How to Clear the Cache on Your Xbox Series X|S

Is your Xbox Series X operating slowly? You might need to clear your Xbox cache, and here's what to do.

Built by Microsoft, the Xbox Series X|S is like a gaming PC in terms of power and performance. Much like a PC, the Xbox Series X often starts off responsive and lightning-quick, but without a little TLC, you will find your console becoming sluggish compared to when you bought it.

Sometimes, you will even get a notification telling you that your console is getting cluttered and needs clearing to improve performance.

Clearing your Xbox Series X|S's cache can often resolve these issues.

What Is a Cache, and Why Does it Need Clearing?

Most modern devices have a cache; your computer, your smartphone, and even game consoles. Even web browsers like Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and Firefox have a cache. Your device has to process a lot of data and the cache stores some of that data to be processed so when you next perform an action that requires this same data. It can access the cache and perform these actions quicker.

Just like any storage, the cache is limited in size and, when it becomes full, it can no longer store temporary files, meaning your device can no longer benefit from the performance boosts a cache provides.

This can make your device sluggish compared to when the cache has been freshly cleared.

As the cache is constantly storing data, some of this data can become redundant, which is why clearing your cache every month or couple of months is a good idea to keep your Xbox Series X|S running smoothly.

How to Clear the Cache on an Xbox Series X

Frustratingly, Microsoft didn't add a simple "clear cache" button on the Xbox Series X|S. But, not to worry, there is a way around this, which differs depending on whether you own an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S.

Here's how to clear the cache on your Xbox Series X.

1. Press the Xbox symbol on your controller.

2. Go to the Profile and System tab.

3. Press Settings.

4. Click Devices and Connections then press Blu-ray.

You should now see all the Blu-ray settings, which include the Persistent storage option.

Clicking the Persistent storage button will open up a message which explains in further detail what this function does. Simply press it and your Xbox Series X's cache will be cleared.

How to Clear the Cache on an Xbox Series S

Because the Xbox Series S doesn't have a disc drive, you cannot clear the cache in the same way as the Xbox Series X.

However, there is another way to clear the cache, but you will need to make sure that you have your Xbox login details to hand for this method.

1. Press the Xbox symbol on your controller.

2. Go to the Profile and System tab.

3. Press System and select Console Info.

4. Click Reset Console.

It's very important that you remember when using this method to select Reset and Keep My Games & Apps. If you don't do this, you will factory reset your Xbox Series S, removing all games and apps.

This essentially restores it to the same state as when you first bought it.

Turn It Off and Back On Again

If all else fails, and your console still feels sluggish after clearing the cache on your Xbox Series X|S, you can try a simple power cycle.

Simply turn your Xbox off, wait for it to completely shut down to ensure you don't damage the hard drive, and then unplug your Xbox. You should leave your Xbox unplugged for at least a couple of minutes, then plug it back in and turn it on. The cache should now be clear.

The key is to ensure you leave your Xbox unplugged long enough. There's no such thing as leaving it unplugged for too long, but not long enough might not clear the cache.

A Faster Xbox Series X|S

Clearing the cache on your Xbox Series X|S is a simple and effective way to speed up your console if it's feeling a little sloth-like.

By removing temporary data in your console's reserved storage, you won't lose any of your games or apps, but you may be able to give it a small performance boost and make it feel new again.