A cache stores data on a computer so that future requests for that data can be served faster. Each application has a cache file that is created and stored with each use, particularly when data is downloaded. YouTube, Google Chrome, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many other applications store information as cache data. Think of it as a kind of short-time storage for faster data access. It is helpful for loading content.
Cache issues can also happen on apps such as the Google Play Store. In this article, we will discuss what happens if you clear the cache file on Google Play Store.
What is the Google Play Store Cache?
The Google Play Store cache files are essentially temporary files that Google Play Store uses so that future requests for that data can be served faster. As these are temporary files, they can be safely deleted.
It’s not necessary to use third-party apps to clear cache files because your Android phone has a built-in cleaning system. Furthermore, on Android phones, you must clear each application’s cache and data separately. This means that you will have to clear the cache that is specific to Google Play Store.
Why clear the Google Play Store Cache?
Google Play Store Cache Grows
Every time you use the Google Play Store app, its cache grows. Google Play may start to lag a little. Occasionally, you might even see your device freeze. You might also have trouble downloading new apps. If the cache is overloaded, your application or phone might begin to slow down.
The truth is, some apps don’t use cache space responsibly. As soon as the application decides that the stored temporary information is no longer useful, it should delete the associated cache files. But there are applications that do not do that.
Thus, periodically clearing your cache or temporarily-stored data is always a good idea. The cache file is the essential thing of an application, but should not be overloaded.
Google Play Store Cache Causes Issues
Other apps break if they cache too much. They might even freeze or stop working after a new update because they forgot to do a backward compatibility check. These problems can usually be resolved by clearing the cache of some problematic applications.
When you have a problematic application, the first thing you should do is clear the cache; it’s the least intrusive way to fix it quickly. Clearing unused cache files on Android can help troubleshoot apps and in the process, free up space.
Benefits of clearing the Google Play Store Cache
Now let’s discuss why it might be a good idea to clear your Google Play Store cache.
- If you have any problem with your Play Store application such as error messages or failures, you can clear the Google Play Store cache.
- It will free up some space.
- It works as a refresh button when you clean the cache file on your application.
If you clear the cache file on your Google Play Store, then what happens?
Back to our original question – what happens if I clear the cache file on Google Play Store? Clearing the cache in the Google Play Store will simply remove all temporary saved files that Google Play Store uses until the next time it is opened. That’s it. After you clear your cache, the application won’t find the corresponding cache data when you open it again. Everything will have to be loaded from scratch.
You should worry that your Google Play account or data will not be deleted when you do this.
Clearing your Google Play cache will not do the following:
- It will not clear the storage of the Google Play Store. There is a separate button for that (Clear storage).
- It will not clear the cache of any other application.
- It will not force stop any other application that you downloaded.
- It will not uninstall any application that you downloaded.
- It will not delete your Play Store files, settings, accounts, databases, and other details. (Note: This will be, however, deleted if you choose to Clear storage).
Disadvantages of not clearing cache file
Here are some disadvantages of not clearing your cache:
- If you do not clear the cache file, your application will face many problems or bugs.
- The app or mobile phone might start running slow.
- If you do not clear the cache file for a long time, it can be full of temporary storage.
Steps to clear cache file on Android Phone
The following are the steps to clear your cache files on Android.
- Firstly, go to the Settings menu.
- Tap on Apps
- See all apps
- Find the Google Play Store
- Tap Google Play Store
- Tap Storage and Cache
- You will see Clear cache Option
- Tap Clear cache to free up the cache.
Final Thoughts: Clear Cache File on Google Play Store
Caching is a way of storing cached data or cached files as historical records on mobile phones or web browsers so they can improve user experience the next time they visit a website or use an application. Through caching, temporary data is stored, so users get faster access, loading times, and browsing speeds. Cached data skips a step and saves you time.
However, there is a downside to this process. All the cache created by applications takes up a significant amount of disk space, which can cause overloading at some point. Moreover, it can cause issues when not implemented properly, particularly when upgrading software versions. Sometimes, you can’t download apps from the Google Play Store. This issue occurs not only with apps but also with games and movies.
In this case, if you want to keep using your Google Play Store app, you can clear the cache as a first step.
