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Wiping the cache partition clears corrupted system cache without deleting your personal data. Here's the complete step-by-step guide for Samsung Galaxy phones.
Important: Samsung Removed This Option (2026)
Critical update: Samsung has removed the "Wipe Cache Partition" option from Recovery Mode on devices running One UI 8.5 (Android 15+) and newer models like the Galaxy S26 series. If you don't see this option, your device no longer supports it.
Step-by-Step Guide for Supported Devices
Step 1: Power Off Your Phone Completely
-
Hold the Side/Power button until the power menu appears
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Tap Power off
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Press Power off again when prompted to confirm
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Wait for the phone to shut down completely (you should feel it vibrate)
Alternative method:
-
Drag down the notification panel twice
-
Tap the Power button in the top right
-
Select Power off and confirm
Step 2: Connect to Computer or Charger
For newer Samsung devices (S21, S22, S23, Z Fold/Flip, A54+):
-
Plug the phone into a computer via USB cable (required for some models)
-
Alternative: Connect to a charger if computer doesn't work
You should see the charging logo appear on screen.
Step 3: Enter Recovery Mode
Button combination depends on your device:
| Device Type | Button Combination |
|---|---|
| Phones with Home/Bixby button (S8, S9, Note 8, Note 9) | Hold Volume Up + Power + Home/Bixby together |
| Phones without Home/Bixby (S20, S21, S22, S23, S24, Z Fold/Flip, A50+) | Hold Volume Up + Power together |
| Galaxy S23 | Hold Side key + Volume Up |
Execution steps:
-
Press and hold the required buttons simultaneously
-
Keep holding until you see the Samsung logo appear
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When the logo appears, release only the Power button, but continue holding Volume Up
-
Keep holding Volume Up until the Android Recovery menu appears
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The phone will vibrate when you're in recovery mode—release all buttons then
Step 4: Navigate to Wipe Cache Partition
Important: You cannot use touch screen in recovery mode. Use physical buttons only.
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| Volume Down | Scroll down through options |
| Volume Up | Scroll up through options |
| Power/Side button | Select/confirm option (like "Enter" on keyboard) |
Steps:
-
Press Volume Down repeatedly to scroll down the menu
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Look for "Wipe cache partition" option
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When highlighted, press Power button to select it
Step 5: Confirm and Execute
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The phone will ask: "Are you sure you want to wipe the cache partition?"
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Press Volume Down to select "Yes"
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Press Power button to confirm
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Wait for the process to complete
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You'll see "Cache wipe complete" at the bottom of the screen
Step 6: Reboot Your Phone
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"Reboot system now" will be automatically selected (highlighted)
-
Press Power button to confirm
-
Unplug the USB cable or charger
-
Wait for your phone to restart normally
-
You'll see the Samsung logo, then the phone boots up
Quick Reference Button Guide
| Action | Button(s) to Use |
|---|---|
| Enter recovery | Volume Up + Power (or Home/Bixby) |
| Scroll down | Volume Down |
| Scroll up | Volume Up |
| Select option | Power/Side button |
| Confirm Yes/No | Volume Down to select, Power to confirm |
| Reboot | Power button when "Reboot system now" is selected |
Models That Support Wipe Cache Partition
| Still Supported | Removed (One UI 8.5+) |
|---|---|
| Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e | Galaxy S26 Ultra |
| Galaxy S20, S21 | Galaxy S25 series |
| Galaxy Z Fold 2, Z Flip 5G | Galaxy A55, A35 |
| Galaxy A34 5G | Most 2024-2025 models |
| Galaxy A50, A51, A52, A53 | Newer One UI 8.5 devices |
What Wiping Cache Partition Does
| Effect | Does NOT Delete |
|---|---|
| Clears corrupted system cache | Personal photos |
| Fixes boot loops and glitches | Videos and music |
| Resolves app crashes | Contacts and messages |
| Improves performance after updates | Apps and app data |
| Removes temporary system files | Login credentials |
Important: This is a safe operation that cannot be undone, but it doesn't erase your personal data.
Troubleshooting: Can't Find "Wipe Cache Partition"?
If you don't see the option in your recovery menu:
| Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| One UI 8.5+ device | Samsung removed this feature permanently |
| Wrong button combination | Try different combinations based on your model |
| Not holding buttons long enough | Keep holding until Samsung logo appears, then continue |
| Phone not fully powered off | Ensure complete shutdown (wait for vibration) |
| Not connected to computer | Some newer models require USB connection to computer |
Alternative solutions if cache wipe is unavailable:
-
Try Safe Mode to uninstall problematic apps
-
Use Samsung Smart Switch for firmware repair
-
Perform factory reset (last resort, deletes data)
When to Wipe Cache Partition
| Issue | Cache Wipe Helps? |
|---|---|
| Boot loop (stuck on Samsung logo) | ✅ Yes |
| Phone freezing randomly | ✅ Yes |
| Apps crashing repeatedly | ✅ Yes |
| Slow performance after update | ✅ Yes |
| Green/purple lines on screen | ❌ No (hardware issue) |
| Battery draining fast | Sometimes |
| Phone overheating | Sometimes |
Visual Guide Summary
Complete process flow:
-
Phone off → Connect USB → Hold buttons → Recovery menu → Wipe cache → Confirm → Reboot
-
Takes approximately 2–3 minutes total
-
No data loss occurs
-
Safe to perform regularly for maintenance
If your device no longer supports cache partition wiping due to Samsung's removal, focus on other troubleshooting methods like Safe Mode, firmware repair via Smart Switch, or addressing hardware issues directly.
