How to Clear Cache on Google TV: Step-by-Step

Clearing the cache on a Google TV device frees up storage space and can fix apps that keep crashing, freezing, or loading slowly. This guide shows you how to clear the cache for individual apps and for the entire system, using only the built-in settings menu. You don’t need any special tools or a computer—just your remote and a few minutes.

What You’ll Need

• Your Google TV remote
• Access to the TV’s Settings menu (no PIN or password required unless you’ve set parental controls)

Step-by-Step

Clear Cache for a Specific App

1. Press the Settings gear icon on your remote (usually a gear-shaped button near the top). If you don’t see it, go to the home screen and select the gear icon in the top-right corner.
2. Scroll down and select Apps (or Application Manager on some models).
3. You’ll see a list of all installed apps. Scroll to the app that’s giving you trouble (e.g., Netflix, YouTube, or a game) and select it.
4. In the app’s info page, select Clear cache. A confirmation pop-up may appear—select OK or Clear.
5. If the app is still misbehaving, you can also select Clear data (this resets the app to its factory state—you’ll lose sign-ins and settings, so use it only if clearing cache didn’t help).
6. Press Back on your remote to exit settings.

Clear All Cached Data at Once

1. Open Settings from the home screen.
2. Go to Device Preferences (or System on some models).
3. Select Storage (or Storage & reset).
4. You’ll see a breakdown of used and free space. Select Internal shared storage (or Cached data if listed).
5. Select Clear cached data. Confirm if prompted.
6. This clears cache for all apps at once. It won’t delete your apps or personal files.

Restart Your Google TV (Optional but Recommended)

1. After clearing cache, restart your TV to ensure the changes take effect.
2. Press and hold the Power button on your remote until the power menu appears.
3. Select Restart (or Power off and then turn it back on).

Common Mistakes

• Confusing “Clear cache” with “Clear data”—clearing data wipes app sign-ins and preferences. Only clear data if the app is completely broken and you’re willing to set it up again.
• Not restarting after clearing—some apps may still hold stale cache in memory until the device is rebooted.
• Clearing cache on every app—this is unnecessary and can make apps slower initially as they rebuild cache. Focus only on problem apps.
• Expecting a huge storage boost—cache is usually small (a few MB per app). If you’re low on storage, uninstall unused apps instead.

Tips

• Clear cache regularly (every few months) to keep your TV running smoothly, especially if you install and uninstall many apps.
• If a specific app keeps crashing, clear its cache first, then try clearing data if needed.
• Use the Storage menu to see which apps take up the most space—you can clear cache from there directly.
• If you’re about to sell or give away your TV, use Factory reset instead of clearing cache—it wipes everything.

Troubleshooting

• Can’t find the Apps menu? On some Google TV models, it’s under Settings > Apps or Settings > Application Manager. If you don’t see it, try searching “apps” in the settings search bar.
• Clear cache button is greyed out? This can happen if the app is currently running. Force stop the app first (in the same app info page, select Force stop), then try clearing cache again.
• TV still slow after clearing cache? The issue may be low storage or a faulty app. Uninstall apps you don’t use, and if the problem persists, try a factory reset (back up your data first).
• Clearing cache didn’t fix the app? Try updating the app from the Play Store, or uninstall and reinstall it.
• Storage shows “Cached data” as unavailable? Some Android TV versions don’t show a single “clear all” button. In that case, clear cache per app as described in the first method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my apps or personal data?

No. Clearing cache only removes temporary files that apps use to load faster. Your apps, accounts, and personal files (like photos or downloads) remain untouched.

How often should I clear the cache on Google TV?

Only when you notice issues like slow loading, crashes, or low storage. There’s no need to do it on a schedule—apps manage their own cache automatically.

What’s the difference between cache and data?

Cache is temporary data that speeds up app loading. Data includes your sign-ins, preferences, and saved progress. Clearing data resets the app to its original state, like a fresh install.

Can I clear cache on a Chromecast with Google TV?

Yes, the steps are the same. Chromecast with Google TV runs the same operating system, so you’ll find the same Settings > Apps > Clear cache options.

Why does my Google TV have so little storage?

Google TV devices often have limited internal storage (8-16 GB). System files and apps take up a large portion. Clearing cache can free a little space, but for significant space, uninstall unused apps or move them to external storage if supported.

Does clearing cache improve performance?

It can. If an app’s cache is corrupted or bloated, clearing it can fix crashes and speed up loading. However, if your TV is slow overall, the issue may be hardware or network related.

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