Probably, many users of computers and mobile devices, at least sometimes, have come across such a concept as “cached data”. What is it, many, frankly, just do not imagine. However, using tips to speed up any device that has an operating system, they know for sure that the cache needs to be cleaned. This is partly true, but not all data is subject to deletion. It happens that without them some programs installed on the device simply won’t work.
What does “cached data” mean in general terms?
So, consider the general concept. Roughly speaking, this term describes the data stored in a computer or mobile system to speed up subsequent access to some applications or sites on the Internet by downloading information, the call of which in the usual way requires more time.
To make it clearer, you can give an example of how cached data is used. What is it, for example, if a user visits any Internet page on which he looks at photos? These are their copies in the form of thumbnails, which are saved in a special folder on the computer’s hard drive or on the internal drive of the mobile device. When you re-enter the page, the user does not have to wait until all the content is loaded (for example, graphics, video and, in general, multimedia), since all elements on the page are added just from the cache directory.
What is cached data on the phone?
But this was only a general justification. Everything is clear with the Internet. Now let's see what cached application data is in the phone (we mean applets other than web browsers).
Actually, this information is somewhat similar in essence to the stored data from the Internet, only for the most part it is associated with saving the settings or specific content of any program with which the operating system works. In order to make it a little clearer, then we will consider a few examples.
Cache Usage Examples
Let's look at some basic types of data that can or cannot be deleted. In the first case, this applies to any applications installed in the system, unless the use of an additional cache that differs from the system cache is provided for their full-featured operation.
But with the special contents of the cache, which quite often needs to be copied to your phone or tablet yourself or additionally downloaded from the Internet, the situation is somewhat different.
The simplest example is game cached data. What could it be? Yes, anything: additional textures, graphics, video, audio or even the parameters of the game itself. Such information, as is already clear, cannot be deleted in any case, since then the game simply will not start or it will give an error saying that this and that is not enough to start.
The same goes for some music apps for mobile devices. Take FL Studio Mobile as an example. Even the application’s own installer does not have everything that is necessary for the sequencer to work. In other words, only the main program shell is installed.
What is the cached application data in the phone regarding this type of program? These are tool kits, effects, interaction settings with other applets, support options for certain audio formats, etc. As a rule, such a cache is stored in a special obb folder located on the internal drive, unless it is indicated that it can be placed on a removable card memory. Such information takes places decently, but without it the application will turn out to be non-functional (what is only one software shell that has no tools, no effects?).
Clearing the cache on a mobile device with standard tools
What is cached data on the phone, we figured it out a bit. Now let's look at the issues of cleaning up such content, since it tends to slow down the system.
Any Android device has two cache cleanup tools. The first is designed to delete data for all applications, the second allows you to clear the cache for only one particular applet.
If you need to delete the entire system cache, use the settings menu, in which the memory section is selected. When tapping on a line of cached data, the system gives a warning that all information will be deleted. Just agree and wait for the completion of the cleaning.
Now a few more words about what cached application data is in terms of their removal for a separately selected applet. You can find information on them in the same memory section, but with the transition to the application menu.
Next, you just need to select the desired applet, and after entering its menu from the bottom tap on the clear cache button. In general, both the first and second methods look somewhat inconvenient, since in this case the so-called deletion from different sources can be performed. Therefore, it is better to use special programs.
Using optimizers and cleaners
Today, such programs, by analogy with stationary computer systems, have been created a lot. In the same repositories of the Play Market or AppStore, you can find even not dozens, but hundreds.
Cached data (which is already clear) can be deleted both for the entire system and for each selected applet.
As for the programs themselves, narrow-focus applications and applets designed for general optimization look the most preferable. The former are represented by programs such as App Cache Cleaner, Auto Cahe Cleaner, etc.
Among the optimizers, mobile versions of CCleaner, All-in-one Toolbox, Clean Master, and many others can be highlighted. What exactly to use is a matter of one’s own preferences, because each such program has its advantages and disadvantages.
Instead of a total
That's all about understanding the term “cached data”. What is it, I think, for most users it is already clear. However, the issue of cleaning up such information should be approached with extreme caution, since for some types of programs, as mentioned above, it may be necessary to work. But as practice shows, it is better to turn to general-purpose utilities. In them, the cache cleanup tool is a required module. And when you use them, you can also speed up the system.