When a player app starts acting strangely, such as showing yesterday’s channel list, freezing on its loading screen or closing right after it opens, one of the first fixes to try on Android is clearing its cache. It takes under a minute and, in most cases, leaves your login untouched.

This guide explains what the cache is, how it differs from app data, when each option makes sense and where to find them on Android phones, tablets and TV boxes.

Cache vs Data: What Gets Removed

Android keeps two kinds of stored information for each app, and the two buttons in Settings do very different things.

  • Cache holds temporary files the app saves to load faster, such as images and pieces of lists. Clearing it is safe; the app rebuilds it as you use it.
  • Data, sometimes labeled Clear storage, holds everything the app has saved, including your login and preferences. Clearing it returns the app to a freshly installed state.

Always start with the cache. Only move on to clearing data if the problem survives, and have your subscription email at hand because you will need to sign in again.

Why a Cache Goes Stale

A player app saves pieces of your channel list, artwork and menus so it can show them quickly the next time you open it. Most of the time that is helpful. Problems start when the saved copy no longer matches what the server sends, for example after an app update changes how files are stored, or when the stored files become damaged after a sudden power cut or a full disk.

When that happens, the app may keep showing old information or trip over a file it can no longer read. Clearing the cache simply forces it to fetch everything fresh.

Try These Quick Resets First

Before touching any settings, two simpler steps fix a fair share of glitches on their own:

  1. Close the app from the recent apps screen and open it again.
  2. Restart the phone, tablet or box, then give the app another try.

If the problem is still there after both, move on to clearing the cache.

When Clearing the Cache Helps

  • The app shows channels or categories that no longer match your subscription.
  • It hangs on a loading screen that used to pass quickly.
  • It closes unexpectedly after an update.
  • Your device warns that storage is running low.

Steps on an Android Phone or Tablet

Menu names vary by manufacturer and Android version, but the path is similar on most devices.

  1. Close the player app completely by swiping it away from your recent apps.
  2. Open Settings and tap Apps; on some phones you first tap See all apps.
  3. Find IBO Player Pro or TiviMate in the list and tap it.
  4. Tap Force stop and confirm.
  5. Open Storage or Storage & cache, then tap Clear cache.
  6. Reopen the app and let it reload.

A shortcut on many phones is to press and hold the app icon, tap App info, and go straight to the same page.

The first launch after clearing may be a little slower than usual, because the app has to download fresh copies of your lists and artwork. That delay is expected and disappears after the app has rebuilt its cache.

Steps on an Android TV Box

  1. Press the Home button and open Settings, usually the gear icon.
  2. Go to Apps, and choose See all apps if your box shows that option.
  3. Select your player app.
  4. Choose Force stop, then Clear cache.
  5. Return to the home screen and launch the app again.

If you are still setting the box up, our Android TV box guide covers the full installation.

If You Need to Clear Data

Clearing data is a bigger reset. Use it when clearing the cache did not help and the app still misbehaves.

  1. Follow the same path to the app’s Storage page.
  2. Choose Clear data or Clear storage and accept the warning.
  3. Open the app, choose Xtream Codes login and enter your details from the subscription email again.

Troubleshooting After Clearing

The Clear Cache Button Is Grayed Out

That usually means the cache is already empty. Try force stopping the app and restarting the device instead.

The Problem Comes Straight Back

Check Google Play for an app update, then restart the device. If nothing changes, uninstall the app, reinstall it from Google Play and sign in fresh.

My Login Disappeared

If you pressed Clear data instead of Clear cache, the saved login is gone. Sign in again using the details in your purchase email.

When the app still will not cooperate, our team can look at it with you. Reach us via the contact page, and see the installation page for setup steps by device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the cache delete my favorites?

Clearing the cache normally keeps favorites and login details. Clearing data removes them.

How often should I clear the cache?

Only when something seems wrong. There is no need to do it on a schedule.

Does this work the same for TiviMate?

Yes, the Android settings path is the same for any app. For TiviMate-specific steps, see our TiviMate setup guide.

Can clearing the cache fix buffering?

Sometimes, if low storage is part of the cause. For a full checklist, read our Android TV box buffering guide.

Is Force stop the same as uninstalling?

No. Force stop only shuts the app down until you open it again. Nothing is removed and your settings stay as they were.

A Quick Fix Worth Remembering

Clearing the cache is low risk and solves a surprising number of problems. Keep it near the top of your list whenever a player app on Android starts behaving oddly.