How to clear the cache on the Moto G (2014)

What the cache on the Moto G (2014) does

A cache is where a squirrel hides its nuts, and in smartphones and tablets the squirrel is Android and the nuts are temporary data files it needs to get the job done. That cache normally works fine, but it’s possible for its contents to become corrupted or for the cache to become overcrowded. When that happens, problems can start to occur.

Cleaning the cache simply gets rid of all the cache contents, leaving it shiny and new all over again. It’s worth noting that if your problem appears to be caused by a specific app - that is, the problem only occurs with one particular app - the age-old technique of uninstall/reboot/reinstall might solve it.

How to clear the cache on the Moto G (2014)

The method for clearing the cache on your Moto G (2014) depends on which version of Android you have installed on your device, as the steps are very slightly different in Android KitKat and in Android Lollipop. In each case clearing the cache shouldn’t affect any of your apps or user data, but it’s always a very good idea to backup your device before performing this kind of operation.

How to clear the cache on the Moto G (2014) in Android KitKat

To clear the Moto G (2014) cache on KitKat:

• Turn the phone off
• Press and hold the Volume Down button for three seconds, then press the Power button. Release both buttons
• The phone should now display its boot options
• Use the Volume Down button to scroll down to the Recovery option. Press the Volume Up button to select this option.
• The device might reboot at this point, which is its fairly rude way of telling you you’ve taken too long. If that happens, you’ll need to start the process again. Sorry
• Wait until you see the Android distress logo, which is the Android logo with an exclamation mark
• Press and hold the Volume Up key for ten to fifteen seconds
• Keep the Volume Up button pressed and press and release the Power button
• You should now see more menu options. Use the Volume Down button to scroll until Wipe Cache Partition is highlighted
• Press the power button to confirm your selection
• Wait for the phone to reboot

And that’s it.

How to clear the cache on the Moto G (2014) in Android Lollipop

The process here is pretty similar but the steps are a little bit different.

• Turn the phone off
• Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time
• Wait until the display shows “Start”
• Press the Volume Down button twice until “Recovery Mode” is highlighted
• Press the Power button to confirm your selection
• Your Moto should now restart in recovery mode
• Hold down the Power button and press the Volume Up button
• Use the Volume Down button to scroll to Wipe Cache Partition
• Press the Power button to confirm your selection
• “Reboot System Now” should be highlighted. Press Power to confirm and wait for the phone to reboot.

What to do if clearing the cache on the Moto G (2014) didn’t solve your problem

Don’t despair. You aren’t out of options yet. If clearing the cache on your Moto G (2014) didn’t solve your problem, the next step is to try a factory reset. If you haven’t already backed up your important data, photos and other valuable information, do it now and make sure your Google account syncing is up to date too: a factory reset returns your device to factory-fresh condition so while it retains any Android updates you’ve installed, it wipes your data.

Have you found that clearing the cache on your second generation Moto G solves irritations, crashes and performance issues, or did you have to go for the nuclear option and factory reset it? Let us know in the comments!