Key takeaways:
- Clearing the cache partition can help free up storage space and improve performance on Android Oreo devices
- You can clear the cache partition from Recovery Mode without affecting personal data
- Android Oreo introduced new storage management features that reduce the need for manual cache clearing
- You can also clear app caches individually from the Apps section in Settings
Android devices use cached data to improve performance and load frequently accessed information quickly. Over time, this cached data can build up and take a significant amount of storage space. If you’re running low on storage or experiencing performance issues on your Android Oreo device, clearing the cache partition can help. Here’s what you need to know about clearing the cache partition on Android 8.0 Oreo.
Table of Contents
What is the Cache Partition?
Android devices have a dedicated cache partition that stores temporary system and app data. This includes things like system updates, app components, and web browser data. The cache partition is separate from your user data partition, so clearing it won’t delete your personal files, photos, or app data.
Why Clear the Cache Partition?
There are a few reasons you might want to clear the cache partition on your Android Oreo device:
- Free up storage space: If your device is low on storage, clearing cached data can help reclaim some space. This is especially useful if you don’t have an SD card slot for expandable storage.
- Improve performance: If your device feels sluggish or apps are crashing, old cached data could be the culprit. Clearing the cache partition gives your device a fresh start.
- Fix system issues: In rare cases, corrupted cached data can cause problems with the Android operating system. Clearing the cache partition can help resolve these issues.
How to Clear the Cache Partition on Android Oreo
The process for clearing the cache partition varies slightly by device, but here are the general steps:
- Turn off your Android device
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Android logo or your device vibrates
- Use the volume buttons to scroll to “Recovery Mode” and press the Power button to select it
- In Recovery Mode, use the volume buttons to scroll to “Wipe Cache Partition” and press Power to select
- Confirm by scrolling to “Yes” and pressing Power
- Once complete, select the “Reboot System Now” option
Your device will reboot and the cache partition will be cleared. The first boot may take a bit longer as the system rebuilds caches.
Android Oreo Storage Improvements
With the release of Android 8.0 Oreo, Google made some changes to how the operating system manages cached data. Oreo introduced a new feature called “Streaming OS Updates” which aims to reduce storage usage during system updates.
Instead of downloading the entire update package and caching it on the device, Oreo devices can install updates “on the fly” as the data is downloaded. This reduces the amount of cached update data taking up space on your device.
Oreo also added “Smart Storage” which automatically removes backed up photos and videos if your device is low on space. You can configure Smart Storage in the Settings app under Storage.
Clearing App Caches in Android Oreo
In addition to the system cache partition, individual apps also cache data to improve performance. You can clear app caches one at a time if a particular app is misbehaving or taking up too much space. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap “Apps & Notifications” then “See all X apps”
- Tap the app you want to clear the cache for
- Tap “Storage”
- Tap “Clear Cache”
Keep in mind that clearing an app’s cache may sign you out of the app or remove offline content. App data and logins are preserved, but you may need to wait for content to re-sync.
FAQ
Will clearing the cache partition delete my data?
No, clearing the cache partition only removes temporary system and app files. Your personal data, apps, and media are stored separately and will not be affected.
Is it safe to clear the cache partition?
Yes, clearing the cache partition is a safe, non-destructive troubleshooting step. In fact, some device manufacturers recommend clearing the cache partition after a major system update.
How often should I clear the cache partition?
For most users, clearing the cache partition isn’t a regular maintenance task. You really only need to clear the cache if you’re troubleshooting performance issues or your device is critically low on storage.
Can I automate cache clearing on Android Oreo?
Android doesn’t provide a built-in way to automatically clear the cache partition. However, you can use third-party device maintenance apps to automate clearing app caches if desired. Be cautious when using cleaner apps though, as overly aggressive cleaning can negatively impact performance and battery life.
Clearing the cache partition on your Android Oreo device is a helpful troubleshooting step if you’re low on storage space or experiencing performance issues. The process is straightforward and won’t impact your personal data. And with the storage management improvements introduced in Oreo, you may find that manual cache clearing is needed less often.
