How to Wipe the Cache Partition on a Samsung Phone

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Wiping the cache partition removes temporary system files that Android has stored; it does not erase your photos, apps, or personal settings. It can help after a system update or when a phone has minor performance or stability issues, but it is not a guaranteed fix. Before starting, charge your phone, save your work, and check that you can navigate the recovery menu with the volume and power buttons.

What You’ll Need

Your Samsung phone and its charging cable. Some models need a USB connection to a computer or another device before Recovery Mode will open; this is more common on newer models, but behavior varies.
A few minutes and enough battery to restart safely. If the battery is low, charge the phone first.
Your screen lock PIN or password may be needed after restarting, especially if Android asks you to unlock the device following a reboot.

Step-by-Step

Save your work and power off. Close anything you are editing and shut the phone down using the Power menu. If the phone is frozen, hold the Side/Power button and Volume Down together until it restarts or the screen turns off, then continue when it is fully off. Button names and combinations can vary by model.
Connect a cable if needed. If your phone does not enter Recovery Mode using the steps below, connect it by USB to a powered-on computer or another suitable USB device, then try again. On some models, a cable connection is required; on others it is not.
Start Recovery Mode with the buttons. On many recent Galaxy phones, press and hold Volume Up and the Side/Power button together. When the Samsung logo appears, release the buttons and wait for the Android Recovery menu. On older models with a physical Home button, the combination may be Volume Up, Home, and Power. A model with a Bixby button may use Volume Up, Bixby, and Power. If the phone starts normally, power it off and try the combination again, adjusting for your model.
Navigate the Recovery menu. The touchscreen may not work in this menu. Use Volume Up or Volume Down to move the highlight, and press the Power or Side button to select. Menu wording and button behavior can differ slightly across devices.
Select “Wipe cache partition.” Move the highlight to Wipe cache partition and press the Power/Side button. Read the confirmation screen carefully. Select Yes only if it specifically confirms wiping the cache partition. Do not select Wipe data/factory reset; that is a different action and erases user data.
Wait for the cache wipe to finish. The process typically takes only a short time. When the Recovery menu returns, look for a completion message if one is shown. Do not interrupt the phone by removing its cable or forcing it off while the operation is running.
Restart Android. Highlight Reboot system now and press Power/Side. The first startup can take longer than usual while Android gets ready. Unlock the phone if prompted and check whether the original issue has improved.

Common Mistakes

Choosing a factory reset by mistake: “Wipe data/factory reset” is not the cache option. It removes personal data and settings, so do not select it for routine cache clearing.
Expecting the touchscreen to work: Recovery Mode usually uses physical buttons. Use the volume keys to navigate and the Power/Side button to confirm.
Using the wrong button combination: Samsung button layouts vary by model and generation. If the phone boots normally, check the instructions for your exact model rather than repeatedly trying random combinations.
Assuming it deletes app data: The system cache partition is separate from an app’s stored data. Wiping it should not remove your files, accounts, or app settings.
Expecting an instant performance boost: Cache wiping is maintenance, not a general speed-up tool. The phone may behave the same afterward, and some temporary files will be rebuilt.

Tips

Use this procedure when you have a specific reason, such as a problem that began after an update—not as a frequent routine. Android manages temporary files automatically.
Take a moment to read each Recovery menu item before selecting it. The cache wipe and factory reset options can appear close together.
If the menu shows Repair apps, that is a separate option, not the cache wipe. It may help after an update when apps are slow to start, but it is not required for this procedure.
After restarting, allow the phone a little time to settle before judging performance. Android may rebuild temporary data or optimize apps during the first startup.

Troubleshooting

The phone boots normally instead of opening Recovery Mode: Turn it completely off and retry the button sequence, holding the buttons until the Recovery screen appears. Connect a USB cable to a powered-on computer or compatible device if your model requires a connection. Make sure you are using the correct combination for your phone’s physical buttons.

The screen stays black or the phone does not respond: Charge it for a while, then try again. If it is frozen, hold Side/Power and Volume Down until it restarts, power it off, and retry Recovery Mode. Button faults or a damaged device may require service.

“Wipe cache partition” is missing: Recovery menus vary by model and software. Do not choose a different wipe option as a substitute. Restart the phone and consult the support instructions for the exact model, or use other troubleshooting steps appropriate to the issue.

The issue remains after wiping: Restart once more and install any available system or app updates through the normal Settings menus. If one app is affected, try updating it or clearing that app’s cache through Settings; avoid clearing app data unless you understand that it can remove locally stored information. If the phone continues to crash, overheat, or fail to start, back up important data if possible and contact Samsung support or a qualified repair provider.

The phone starts slowly afterward: A longer first boot can happen. Give it several minutes while connected to power. If it remains stuck for an unusually long time, force-restart it by holding Side/Power and Volume Down, then seek model-specific support if it still will not start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will wiping the cache partition delete my photos or contacts?
No. Wiping the cache partition is intended to remove temporary system files, not personal files or accounts. Avoid the separate factory reset option.

Does this procedure work on every Samsung phone?
The option and button sequence depend on the model and software. Many Galaxy phones offer it in Android Recovery, but some menus or entry methods differ.

How often should I wipe the cache partition?
There is no need to do it on a schedule. Consider it only when troubleshooting a specific issue, particularly one that appeared after a system update.

Can I wipe the cache partition while the phone is on?
No. You must shut down and enter Android Recovery to access the system-level option.

Is wiping the cache partition the same as clearing an app’s cache?
No. The cache partition concerns temporary system files. An app’s cache is cleared separately in Settings, and clearing app data is a different action that can remove app information.

What if I cannot find the option?
Do not select “Wipe data/factory reset.” Restart the phone and check the recovery instructions for your exact model, since available options vary.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.