Clearing an app’s cache is one of the quickest fixes for a streaming app that is slow, freezes or misbehaves on Fire TV, Google TV or Android TV. Clearing its data goes further and resets the app completely. This guide explains the difference, shows the exact steps on each platform and covers how to free up storage on devices that are running out of space.
Cache vs data: what each one deletes
| Clear cache | Clear data | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes | Temporary files (images, thumbnails, buffered content) | Everything the app has stored: settings, logins, playlists, favourites, downloads |
| Risk | Low; the app rebuilds the cache | You must sign in and set up the app again |
| When to use | First step for slow or glitchy apps | When clearing the cache did not help |
Always clear the cache first. Only clear data if the problem continues, and note your playlist or login details before you do.
How to clear cache on Fire TV
Amazon’s help page gives this path:
- From the home screen, open Settings.
- Select Applications.
- Select Manage Installed Applications.
- Choose the app.
- Select Clear cache. If the problem persists, select Clear data.
Recent Fire OS versions add two shortcuts:
- Clear all application caches: an option under Applications that clears every app’s cache at once and shows how much space will be freed.
- Rewind shortcut: in the installed apps list, highlight an app and press Rewind on the remote to clear its cache.
Amazon also notes that Fire TV may clear the cache of apps you have not used for over 30 days when storage runs low.
How to clear cache on Google TV
Sony’s support guidance for Google TV models describes:
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps, then See all apps.
- Choose the app.
- Select Clear cache. If needed, select Clear data.
How to clear cache on Android TV
Menu layouts vary more between Android TV models and years:
- Open Settings (from the gear icon or the remote’s settings button).
- Go to Apps (on some models via Device Preferences → Apps), then the app list.
- Select the app and choose Clear cache, then Clear data only if needed.
Free up storage on a Fire TV Stick or Android TV device
Low storage is a common cause of slow menus, failed installs and buffering.
- Check what is free: on Fire TV, Settings → My Fire TV → About → Storage; on Google TV and Android TV, Settings → System → Storage.
- Uninstall apps you do not use from the same Manage Installed Applications or Apps screen.
- Clear caches, using the clear-all option where available.
- Reduce guide data in IPTV players: fewer days of EPG take less space.
- Avoid storing downloads on small sticks.
When clearing cache helps, and when it does not
It helps with:
- Apps that have become slow after weeks of use.
- Broken images or logos.
- A guide that will not refresh.
- Crashes on start-up after an update.
It does not fix:
- An internet connection that is too slow or unstable; see Fire TV Stick buffering fixes.
- Wrong login details.
- A channel that is offline at the source.
After clearing data in an IPTV player
You will need to:
- Add your playlist or Xtream Codes login again.
- Add the EPG URL if you use one.
- Recreate favourites and change settings such as decoder or buffer size.
Our setup guides for Android TV and installing apps on Fire TV cover re-installation, and Cobra IPTV customers can use the Cobra IPTV troubleshooting checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clear the cache?
Only when an app is slow, glitchy or the device is short of storage. Apps rebuild their cache as you use them, so clearing it routinely brings no lasting benefit.
Will clearing the cache delete my playlist?
No. Clearing the cache keeps your logins, playlists and settings. Clearing data removes them, so you would need to add your playlist again.
Fire TV says storage is low even after clearing caches. What next?
Uninstall apps you do not use, reduce the number of guide days stored in your IPTV player, and remove downloaded files. If storage is still nearly full with only a few apps installed, a model with more storage may be needed.
Summary
Clear an app’s cache first; it is quick and safe. Clear its data only when the problem continues, knowing you will need to set the app up again. On Fire TV the path is Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications; on Google TV it is Settings → Apps → See all apps. Keep storage free and your streaming device will stay noticeably faster.
Sources and further reading
- Amazon: How to clear app data and cache on Fire TV
- Sony Support: Clear the cache and data of an app on Google TV / Android TV
Menus and app availability change with software updates. If a step looks different on your device, check the device or app maker’s help page linked above.
