Managing storage on the Google Play Store is a breeze, especially when you know the basics. You can free up space on your device by uninstalling unused apps, which takes up to 1.5 GB of storage each.
The Google Play Store has a feature called "Google Play System Update" that helps keep your device's storage and security up-to-date. This feature automatically updates your device's system when a new version is available.
If you're running low on storage, you can also use the "Storage & cache" option in the Google Play Store to clear out unnecessary data and free up space. This option allows you to clear cache, clear data, or both for any app.
Clearing cache can be a lifesaver, freeing up to 50% of your device's storage space in some cases.
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Managing Storage
Clearing out accumulated cached data in the Google Play Store can help resolve issues with downloads and updates. You can clear the cache without affecting any app data, but be aware that clearing data will reset the Play Store app to its default state, requiring you to sign back in.
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To clear the cache, open the Settings app, scroll down and tap on "Apps" or "Applications", find and tap on "Google Play Store", and then tap on "Storage" or "Storage & cache". From there, you'll see two options: "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data" (or "Clear Storage").
You can clear the cache first, which will remove temporary files without affecting any app data. If clearing the cache doesn't resolve issues, you can optionally clear data as well, but be aware that this will reset the Play Store app to its default state.
Rebooting your phone after clearing the cache can help ensure the changes take full effect. Repeat these steps every few weeks or months to maintain a clean cache.
You can also force-stop the Play Store before clearing cache to help resolve issues on some devices. If you're having trouble with Google Play Services, try clearing its cache and data as well.
A different take: Clear Storage Google Extension
Cache and Data
Clearing cache and data on Google Play Store can be a lifesaver when you're experiencing issues with app downloads or updates. You can clear cache without affecting app data, but clearing data will sign you out of the Play Store and uninstall any updates.
You can clear cache by going to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear Cache. Alternatively, you can force-stop the Play Store before clearing cache on some devices. Clearing data will reset the Play Store app to its default state, so you'll need to sign back in.
To clear cache and data regularly, repeat the steps every few weeks or months to clear out accumulated cached data in the Play Store. You may also need to reboot your phone after clearing cache and data for the changes to take full effect.
Here's a quick reference guide to clearing cache and data on Google Play Store:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Google Play Store
- Tap on Storage > Clear Cache
- Tap on Storage > Clear Data (optional)
- Force-stop the Play Store before clearing cache (optional)
What Is Data?
Data is the information collected by Google Play as people use its services. This can include how users find and purchase apps, as well as how they engage with them on their devices.
Google Play collects data to help developers understand how people interact with their apps. This data can show when and how often people make purchases, and whether they become repeat buyers.
The data collected by Google Play can also include user feedback, which developers can use to improve their apps. If a Play Store app has paid features, developers receive data showing how people use them.
You can't delete the Google Play Store app, but you can disable it. Doing so might make the apps on your device stop working properly.
What Is Services Data?
Google Play Services data tracks progress in games and saves it, so you can pick up where you left off. This data is collected based on which apps you have and how they function.
Many apps have advertisements, and Google Play Services has an API that lets developers monetize their releases, sending you relevant data in the process. This data collection is tied to the permissions you grant when installing an app from the Google Play Store.
You see a screen requesting certain permissions when installing an app, and you can change those permissions later, but doing so might make the app stop working. The chosen permissions relate to what kind of information Google Play Services needs to make the application work.
Google has announced a stricter developer policy about app data collection, requiring developers to declare how an app protects your data and what steps to take to delete that information. This should help you make more informed decisions about which apps to download and use.
Intriguing read: Azure Storage Service
Clear Video Cache
Clearing the cache of Google Play can resolve troubleshooting problems. To do this, go to the "Settings" of your Android device and tap on the "Apps" option.
You'll find the Google Play Store app, tap on it to open its settings. In the "Storage" option, you'll find two options: "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data." Clearing both data and cache is recommended if you're facing issues.
Clearing the cache and data can resolve problems with the Google Play Store app. If you only see the option to "Clear Data", tapping on it will clear both data and cache.
Restarting the Google Play Store after clearing the cache and data may resolve the issue. If you're still having trouble, consider checking your WiFi connection and device software for updates.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Find Google Workspace Storage
Consequences and Troubleshooting
Running out of storage space on your Android device can be frustrating, especially when Google Play services takes up a significant amount of space.
Google Play services is a critical factor in Android's fragmentation, guaranteeing a better experience regardless of the device's Android version.
If you don't regularly clear cache and data, you may run out of storage space on your device.
Clearing cache and data can resolve space issues by freeing up storage space.
What Happens If I Clear Cache?
Clearing cache on Google Play Store may seem daunting, but it's actually a straightforward process. You won't lose any app data or subscriptions, as they're synced with your Google account.
Cached files can become a burden and cause performance issues, so an occasional wipe-out can be helpful. Clearing cache won't remove or unlink your Google account.
If you clear data for Google Play Store, the applications on your phone and their respective information will stay untouched. This includes your subscriptions, which will remain unaffected.
You will not be logged out from Play Store since it utilizes a Google account, which shows up in Settings > Accounts. Clearing Play Store cache or erasing some other Google application's data won't remove or unlink the Google account.
Here are the possible outcomes of clearing cache on Google Play Store:
Services Taking Too Much Space?
Google Play Services is a critical factor in Android's fragmentation issue, which means it takes up space on your device. It's a necessary part of the Android experience, ensuring that your device runs smoothly, even on older Android versions.
Additional reading: Whatsapp Is Ending Complimentary Google Drive Storage for Android Users
Most Google applications and games require Play Services to work, so clearing its data can resolve space issues. If you don't clear the data, you might run out of storage space on your device.
Clearing the cache is a safe option, but removing the data requires you to sign in to your Google account again. This is because the data is stored locally on your device, and removing it will erase all progress and settings.
To clear the cache, go to "Apps and Notifications" (or "All Apps" on some devices), then tap on "Storage" and "Clear Cache." This will free up some space on your device without affecting your Google account.
If you want to clear the data, click on "Manage Space" and then "Clear all Data." Be prepared to sign in to your Google account again after clearing the data.
Additional reading: How to Remove Google Photos from Storage
Sources
- Google Play Store insufficient storage error - android (stackoverflow.com)
- Fix Google Play insufficient storage error without rooting ... (stackexchange.com)
- Google Play Services (google.com)
- app safety section (blog.google)
- How to Clear Google Play Store Cache on Android (updated) (linkedin.com)
- Quick Ways to Clear Google Play Cache and Data (imobie.com)
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