How to clear cache & history s9+ android?

1. Clear browser history, cookies and cached files in Samsung Internet and Chrome

To delete browsing traces on the S9+, open the browser app (Samsung Internet or Chrome), go to Settings → Privacy or Privacy and security, choose Clear browsing data, then select History, Cookies and site data, and Cached images/files and tap Clear (Samsung and carrier how‑to’s describe this flow for Samsung Internet and Chrome specifically) ^{[1] [2] [3]}. Chrome adds a time‑range selector so the user can remove the last hour, 24 hours, or “All time” rather than everything at once ^[1]. Clearing browser data removes saved logins and site data if those boxes are selected, so expect to re‑enter passwords afterward ^[1].

2. Use Secret/Private mode to avoid building history in the first place

Both Samsung’s Internet app and other browsers offer a secret or incognito mode that does not save browsing history, cookies or form data for that session; this is the recommended option when the goal is to browse without leaving traces rather than routinely deleting stored files (Samsung support documentation explains Secret mode’s purpose and limits) ^[2].

3. Clear an individual app’s cache and data to fix misbehaving apps

When a single app misbehaves, the S9+ allows clearing that app’s cache or data from Settings → Apps → [App name] → Storage → Clear Cache or Clear Data; clearing cache removes temporary files without deleting personal content, while Clear Data resets the app to its initial state and may erase sign‑ins or locally stored items (Samsung support and carrier guides provide these exact steps and warnings) ^{[4] [5] [6]}.

4. Wipe the system cache partition to remove residual system temporary files

If multiple apps are slow or the phone has broader performance issues, booting into Recovery Mode and choosing “Wipe cache partition” clears system temporary files without erasing personal data; the S9/S9+ recovery flow and the “No command” screen behavior are described in device recovery tutorials (hardreset and TechJunkie explain entering Recovery and selecting the cache partition wipe) ^{[7] [8]}. This procedure aims to resolve firmware‑related glitches and is generally safe, but it is not the same as a factory reset ^{[7] [8]}.

5. When to consider a factory reset and the tradeoffs involved

Manufacturers and reputable guides note that there’s no simple one‑button way to purge every app cache at once aside from a factory reset, which returns the phone to out‑of‑box state and removes all user data unless backed up first; some recent articles explicitly say Samsung’s official recommendation for a total cache clear may be a factory reset ^[9]. This is a last‑resort option because it erases apps, accounts and files unless they are backed up externally ^[9].

6. Practical order and cautions to follow

Best practice is to start with the least destructive fix: clear browser history/cookies (if only web traces matter), then clear problematic app caches, then wipe the system cache partition if problems persist, and only pursue factory reset if nothing else resolves systemic issues (browser guides, Samsung support, and troubleshooting articles suggest this escalation and warn about data loss) ^{[3] [4] [8] [9]}. Carrier and manufacturer tutorials reiterate that clearing cache/data can free space and fix app performance but removes saved sessions and possibly offline content ^{[10] [11] [12]}.

7. Quick checklist for S9+ owners before starting

Back up important data and passwords, decide whether saved logins should be preserved, and know which cache option is required—browser, per‑app, system partition, or full factory reset—because each removes different kinds of data and has different ease/risk profiles (carrier guides and Samsung support emphasize backups and the differences between cache types) ^{[5] [4] [6]}.