The difference between Clear cache and Clear storage (data) on Android, what each removes and when to use which.
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.
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.
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.
Settings > Apps > select the app > Storage & cache, with the buttons Clear cache and Clear storage. Names can differ slightly between manufacturers.
Note: Rain Cleaner for Android shows where the space went and cleans only after you confirm.
Last updated: 2026-10-08
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