In this post, I will show you how to clear the cache on FireStick. The instructions provided in this guide work on FireStick 4K, FireStick 2nd Gen, Fire TV Cube, FireStick Lite, New FireStick 4K, New FireStick 4K Max, and other Fire TV devices.
Clearing the cache on FireStick is one of the best ways to keep it running trouble-free. If you keep clearing the cache regularly, you will be surprised to see how much better your FireStick performs.
If your device is slow or experiencing storage issues, start the troubleshooting process by clearing the cache. It is easy and highly effective.
What is FireStick Cache?
In simple terms, the cache is temporary data that every application stores on FireStick while running. This is done to decrease the loading time for various sites and improve download speed, among other things.
Generally, the temporary data is deleted after you close an app. However, that is not always the case. At times, the cache is permanently stored on your streaming stick.
A small amount of cache won’t cause issues, but too much will affect your Fire TV. It can cause significant troubles like storage issues, lags, performance troubles, etc.
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Read: How to Install and Use Best VPN for FireStick
Why should I clear the cache on FireStick?
Clearing the cache on your FireSticks is one of the easiest ways to speed it up. Although the cache is mainly harmless, excess of anything, including cache, is bad.
Here are some important reasons why you must clear your cache on FireStick:
- Storage issues: Although a little cache may not significantly impact storage, keeping it long can cause issues. Too much cache can rack up the Fire TV storage, which is already on the lower side.
- Smoother performance: Excessive cache accumulation is a common cause of lags and sluggish performance. When you clear the storage space, it will automatically improve your device’s performance.
- Faster speed: Freeing up your Fire TV storage will decrease the load on the device. Therefore, you might notice a slight increase in the device’s speed and app loading time.
- Fixes app issues: Cache is essential for decreasing the loading time for an app. However, the accumulated cache can slow down the applications and cause lags. It can also affect the app’s loading process.
- Improves security: Old cache may become a reason for security breaches or other troubles. Therefore, you must clear the cache regularly to protect your online security.
Clearing Cache on FireStick – Important Tips to Remember
Here are some additional cache-related tips:
- Turning on a screensaver will build a lot of cache over time. So, keep checking and clearing the screensaver’s cache regularly.
- It’s not possible to clear the cache for all apps simultaneously. You must do it individually for every application.
- You must check every app’s cache size. It will help you understand how applications work and store temporary data.
- Streaming apps like Netflix are notorious for storing a lot of cache. So, keep unloading such apps daily.
- Kodi is also one of the significant contributors to the cache. It may store even more cache if you have installed a build.
How to Clear FireStick Cache
In this section, I will show you how to check the cache size of your FireStick apps and how to clear it.
Remember that you need to clear the cache for each app individually. No app or service can clear the cache of all the installed apps with a single click.
Amazon App Store does not have any such app. If you run into any third-party app that claims to wipe out all the cache together, stay clear of that app.
Follow the steps below to clear the FireStick cache:
1. Choose Settings on the home screen of your FireStick (menu bar on the top).
2. Open Applications.
3. Scroll down and open Manage Installed Applications.
4. Select the app whose cache you want to clear. When you do that, the cache size appears on the right. Click the app you chose.
5. On the following window, click Clear cache
Note: Clicking Clear Data will also clear the cache. However, it will also reset the app and remove any data, including login data, settings, etc. DO NOT choose this option unless you know exactly what you are doing.
6. You will notice that the cache size has reduced to zero. This means you have successfully cleared the FireStick cache for the chosen app.
Note: Now, press the back button and choose a different app. Click Clear Cache again.
FAQ’s
Here are some helpful FAQs regarding the FireStick cache.
Does clearing the cache on FireStick help?
Yes. Clearing the cache on FireStick is one of the quickest ways to speed it up and improve performance.
Is there any way to clear the cache from all apps with a single click?
No. Unfortunately, clearing the cache from all apps with a single click is impossible. There is no official app for the process. However, you can use various third-party apps to clear the cache data for all the apps simultaneously. That said, we don’t recommend unofficial and third-party applications.
What’s the difference between cache and data?
The cache is temporarily stored on your device while data is kept permanently. Clearing the cache won’t impact the app. Data, on the other hand, is essential for keeping login information, downloads, and more. Deleting data is like factory resetting the app.
Does restarting FireStick clear the cache?
No, restarting or shutting down your FireStick will not clear app caches. You can restart the streaming device to remove temporary files but not cache. To unload the cache, open the Settings menu and clear the cache for each app individually.
Wrapping Up
This guide demonstrated how to clear the cache on FireStick. Although most users ignore the accumulated cache, you will be surprised how clearing it affects your device. So, the next time you experience lags or storage issues on Fire TV, clear the cache for every application. You will notice the difference.
Related:
- How to Install & Use a VPN on Amazon Fire TV Stick
- How to Fix FireStick connected with problems
- FireStick remote troubleshooting guide
- How to reset FireStick to factory settings
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ED says
So I cleared the Paramount+ app cache, went on to clear another and checked the Paramount app and it had 12.00. How does that happen?
Max says
Hi ED, the normal cache size is 12.00. If it says 12.00, it means you successfully cleared the cache.
Rob says
New firestick update prevents you from clearing amazons built in apps like silk browser,app store and others.
Max says
Hi Rob, I just checked and it worked for me. You may have run into a temporary issue, please try again.
Glenn says
Jan 30, 2022….Firestick 4k suddenly, via a most recent update, doesn’t permit cache clearance for all installed apps. Utilizing the managed app approach previously used to remove app cache, now results in throwback to the setting menu for just amazon related apps (Amazon firestick, Amazon shopping, etc.) Help
Max says
Hi Glenn, I just checked and it worked for me. You may have run into a temporary issue, please try again. If the issue persists, feel free to comment again and I’ll look for a solution.
MaryBeth Donovan says
why does it do that?
Max says
Hi MaryBeth, cache data is stored to make retrieving data from the computer’s memory more efficient. Over time, the cache files accumulate and can take a significant amount of space in the device storage. This is why it’s important to clear your cache regularly.
Trevor Rhodes says
When I clear the cache it shows cleared then returns
Max says
Hi Trevor, yes, that’s how it does it.