How to Clear Cache on Xbox One?

Keypoints

• ✅ The easiest way: restart the console (Xbox button → Power icon → Restart console). This already clears most of the cache.
• ⚠️ Warning: switch off the console in Instant Start mode only puts it in watch → the cache is not emptied.
• 🔌 If the bug persists: make a complete feed cycle (disconnect cable 2-3 min). No savegames or games are deleted.

Like a PC, the Xbox One stores temporary files which, as they accumulate, end up slowing down the console: long loading times, freezes, connection failures.

Good news: clearing the cache takes less than 5 minutes and does not delete any of your data (saves, games and profiles remain intact). We show you the quick method, then the full method if the problem persists.

How do you clear your Xbox One cache in 2026?

There are two main methods, plus a procedure specific to Blu-ray players. Start with the simplest one; the last one applies only to disc-related issues.

In most cases, the first steps are all you need to clear your console's cache without even going through the settings.

💻 Quick method: restart the console

1. Press the Xbox button of your joystick to open the guide.
2. Go down to the’power icon (⏻).
3. Choose «Restart console», then confirm.

👉 A real reboot restarts the whole system and clears a good part of the cache. Don't just put the console to sleep It's not enough. In most cases, this step solves slowdowns.

If the bug persists, proceed to the full method.

🔌 Complete method: the feed cycle

1. Hold the Xbox button on console (not the joystick) pressed for ~10 seconds, until total extinction (no more front lights).
2. Unplug power cable on the back of the console.
3. Please wait 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Reconnect the cable and switch the console back on.

👉 This is the only method that also purges the power supply and network cache. On reboot, the console will take a little longer than usual: this is normal, as it's rebuilding its cache. The cache is then vide.

📀 Special case: clearing the Blu-Ray player cache

Useful uniquely if you have problems playing discs or films.

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Devices and connections.
3. Select Blu-Ray.
4. Choose Persistent storage → Empty persistent storage.

Buy your Xbox Controller easily:

Why clear your Xbox One cache?

Here are a few reasons why you should clear your Xbox One cache:

• Improving performance: the cache can store temporary data which can become corrupted over time, leading to performance problems such as slowdowns, freezes and crashes. Clearing the cache can help erase this corrupted data and improve your console's performance.
• Problem solving : Clearing the cache can also help solve specific problems, such as connection problems, game loading problems and disk reading problems.

In practice, a saturated cache is often the cause of very real problems: a game that refuses to launch, a game stuck on the loading screen, errors when starting an application, or outages with the Xbox Live service.

Before reinstalling a game or resetting anything else, clearing the cache is the first thing to do: it's quick, there's no risk to your saved data, and it solves many of these problems.

It should also be noted that clearing your Xbox One's cache will not delete any of your personal data, such as game saves or profiles.

Some tips to optimize the memory of your Xbox One

Xbox consoles have 500 GB or 1 TB of internal storage. Most of this storage is dedicated to game software and applications, with some free space reserved for storing game saves, console applications, and various system features.

To maintain your console's performance without waiting for it to crash completely, you have the following options:

• Use cloud by connecting regularly to the Xbox network to keep your data in sync (playing offline can desynchronize your data, but it's refreshed every time you connect to the Xbox).
• Setting up an external storage space to store your personal multimedia content (photos, music and videos), or to transfer games and applications (provided the external hard drive has a minimum capacity of 128 GB and is compatible with the USB 3.0/3.1 port).
• Free up memory space deleting saved local games (they will remain saved on the cloud even if deleted from the hard disk).
• An intelligent storage system is also available to suggest items that can be deleted without completely removing your license (which remains in the cloud, along with your game save, so that you don't permanently lose any games or progress).

We hope our guide has helped you get the most out of your console and enjoy your favorite video game series. Keep up to date with news from the world of entertainment, whether it's your favorite TV series or upcoming video games.

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How do I clear the cache on my Xbox Series S/X?

On both Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, the method for clearing the cache is identical to the power cycle described above. These consoles also accumulate temporary files over the course of game sessions, and an overloaded cache can cause the same slowdowns as on Xbox One.

The only difference on the Xbox Series X and Series S: be sure to unplug all accessories connected to the console (wired controller, external hard drive, headset) before waiting 2 to 3 minutes, then plug them back in and turn the console back on. Your games installed on the hard drive and your save files are never affected by this process.

FAQs

Does clearing the cache delete my games or backups?

No. You only delete temporary files. Your games, backups and profiles remain intact.

Do I need to reboot or unplug the console?

A restart solves most cases. If the problem persists, the power cycle (disconnect 2-3 min) is more complete.

How often should I clear the cache?

Only in the event of slowness, freezes or loading bugs. There's no need to do it routinely.

And for those who want to try out a new console, check out the latest-generation Xbox Series X, which attracts millions of gamers worldwide thanks to its near-instantaneous loading times and extensive game library.

The Xbox Series X offers a far superior gaming experience to the Xbox One, while remaining compatible with many of your existing games and accessories. You can also take a look at the best keyboards for this console.