How to Clear the Cache on Xbox One

Have you ever noticed that your game loading, downloading, and uploading becomes slow, even when your internet connection works fine? The cached data may be slowing down your system. This blog will explain how to clear your cache on Xbox One without any technical expertise.

What is Cache?

The cache is a high-speed memory compared to the system’s main memory. It stores frequently accessed data and instructions to reduce program execution time. 

Whenever a processor requires a memory word, it is first searched in the cache. If the word is found in the cache, it is read from there by the CPU. If not, it is accessed from the main memory to read it. 

“A cache is a data collection you frequently use.”

It can be your login credentials and the pages you search. It uses the already loaded files without using much of your internet to load videos, pictures, and login credentials for you. 

In the context of your gaming console, cache temporarily stores your system file and other game assets like your game save data. 

When this data accumulates in the cache for a longer period and increases in size, it makes your system sluggish. Glitches and game crashes also occur due to a large cache. 

Hence, cleaning it to revive your game’s speed and performance becomes necessary. 

Why do you need to clean the Cache on Xbox One?

Let’s talk about Xbox One and the need to clear its cache. Xbox One is the third console in the Xbox series. 

Here is why you need to clean the cache on Xbox One.

Improved performance

As mentioned above, data accumulates in the cache over time, slowing your system. Cleaning the cache will help eliminate this extra data and improve your Xbox function. 

For example, when you play games on your Xbox, different temporary files from each round are stored in your cache. It also includes your character information, last saved game information, and profile settings. 

Most of this data may need to be updated, and you no longer use it. All of this piles up and creates a heap of unnecessary data. 

By cleaning the cache, you will be able to restore the performance of your system, as it will not process and execute all the previously stored data in the cache. 

Freeing disk space

The data in your games is typically massive, so the cache is also significant. It takes up a lot of space on your system. 

You need to clear the cache to free up disk space. For example, clear the cache when there is a new software update on your Xbox, but you’re running on low storage. 

Similarly, clear it if you want to install a new game but cannot because the system needs more space. 

Protects personal information

Clearing the cache on your Xbox One will wipe away the stored traces of your login credentials and other sensitive data. 

When you initially log in, your console often caches or stores this information for convenience because it wants to automatically fill in details the next time you access the system. 

However, this convenience comes with a security price. If someone gains unauthorized access to your console, they can retrieve your login information to harm you.

Inconsistent data retrieval 

Inconsistent copies of the same data can be present in different caches of different processors in your system. 

If one processor makes a change and it is not replicated in the other caches, it results in inconsistent data. 

Your system will experience game crashes, poor performance, and glitches in such conditions. 

When you clear the Xbox cache, all the inconsistent copies of the data will also be deleted, and you will have improved gaming performance.

Less data usage

Due to fluctuating internet speeds, we sometimes play games by connecting the Xbox to a Hotspot. In this scenario, the Xbox may consume more data if the system has cached data. 

More data will be consumed because it will be used to process and load temporary files, images, or information from websites and apps. 

With a cleared cache, the system only retrieves essential data rather than storing excessive temporary files. 

To use updated features

You may not experience the updated features on your Xbox despite performing a software update. The cache still has files you need to clear from the old version. 

Clean the cache before or after updating your system to avoid any glitches. 

Improved battery

Clearing the cache can indirectly help sustain the battery life of your system. When you clear large-size data from the cache, it reduces the load on its operating system. 

When you clear the cache, the system stops retrieving unnecessary data and prevents battery consumption. 

Lastly, when apps load faster due to a cleared cache, the system responds more quickly. This decreases the loading process and allows your system’s battery to last longer. 

Clearing the cache does not delete data!

You may be concerned that clearing the cache will cause you to lose all your data, but that’s false. 

It certainly does not delete your uploaded content, but the temporary copies of data it has stored for smooth performance. 

How to clear the cache on your Xbox One

There are three different methods that you can use to clear the cache on your Xbox One. Let’s have a look at them one by one.

First method

This method is suggested for people who use Wifi. 

1. Click on the Home button of your Xbox One and go to settings.
2. Next, go to General and then Network settings.
3. In the Network settings, go to advanced stages.
4. Click on Alternate Mac Address. 
5. Tap on Clear.
6. You will be prompted to restart your Xbox.

After restarting, your system will be cleared out of the cache.

Second Method

1. Click on the Home button and go to settings.
2. Next, go to General and then Devices and Streaming. 
3. Click on “Blu-ray.” (This option may not appear on every device. If you are not getting this option, try the third method). 
4. Next, click on Persistent Storage.
5. Now click on Clear Persistent Storage. 

That’s it! Your cache is cleared.

Third Method

This is also called the Dirt Method. 

1. Take your physical console.
2. Press the power button until it turns off.
3. Once the light turns off, go to the back of your console and unplug the power cord.
4. Unplug the power cord also. 
5. Wait for one minute and plug it back in. 
6. Restart your Console. 
7. If you see a green screen when you turn it on, your cache is cleared.

Precautions

There are no serious consequences of clearing catch, but be mindful of the following possibilities.

Reconfiguration

As mentioned above, cache stores your settings details and login login credentials. When you clear it, all the related data gets deleted. 

It can give you trouble if you need a backup of your login credentials and Xbox settings. Clear the cache if the data is unimportant and you remember your login details. 

Content Redownloading

The cached data contains your game-related information. All of it gets erased when you clear the cache. 

This includes the new characters you purchase or download online, their costumes, and advanced weapon designs. 

If you don’t want to lose them, reconsider your decision to clean the cache. 

Secure and enhance your Xbox gaming experience with PureVPN

According to a recent report, 86% of Xbox users are most likely to get hacked. 76% may fall victim to phishing attacks, and 64% of users can potentially use dangerous cheat codes.

This data suggests how important it is to protect yourself while playing games on Xbox One. 

Here is how PureVPN can help:

Ultimate protection

If you stream online, you must protect yourself against cybercriminals. PureVPN masks your IP address, and your location stays inaccessible to hackers with advanced encryption.

Play games all around the world

You connect with multiple people while playing games, but unfortunately, some games may not be available in your region. 

You can use PureVPN to access all the region-locked games by connecting to a different server. 

Resolve bandwidth issues

Do you know your ISP can throttle your internet or bandwidth while playing games? Your ISP is playing with your capacity, but there is nothing to worry about if you have PureVPN.

Dedicated IP address

PureVPN also offers a dedicated IP address that ensures a secure traffic tunnel is reserved for you to play games or stream online. 

Clearing cache is a new minimalism for Xbox One

Clutter is dangerous for peace of mind, and the same is true for your Xbox One. It is essential to clear your cache to have a clutter-free gaming environment. 

Eventually, it will reduce lagging and speed issues. Use the methods mentioned above to clear the cache on Xbox One and subscribe to PureVPN to make your gaming adventure secure, protected, and fun.