A Samsung Smart TV that stutters, freezes on app launch, or buffers constantly is often carrying too much cached data. Apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ store temporary files to load faster, but over months that cache can bloat and slow everything down.
Clearing the cache wipes those temporary files without touching your logins or settings, while clearing cookies removes browsing data stored by the TV. This guide walks through every working method for current and older Samsung models so you can pick the one your TV actually supports.
What the Cache and Cookies Actually Store
The cache is your TV's short-term memory. It holds app thumbnails, recently watched data, and partial downloads so apps reopen quickly instead of fetching everything from scratch.
When that storage fills up or holds corrupted files, apps can crash, freeze, or buffer. Clearing the cache forces apps to rebuild clean copies, which usually restores smooth performance.
Cookies are different. They are small files saved while browsing the internet on the TV, storing things like site preferences and session data. Clearing cache is completely safe, but clearing an app's full data will sign you out and reset that app's preferences.
Clear App Cache Through Device Care
Device Care is the cleanest method on 2020 and newer Samsung Smart TVs running Tizen. It gives you a single storage screen instead of digging through each app.
Open the menu using this path.
Settings > Support > Device Care > Manage Storage
Select the app you want to clean, choose View Details, then select Clear Cache. You can repeat this for any app that is misbehaving, and the screen also shows how much storage each app is using.
You can run Start Device Care from the same menu to scan and optimize the TV in one pass. Older 2019 and 7 Series models reach the same tools under a slightly different path, covered below.
Clear App Cache Through the Apps Menu
Many Samsung models let you clear an individual app's cache directly from the Apps screen. This is the most common method, though the exact labels vary by model year.
Use this path.
Home > Settings > Apps > System Apps
Select the specific app, choose Clear Cache, then confirm with OK. There is no single button to clear every app at once, so repeat the steps for each app you want to refresh.
If you do not see Clear Cache here, your model handles cache through Device Care instead. Switch to the Device Care method above.
Use Self Diagnosis and Memory Boost
On 2019 and 7 Series TVs, the storage tools sit inside the Self Diagnosis menu rather than Device Care. This is also where you find a one-tap memory cleaner on some models.
Navigate using this path.
Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > TV Device Manager
Choose Clean Now under the Memory Boost section to free up memory, or open Manage Storage, highlight an app, select View Details, and then Clear Cache. On the newest models, Self Diagnosis lives inside Device Care, so check both spots if the path does not match your screen.
Reinstall a Problem App
If a specific app keeps crashing even after clearing its cache, reinstalling it gives you a clean copy. This removes the app's stored data entirely, so you will need to sign back in afterward.
Open your apps and the settings icon.
Home > Apps > Settings (gear icon, top right)
Find the app in the list, then select Reinstall. Have your login details ready before you start, since reinstalling wipes that app's saved sessions.
Clear Cookies and Browsing Data
Cookies are stored by interactive broadcast features and the built-in browser, not by streaming apps. On models that support HbbTV, you can delete that browsing data from the broadcasting settings.
Use this path where it is available.
Settings > Broadcasting > Expert Settings > HbbTV Settings > Delete Browsing Data
Confirm when prompted to clear the saved cookies and data. On 2015 and earlier models this option lives under Settings > Privacy & Security instead, and many newer TVs that rely on streaming apps do not include broadcasting features at all.
If your TV has the Samsung Internet browser, you can also clear cookies inside the browser's own settings menu. Note that Samsung has dropped the built-in browser on some newer models, so this option may not be present.
Reset Smart Hub for a Deeper Clean
When clearing individual app caches does not fix recurring glitches, resetting Smart Hub clears all apps and accounts at once for a fresh start. This is more thorough than clearing cache and should be a last resort.
Find it through Self Diagnosis.
Settings > Support > Self Diagnosis > Reset Smart Hub
Enter your PIN to confirm. The default PIN is 0000 if you never changed it. A reset removes downloaded apps, signs out of Samsung and linked accounts, and reverts Smart Hub to factory defaults, so write down your logins first. Close any open apps before you start, since the reset may not run while an app is still active.
Power Cycle When Nothing Else Works
A simple power cycle clears the TV's temporary memory and resolves many slowdowns without changing any settings. It is the fastest thing to try before digging into menus.
Unplug the TV from the wall, wait at least 30 to 60 seconds, then plug it back in. Holding the remote's power button until the TV restarts works on some models as well.
This forces a clean restart and often clears the glitches that cause freezing or app crashes. If problems return quickly, move on to clearing the cache through Device Care.
Tips Before You Start
Access the settings menu from the Home screen or Smart Hub rather than from inside an open app, since some options are hidden while an app is running.
Switch the TV to a regular TV input or Smart Hub before opening broadcasting settings, as the HbbTV menu may not appear over an HDMI source. Keep your app logins handy in case you clear full data or reset Smart Hub.
Clearing cache is safe and leaves your important data intact, but clearing app data or resetting Smart Hub will sign you out. After any of these steps, expect faster app launches and smoother navigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does clearing the cache delete my apps or logins?
No. Clearing the cache only removes temporary files and leaves your apps, logins, and settings in place. Clearing an app's full data or resetting Smart Hub is what signs you out.
Why is there no Clear Cache option on my Samsung TV?
The location varies by model year. Newer TVs handle cache through Settings > Support > Device Care > Manage Storage, while some models only offer reinstalling the app or resetting Smart Hub.
How often should I clear the cache on my Samsung TV?
There is no fixed schedule. Clear it when you notice slow loading, crashes, or buffering, which for most people is every few months rather than routinely.
What is the default PIN for resetting Smart Hub?
The default PIN is 0000 if you never set your own. You can change it under Settings > General > System Manager > Change PIN.
Will clearing cache fix buffering and freezing?
Often, yes. A bloated or corrupted cache is a common cause of buffering and freezing, and clearing it forces apps to rebuild clean files. If the problem continues, try a power cycle or a Smart Hub reset.
First published October 15, 2025. Last updated June 4, 2026.
