Aside from Samsung and LG, the bulk of smart TV makers use Google’s Android TV platform to provide their TVs access to hundreds of apps. One restriction of these Android TVs, boxes, and sticks is their restricted storage capacity of about 8GB, with only about 5GB usable. To address this issue and resolve irregularities with installed apps, users have the option to clear the cache on their Android TV or Google TV. Clearing the cache not only frees up space but also helps improve app performance and overall system speed.
Smart TV apps, similar to mobile apps, accumulate cache files in the background. Over time, these cache files from popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube can accumulate and take up valuable storage space on your Android TV. In some cases, these apps may also collect corrupt cache files that can interfere with the normal functioning of your TV, leading to issues such as videos not playing or Wi-Fi connectivity problems. This is why clearing the cache on Android TV is necessary.
Here are some reasons why you might need to clear the cache on your Android TV:
1. Lack of available space on your Android TV.
2. Glitches or issues with apps and the Android TV system.
3. Starting fresh with an app and eliminating any potential conflicts.
4. Enhancing overall system speed and performance.
To clear the cache on Android TV, follow these steps. Please note that the user interface may vary depending on whether you are using Android TV or Google TV.
For Android TV:
Step 1: Open the home screen of your Android TV and navigate to the Settings option located at the top-right corner.
Step 2: Scroll down and select “Apps”.
Step 3: Choose “See all apps”.
Step 4: You will see a list of installed apps on your Android TV. Select the app you wish to clear cache for.
Step 5: Review the amount of data and cache consumed by the selected app. You can see this information at the bottom.
Step 6: Click on “Clear data” and “Clear cache” to remove the cache. Return to the Apps menu and repeat the process for any other apps causing issues on your Android TV.
For Google TV:
- Step 1: Go to the home screen of your Google TV and click on the Settings option located at the top-right corner.
- Step 2: Click on the settings gear to reveal all available options.
- Step 3: Scroll down and select “Apps”. Then, choose “All apps”.
- Step 4: Look through the list of installed apps on your Google TV.
- Step 5: Select an app and click on the “Clear data” and “Clear cache” options from the side menu. Repeat this process for any problematic apps.
When you clear the cache on your Android TV or Google TV apps, the system erases your account information, search history, cached photos, videos, and more. Consequently, you may experience longer loading times when launching an app since the cache is being rebuilt from scratch. Additionally, you will need to log in with your account details again. If you continue experiencing issues with a specific app, you can uninstall it from the app info menu and attempt to download it again from the Google Play Store.
In some cases, you may also need to clear the cache of the Google Play Store app itself if you encounter problems downloading or updating apps. This can help resolve any glitches related to the Play Store on your smart TV.
It is essential to note that the steps outlined above do not apply to Samsung and LG TVs, as these companies use different smart TV operating systems for their products. If you own a Samsung TV, refer to our dedicated guide on how to clear the cache on that specific brand.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the purpose of clearing the cache on Android TV?
Clearing the cache on Android TV helps free up storage space, resolve app irregularities, and improve overall system speed and performance.
2. Can clearing the cache on Android TV cause data loss?
Yes, clearing the cache on Android TV will erase your account information, search history, and any cached media. However, this is done to optimize performance and does not affect your saved preferences or settings.
3. How often should I clear the cache on my Android TV?
It is recommended to clear the cache on your Android TV whenever you encounter issues with apps or notice a decrease in performance. However, there is no specific timeframe for clearing the cache, as it depends on your usage patterns and app behavior.
4. Will clearing the cache on Google TV affect my account information?
Yes, clearing the cache on Google TV will remove your account information. You will need to log in again with your account details after clearing the cache.
5. Can I uninstall apps from my Android TV?
Yes, you can uninstall apps from your Android TV. To do so, go to the app’s info menu and select the option to uninstall. Once uninstalled, you can reinstall the app from the Google Play Store if needed.
6. Do I need to clear the cache of the Google Play Store on my Android TV?
If you encounter issues with downloading or updating apps from the Google Play Store on your Android TV, clearing the Google Play Store cache can help resolve these problems.
7. Does clearing the cache on Android TV affect my Wi-Fi connectivity?
Clearing the cache on Android TV does not directly affect Wi-Fi connectivity. However, if you experience issues with Wi-Fi connectivity, it is recommended to troubleshoot the Wi-Fi settings separately.
8. Can I clear the cache on Android TV while using other apps?
Yes, you can clear the cache on Android TV while using other apps. The cache clearing process runs in the background and does not interfere with other app functionalities.
9. Is it necessary to clear the cache on my Android TV if I have sufficient storage space?
Clearing the cache on your Android TV is not strictly necessary if you have enough storage space. However, it can still help improve system performance by removing any accumulated corrupt cache files.
10. Are there any risks associated with clearing the cache on Android TV?
Clearing the cache on Android TV is a safe process and does not pose any significant risks. However, it is always recommended to back up any important data before performing any system modifications.
