The Files (iOS), Samsung My Files, and Files by Google apps cache thumbnails and previews, which is separate from your actual documents. On Android, clear that cache via Settings > Apps > [My Files / Files by Google] > Storage & cache > Clear cache; on iPhone, the Files app itself has no cache control, so storage you see there is your real files in iCloud Drive and "On My iPhone." Clearing cache never deletes your files, deleting files does.

TL;DR

  • File-manager apps cache thumbnails and previews, not your real documents.
  • Android: clear the app's cache directly; it only removes previews, which regenerate.
  • iOS Files has no cache button; what you see is actual stored files.
  • Clearing cache is safe; deleting files in the app removes the real data.
  • On iPhone, free space by removing files you don't need, not by "clearing" the app.

How do I clear the My Files or Files by Google cache on Android?

Go to Settings > Apps, tap My Files (Samsung) or Files by Google, then Storage & cache > Clear cache. This removes cached thumbnails and preview data only; your documents, photos, and downloads stay exactly where they are. Thumbnails regenerate the next time you browse.

Files by Google also has a built-in Clean tab that suggests junk, duplicates, and large files to delete, but that deletes real files, so review each suggestion before confirming.

How do I manage Files app storage on iPhone?

The iOS Files app has no "clear cache" option because it's a front end for your real storage: iCloud Drive and On My iPhone. To free space, open Files, browse On My iPhone, and delete documents you no longer need, then empty Recently Deleted. For iCloud-stored files, you can remove the local download (swipe and choose Remove Download) to keep the file in the cloud while freeing local space.

If you want to reduce the Files app's own footprint, offload it via Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Files > Offload App.

What these apps do natively, and where it stops

File managers automatically regenerate thumbnails, and Files by Google's Clean tab proactively flags junk and duplicates you can delete. On iOS, "Remove Download" lets you keep cloud files without local storage cost. Where it stops: clearing cache only reclaims preview data (often small), and these apps won't decide for you which real files are safe to delete, that judgment is yours. The iOS Files app, in particular, gives you no cache lever at all.

What this cannot do (safety note)

This is the key distinction: clearing the app cache is always safe and reversible, while deleting files inside the app, or confirming a Files by Google "Clean" suggestion, permanently removes the actual document, photo, or video. Items deleted from a file manager may go to a trash/Recently Deleted folder briefly, but they're gone after that empties. Always check whether a file is backed up to iCloud or Google before deleting it locally. Don't expect cache clearing to free much space here, the real wins come from deleting genuine junk, which carries real risk if you're careless.

FAQ

Does clearing the Files app cache delete my documents?

No. Clearing cache only removes thumbnails and previews, which regenerate automatically. Your documents are only removed if you delete the files themselves or confirm a cleanup suggestion.

Why doesn't the iOS Files app have a clear cache button?

Because Files is a front end for real storage (iCloud Drive and On My iPhone), not a cache-heavy app. To free space, delete unneeded files or use Remove Download to keep cloud copies.

Is Files by Google's Clean tab safe?

It's safe to review, but confirming a suggestion deletes real files. Check each item, especially photos and downloads, and make sure it's backed up before you tap delete.

To find safe-to-remove cache and junk across every app, Cleanor for iPhone scans your device, and our free up iPhone space guide explains where the space really goes. See also iPhone storage full but nothing to delete and how to offload large apps on iPhone.