothly by removing unnecessary cached files and data. Three top options to consider are:
CCleaner
CCleaner (https://www.ccleaner.com/ccleaner/download/standard) is one of the most popular cache cleaner apps for Android. It thoroughly cleans cached app data, browsing history, call logs, system junk files, and more. CCleaner offers both automatic and manual cleaning options. The app is free with optional in-app purchases to unlock additional features.
1Tap Cleaner
1Tap Cleaner (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.a0soft.gphone.acc.pro) provides a simple one-tap solution to clean up cached and residual files taking up space on your device. It scans storage and memory for unnecessary data like app caches, ad junk, installation packages and more. 1Tap Cleaner is free with ads or available without ads via in-app purchase.
AVG Cleaner
AVG Cleaner (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avg.cleaner) offers advanced junk cleaning and memory optimization. It cleans app cache, browsing history, call logs, system junk, residual files, duplicate photos, and more. AVG Cleaner also includes options to monitor battery life, storage space, RAM usage, and more. The basic app is free with ads, or ad-free via in-app purchase.
Conclusion
In summary, cache on Android devices serves an important purpose in improving performance and responsiveness. Although cache buildup can sometimes cause issues, cache cleaner apps are generally unnecessary for most users.
Manual cache cleaning through your device settings or individual app settings is sufficient for controlling cache. Android also has its own built-in optimization features that clear out cache automatically. Using cache cleaner apps routinely can actually have negative impacts.
The best practice is to only use a cache cleaner app if you are experiencing noticeable lag or performance issues that can be clearly tied to an overabundance of cached data. Even then, first try manual cleaning or uninstalling problematic apps before resorting to cleaner apps.
For most Android users, cache cleaner apps provide little to no benefit and some risks. Manual cache management as needed, allowing Android’s built-in optimization to work, and monitoring your device’s performance are better approaches for the majority of users.