ANDROID users have been informed of a hidden setting that can help their devices function more effectively and keep their data safer.
You may not know this, but every time you surf the internet on your phone, data gets stored on your device’s web browser.
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In turn, this accumulation of files makes your data vulnerable to third-party trackers and even slows down your phone.
Why does this happen?
Stored data – also known as cache and cookies – serve a few purposes, like allowing you to stay logged into websites.
Cached files also help your web browser load more quickly as it saves assets and site preferences from the websites you frequent.
However, these bits of data can also be used by websites to track your browsing history.
Why do they want my history?
Websites do this to send you as much personalized advertising content as possible.
They typically access two types of cookies stored on your phone: First-party cookies; and third-party cookies.
First-party cookies are created by the site you visit (as shown in the address bar).
And third-party cookies are created by sites other than the one you are visiting – such as ads and images on the first-party webpage.
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To eliminate the risk of getting tracked by third parties, you can do a cache and cookie cleanse on your phone.
How to erase your cache on Google Chrome
To delete your cookies and cache on a Google Chrome browser, tap the More button in the top-right corner of the browser (displayed as three vertical dots).
Then select History > Clear browsing data.
You can also access this from the Chrome Settings menu by first clicking Privacy and Security, and then Clear browsing data.
How to erase your cache on Samsung Internet
Samsung’s process for deleting your cache and cookie data requires you to head to your phone’s settings.
The steps are as followed: Settings > Apps > Samsung Internet > Storage.
Once you’ve hit Storage, you will be presented with two options, one to clear the cache and one to clear data.
Tapping on Clear cache will immediately delete the cache.
Hitting Clear data will reset your internet browser to factory settings, deleting permanently files, settings, accounts, databases, and cookies.
How to erase your cache on Mozilla Firefox
Similar to Google Chrome, you can clear the cookies and cache straight from. the Mozilla Firefox Android app.
Simply hit More > Settings > Delete browsing data.
Firefox also allows you the option of automatically erasing your browsing data every time you exit the app. This can be found in the app’s settings.
