App Data vs App Cache
Also known as: clear data vs cache android, app data android, android app data vs cache
On Android, app data is the permanent files an app needs to work (accounts, settings, databases, downloads), while app cache is regenerable temporary files like thumbnails and network responses. Clearing cache is safe and reversible; clearing data resets the app to a fresh-install state.
- Cache is regenerable scratch data; clearing it is safe and reversible.
- Data is persistent state (accounts, settings, saves); clearing it resets the app.
- Android may auto-delete cache under low storage but never auto-deletes app data.
What counts as data vs cache
App cache is everything an app stores in its cache directories (getCacheDir() and getExternalCacheDir()): decoded images, buffered video, downloaded web assets, and other disposable scratch files. Android treats it as safe to delete at any time and may auto-evict it under low storage with no warning to the app.
App data is the persistent state: login sessions and accounts in shared_prefs/, SQLite databases in databases/, user-created files in files/, and game saves. Settings reports it as User data (sometimes split into App size, User data, and Cache). Losing it means the app starts over.
Clear cache vs clear data
Tapping Settings > Apps > <app> > Storage > Clear cache deletes only the cache directories. The app keeps you logged in, keeps your settings, and simply rebuilds the cache on next use, so it is safe and reversible. This is the standard fix for a misbehaving app or to reclaim space.
Tapping Clear data (or Clear storage) wipes the entire /data/data/<package> tree, cache included. You are logged out, downloads and saves are gone, and the app behaves like a fresh install. Use it only as a deliberate reset, never as routine cleanup.
Why a cleaner targets cache only
A storage cleaner like Cleanor focuses on the cache column because that space is genuinely junk: it can be freed without breaking accounts, settings, or saved content. Cache sizes are read per app via StorageStatsManager, and the cleaner surfaces only that reclaimable amount.
A trustworthy cleaner never triggers Clear data silently. It distinguishes the two clearly, frees cache automatically, and leaves any data wipe as an explicit, user-confirmed action so people don't accidentally lose photos, logins, or progress.