What cache is and why clearing it helps
Cache is temporary data your LG Smart TV stores to load apps and websites faster the next time you use them. Think of it as a notebook the TV keeps so it doesn't have to look up the same information twice. Over time, this cache can get corrupted, take up storage space, or cause apps to freeze or load slowly.
Clearing the cache is like erasing that notebook. It doesn't delete your passwords, saved shows, or account information — it only removes the temporary files. Most people clear cache when an app stops working properly, when the TV feels sluggish, or when they want to free up storage space.
Key Takeaways
- Cache is temporary data stored to make apps load faster, and clearing it won't delete your passwords or saved shows.
- The steps to clear cache differ depending on whether you use webOS (LG's operating system) or Android TV, so check your TV model first.
- You can clear cache for individual apps or for the entire system, depending on which one is causing problems.
- If an app still doesn't work after clearing cache, uninstalling and reinstalling it is the next step to try.
How to find out which operating system your LG TV uses
LG Smart TVs run one of two systems: webOS or Android TV. The steps to clear cache are different for each one, so you need to know which yours has.
On your remote, press the Home button. Look at the screen that appears. If you see a grid of app tiles with a straightforward layout and the LG logo, you have webOS. If you see Google apps like YouTube and Google Play Store prominently displayed, you have Android TV. You can also check your TV's manual or look up your model number on LG's website.
Clearing cache on webOS LG TVs
On webOS, you clear cache through the Settings menu. Press the Settings button on your remote (it usually looks like a gear icon), then scroll down and select "All Settings." Go to "Apps," then "App Management," then find the app you want to clear cache for and select it. Choose "Clear Cache" — this option appears only if the app has stored data.
If you want to clear cache for the entire system instead of one app, go back to "All Settings," then select "General," then "Reset." Choose "Clear Cache" from that menu. This removes temporary data from all apps at once and usually takes a few seconds.
After clearing cache, close the app completely and reopen it. The app will rebuild its cache as you use it, which may take a moment the first time.
Clearing cache on Android TV LG TVs
On Android TV, the process is slightly different. Press the Home button, then go to "Settings" (the gear icon). Select "Apps," then "See All Apps" or "Manage All Apps," depending on your TV's version. Find the app you want to clear cache for and select it.
You should see options for "Storage" or "App Info." Select that, then choose "Clear Cache." Unlike webOS, Android TV also shows you how much space the app is using, so you can see the difference after clearing.
To clear cache system-wide on Android TV, go to "Settings," then "Apps," then look for an option called "Clear Cache" or "Storage." Some Android TV models don't have a system-wide clear option, so you may need to clear cache for each app individually.
What to do if clearing cache doesn't fix the problem
If an app still freezes or won't load after you clear cache, the next step is to uninstall and reinstall it. Go back to the app in your Settings menu, select it, and choose "Uninstall." Then go to your app store (LG Content Store on webOS, Google Play Store on Android TV) and read the app again.
If the entire TV is running slowly even after clearing cache, you may have a storage problem. Go to "Settings," then "Storage" or "Device Storage," and see how much space is left. If you're using more than 80 percent of your storage, delete apps you don't use or clear cache for several apps at once.
Restarting your TV also helps sometimes. Unplug it from the wall for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This clears temporary memory and can fix problems that clearing cache alone won't solve.
How often you should clear cache
You don't need to clear cache on a schedule. Clear it only when an app isn't working right, when your TV feels slow, or when you're running low on storage space. Most people clear cache once every few months or when they notice a problem.
If one app keeps having problems even after you clear cache and reinstall it, the app itself may have a bug. Check the app's reviews in your app store to see if other people are reporting the same issue, or contact the app maker's support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my saved passwords or login information?
No. Cache only stores temporary files like images and page data. Your passwords, account logins, and saved shows stay on your TV. You'll stay logged into your apps after clearing cache.
Can I clear cache on multiple apps at once?
On webOS, you can use the system-wide clear cache option to remove cache from all apps at the same time. On Android TV, most models require you to clear cache for each app individually, though some newer versions have a system-wide option in Storage settings.
How much storage space does clearing cache usually free up?
It depends on how long you've used the apps. A single app's cache might be anywhere from 10 megabytes to a few hundred megabytes. Clearing cache for several apps together can free up a gigabyte or more, but it varies widely.
What's the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?
Cache is temporary files. Data includes your settings, saved preferences, and login information. Clearing data will log you out of apps and erase your preferences. Always clear cache first — only clear data if cache doesn't fix the problem.
Do I need to restart my TV after clearing cache?
You don't have to, but closing and reopening the app helps it rebuild its cache properly. If you clear cache for multiple apps, restarting the TV afterward can help it run more smoothly.