Clearing the cache.... good system maintenance?

[Zod1010]

I've seen a lot of talk lately about clearing the cache partition to resolve issues, get rid of lag, etc. I upgraded my VZW M8 yesterday to Lolipop. While I have no specific issues, I wouldn't exactly say the phone feels spry. So is it worth clearing the cache partition? Or is there too high a degree of risk with such an operation, that it should only be used as a last step effort to resolve a specific issue? Or, as my subject line ask, can it be used as part of routine system maintenance every 3 or 6 months, just to help fine tune the device? Thanks.

 

[whitelunchbag]

Wiping the cache partition is nearly risk free, I do it monthly (roughly)

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[IAmSixNine]

I too wipe mine roughly one a month.

 

[Golfdriver97]

I do a cache wipe once a month as well. Keeps the phone from getting bogged down too much.

From an AOSP M8

 

[TSoftOne Tracker]

Great. Good to know

 

[GangsterBlock]

I do it everytime, there are many apps that take alot of temporary space. Its good to clear them just to free up some space if you don't have much storage.

 

[DJ Grand Theft Audio]

Is there a difference if I use a cache clearing app vs recovery mode method

 

[whitelunchbag]

As far as I know the recovery method is the only way?

My M8 posted this

 

[dancing-bass]

As far as I know the recovery method is the only way?

My M8 posted this

Most phones you can do it through your settings. You will need to find "storage" which is usually under the "more" or "general" tab (or something similar). Once you have found the Storage setting, tap on it. You'll see a breakdown of what is using your phone's memory (storage, not RAM). Scroll down a bit to see "Cache" or "Cached Data". Just tap on it and you'll get a confirmation box pop up. Pretty much it will ask if you're really sure you want to do this - go ahead and tap yes. Take note, on some Samsung's you may get a warning that Security won't allow you to do this - but it still clears the cache anyway.

Personally I follow this up with a reboot, probably weekly or so - an old habit from when I had a Galaxy Nexus, but with newer phones it's not needed that often. Once a month is probably good but there's no harm in doing it more often.