Galaxy Note 6: How to Clear Cache

To clear the cache on a Samsung Galaxy Note 6, go to Settings > Device maintenance > Storage > Clean now to remove temporary files, or clear a single app’s cache via Settings > Apps > [App] > Storage > Clear cache. You can also wipe the system cache partition from Recovery Mode, which is the most thorough method and often fixes lag or battery drain.

What Is Cache and Why Clear It?

Cache files are temporary data that apps and the Android system store to speed up loading times. For example, a photo app keeps thumbnails, a browser stores page elements, and the system stores update remnants. Over time, these files can become corrupted or accumulate to gigabytes, slowing down the phone or causing app crashes. Clearing cache does not delete your personal data like photos, messages, or app settings—it only removes the temporary files that can be rebuilt. This is different from “Clear data,� which wipes app settings and sign-in info.

Method 1: Clear All Cache via Device Maintenance

This is the quickest way to free up space without affecting any personal files.

Open Settings (the gear icon in the notification shade or app drawer).
Scroll to and tap Device maintenance (it may be labeled “Device care� on some versions).
Tap Storage.
Tap Clean now or Clean. This removes temporary files, residual files, and cached data from all apps.

The phone will show how much space was freed. This method is safe and can be done weekly. It does not log you out of any app or delete downloads.

Method 2: Clear Cache for a Single App

When one specific app misbehaves—say, the camera freezes or a game crashes—clearing just that app’s cache is targeted and faster.

Go to Settings > Apps (or “Applications�).
Scroll to the problem app and tap it.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear cache (not “Clear data�).

If the app still crashes after this, you can try “Clear data� as a last resort, but that will sign you out and reset the app to default. Always back up important in-app data first.

Method 3: Wipe the System Cache Partition (Recovery Mode)

This method clears the system-wide cache that normal settings can’t touch. It’s useful if the phone is sluggish, battery drains fast, or you just installed a system update. It does not delete any personal files.

Power off the phone completely.
Press and hold Volume Up + Home + Power simultaneously (if the Home button doesn’t work, try Volume Up + Power).
Release all buttons when the Android logo appears, then wait for the Recovery Menu to load.
Use the volume keys to navigate to “Wipe cache partition�.
Press the Power button to select it.
Confirm with “Yes� when prompted.
When the process finishes, select “Reboot system now�.

This takes about a minute and is a standard troubleshooting step for many Android devices. It’s safe, but if you’re unsure, you can skip it and use Method 1.

How to Choose the Right Method

Pick based on what you’re experiencing:

Phone feels slow overall → Use Method 1 (Device maintenance) first, then Method 3 if needed.
One app keeps crashing → Use Method 2 for that app.
After a system update, battery drains fast → Method 3 is most effective because it clears leftover update cache.
Storage space is low → Method 1 shows a breakdown, and you can also uninstall unused apps from the same screen.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Many users confuse “clear cache� with “clear data.� Clearing data wipes app credentials, preferences, and offline files—it’s like reinstalling the app. Always tap “Clear cache� unless you intend a factory reset of that app. Another misconception is that clearing cache will delete your photos or contacts—it won’t. Those are stored in internal storage, not cache. Also, don’t clear cache too often; doing it daily can actually slow down apps because they have to rebuild their cache each time. Once a week or when a problem appears is enough.

What to Do If Clearing Cache Doesn’t Help

If the phone is still slow or apps still crash after all three methods, the issue may be deeper:

Update the apps via the Play Store—old versions may have bugs.
Update the system in Settings > Software update.
Check storage space—if less than 1 GB is free, the phone may struggle. Move photos to an SD card or cloud.
Restart the phone in Safe Mode (press and hold Power, then tap and hold “Power off� until the Safe Mode prompt appears) to see if a third-party app is causing the issue.
Factory reset as a last resort—back up everything first because this wipes all data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my photos?

No. Photos, videos, contacts, and messages are stored separately in internal storage or an SD card. Cache only contains temporary files that apps can regenerate.

How often should I clear the cache?

Only when you notice a problem—like lag, crashes, or low storage. Doing it weekly is safe, but daily clearing can make apps slower because they rebuild their cache each time.

Is wiping the cache partition the same as a factory reset?

No. Wiping the cache partition only removes temporary system files. A factory reset (or “wipe data/factory reset� in Recovery Mode) erases all personal data and returns the phone to out-of-box state. Never choose that unless you have a full backup.

Why does the cache come back after clearing?

Apps automatically recreate cache as you use them. That’s normal—cache is meant to speed up loading. If it grows extremely large quickly, an app may have a bug; check which app uses the most cache in Settings > Apps and consider clearing its data or reinstalling it.

Can I clear cache on a Samsung Galaxy Note 6 without a computer?

Yes. All three methods above are done on the phone itself. The Recovery Mode method uses the phone’s buttons, no computer needed.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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