Alex Ruben
How To Clear Cache Effectively on LG Smart TV
If your LG Smart TV starts acting sluggish, apps freeze unexpectedly, or videos keep buffering, chances are there’s some cache buildup causing trouble. Cleaning out the cache isn’t always straightforward, but there are a few methods that can help squeeze better performance out of that thing. Here’s what’s worked in the past, at least enough to avoid tossing the remote at the screen.
Preparation Before You Dive In
First off, make sure the TV’s running the latest software. It’s surprisingly common for firmware glitches to cause weird stuff — so go into Settings > All Settings > General > About This TV and check for updates. Also, a decent internet connection helps because some steps might involve re-downloading apps or tweaks. Having a backup of important settings just in case can’t hurt either.
Method 1: Clear Web Browser Cache (If you’re into surfing on TV)
This helps if your browser’s acting slow or keeps throwing errors. Kind of weird, but clearing all data from the browser sometimes fixes stubborn issues:
- Hit the Home button on the remote.
- Open the Web Browser.
- Tap the gear icon or menu (usually top right, three dots).
- Select Settings.
- Scroll down to Clear Browsing Data. You’ll see options to clear cookies, cached images, or everything. If things are really off, go for Clear All Browsing Data — just make sure you’re okay with logging in again on some sites.
- Tap Yes or Confirm.
This wipes out the cached files stored by the browser, which can help if pages are loading weird or errors pop up. On some setups, this might need a reboot afterward, or it only works after a few tries. Because of course, LG has to make it harder than it should be.
Method 2: Clear Cache from System Settings (The more ‘deep’ method)
Actually clearing the system cache can give your TV a good refresh. Here’s the process:
- Press Settings (gear icon) on your remote.
- Go to All Settings.
- Navigate to General.
- Find and select Device Self Care.
- Look for Storage and then hit Clear Cache.
- Confirm when prompted.
This helps with overall smoothness, especially if the TV’s been running for months with no restart. Sometimes, after a firmware update or app install, cache can get cluttered.
Method 3: Power Cycle (The old trick that still works)
Turning the TV off, unplugging it, waiting a minute or two, then plugging back in is often enough to clear temporary cache files. It’s not as aggressive as clearing system cache, but it’s quick and easy. Plus, it can fix minor glitches or VS (buffering, lag).
- Turn off your TV with the remote.
- Unplug it from the power outlet.
- Wait about 1-2 minutes. Might as well get a snack in that time.
- Plug it back in and turn it on.
This step, weirdly, sometimes works better than messing with settings, especially if things start acting up after an update. On some machines, this fail the first time, then works after reboot. Nothing makes sense with LG’s approach sometimes.
Method 4: Use Memory Optimizer (For OLED models specifically)
Got an OLED LG TV? Then you’ll want to check out the built-in Memory Optimizer switch. It’s a sorta quick fix to free up RAM:
- Head into All Settings.
- Choose General.
- Scroll to Device Self Care.
- Select Memory Optimizer.
- Press Start.
This isn’t magic, but it regularly helps declutter memory leaks or junk that just accumulates over time. Like I said, it’s specific for OLEDs, so if yours isn’t one, of course, it won’t show up.
Method 5: Reinstall Problematic Apps (Nuclear Option)
If the issue is isolated to an app — say Netflix or YouTube keeps crashing — uninstall it, then reinstall from the LG Content Store. This often clears up app-specific cache and resets any corrupted data.
- Find that app icon on your home screen or app list.
- Long press or select options to uninstall.
- Go to the LG Content Store, search for the app again, and reinstall.
Sometimes that’s all it takes to fix persistent weird behavior. Or at least it’s a fresh start, which can fix the underlying cache mess.
Extra Tips & Common Gotchas
Keep your software updated regularly — LG pushes updates that fix bugs and improve performance. If problems keep cropping up, resetting to factory settings might be a last-ditch effort, but be warned: it wipes all your configurations and apps. Better to try clearing cache or reboot first.
Summary
- Clear browser cache if surfing is slow or error-prone.
- Use System Settings → Storage → Clear Cache for a deep clean.
- Power cycle regularly to clear temporary files.
- On OLED models, run the Memory Optimizer.
- Reinstall apps if they keep crashing or misbehaving.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Or at least gets their smart TV running smoothly again without pulling out the hair.