Android users experiencing sluggish performance or app glitches can often resolve these issues instantly by clearing their app and browser cache. Despite the performance upgrades in Google's latest OS update, accumulated temporary data remains a common culprit for device lag.
This guide details the essential steps to reclaim speed and storage space on Pixel and other Android devices.
The quick fix for laggy devices
While Android 16 introduced significant "Material You" design changes and system-level optimizations earlier this summer, legacy data can still bog down even the newest hardware. "Cache" consists of temporary files that apps save to load faster, but over time, these files can become corrupted or outdated, leading to crashes and slow response times.
Tech experts recommend a targeted cache clear as a primary troubleshooting step before resorting to drastic measures like factory resets. This simple maintenance task forces apps to rebuild fresh, error-free temporary files.
Step-by-step: Clearing individual app cache
For specific apps that are crashing or taking up excessive storage, the process in Android 16 remains straightforward but effective.
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Navigate to app settings: Open your device Settings, select Storage, and then tap Apps. (If your manufacturer hides this, simply search for "Apps" in the settings bar).
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Select the app: Choose the specific application you want to troubleshoot. Focus on data-heavy apps like social media platforms or video streaming services.
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Wipe the cache: Tap Storage and cache and select the Clear cache button.
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Warning: Avoid tapping "Clear storage" or "Clear data" unless you intend to reset the app entirely, which will delete your login details and personal settings.
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Using Google Files for a system-wide clean
Android 16 integrates smarter storage management through the Google Files app. This tool identifies unused files and clutter automatically.
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Open the Files app.
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Access the menu (three lines in the top-left) and select Clean.
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Review the automated suggestions, such as "unused apps" or "large files," and confirm the deletion to free up space globally.
Optimizing chrome for speed
Browser cache is often the largest consumer of temporary storage. To refresh Google Chrome on Android 16:
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Open history: Launch Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, and select History.
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Select data: Tap Clear browsing data.
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Customize the wipe: Ensure Cached images and files is checked. You can uncheck "Cookies and site data" if you wish to remain logged into your accounts.
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Confirm: Tap Clear data to finish the process.
Frequently asked questions
Will this delete my personal data? No. Clearing the cache only removes temporary files (like thumbnail images or pre-loaded scripts). Your saved games, login passwords, and photos remain safe.
How often should this be done? Routine maintenance every three to six months is ideal. However, you should clear the cache immediately if a specific app begins to crash or freeze.
Does this actually improve speed? Yes. By removing corrupted files, the processor spends less time trying to read bad data, and freeing up storage space allows the operating system to run more efficiently.
