Quick Answer: Clearing TiviMate's cache removes temporary data the app has built up, such as cached images and guide data. It is a safe first step when the app feels slow, shows stale information, or freezes, and it does not delete your playlists or settings. Use "clear cache" rather than "clear data", because clearing data resets the app.
Cache vs Data: Know the Difference#
These two options sit next to each other on Android TV and Fire TV, and confusing them causes avoidable problems.
| Action | What it removes | Effect on your setup |
|---|---|---|
| Clear cache | Temporary files and cached images | Playlists and settings stay; the app rebuilds cache as needed |
| Clear data | All app storage, including settings | Resets TiviMate, as if freshly installed |
For routine slowness, clear cache. Only clear data if you intend to reset the app, and back up first.
When Clearing Cache Helps#
- The channel list or guide loads slowly after long use.
- Channel logos or images show as broken or outdated placeholders.
- The guide shows information that should have refreshed.
- The app feels sluggish navigating a large playlist.
These are classic symptoms of an oversized cache or stale temporary data, both of which a cache clear addresses.
When It Does Not Help#
If playback buffers, channels do not load, or the app crashes on launch, clearing cache usually will not fix it because the cause lies elsewhere:
- Buffering: a stream or connection problem. See fixing buffering.
- Channels not loading: a playlist or provider problem. See channels not loading.
- Crashes: a device or app stability problem. See keeps crashing.
How to Clear the Cache#
- Open your device's Settings.
- Go to Apps (or Applications), then find TiviMate.
- Open the app's storage section.
- Choose "Clear cache". Leave "Clear data" alone unless you intend to reset.
- Reopen TiviMate and let it rebuild its lists and guide.
The menu names differ slightly between Fire TV and Android TV, so use the wording your device shows.
Preventing Cache Build-Up#
A cache grows naturally with use, so occasional clearing is normal rather than a sign of failure. Keeping a smaller, well-grouped playlist, avoiding leaving the app open for weeks, and restarting the device periodically all keep things responsive. For a large lineup, see channel groups to reduce the volume of data the app holds.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Will clearing cache delete my playlists?#
No. Clearing cache keeps your playlists and settings. Only "clear data" resets them.
How often should I clear the cache?#
Only when you notice slowness or stale data. There is no need to do it on a schedule.
Does clearing cache log me out?#
Not by itself, since it does not touch settings or accounts. If you clear data instead, you effectively start over.
Why a Cache Grows#
TiviMate caches images such as channel logos, guide data, and other temporary information so it can display them quickly without re-fetching each time. Over weeks of use with a large playlist, that cache can grow large enough to slow the app or show stale content. Clearing it simply forces the app to rebuild, which is why it is a safe, routine remedy rather than a last resort.
Cache, Data, and Reinstall Compared#
| Action | Effort | What it costs you |
|---|---|---|
| Clear cache | Seconds | Nothing but a brief rebuild |
| Clear data | Seconds, then re-setup | Playlists and settings reset |
| Reinstall | Minutes | Full reset unless you restored a backup |
Start with the lightest option. "Clear cache" resolves most slowness, and you only escalate if it does not help.
Keeping the App Responsive#
- Use a well-grouped playlist to limit the data the app holds. See channel groups.
- Restart the device occasionally to clear background processes.
- Update the app so fixes and optimisations are applied. See app update.
- Free up device storage, which affects app speed generally.
If Nothing Improves#
Persistent slowness after a cache clear and restart usually points to the device's storage or memory rather than the app, or to a playlist that is simply very large. In that case, trimming the playlist or moving to a device with more resources helps more than repeated cache clearing.
Signs You Should Clear the Cache#
- Channel logos or thumbnails load slowly or show as blanks.
- The guide takes noticeably longer to open than it used to.
- Scrolling a large channel list stutters.
- Information that should have refreshed still looks old.
None of these justify clearing data. They are cache symptoms, and a cache clear addresses them without touching your setup.
What to Do If Slowness Returns Quickly#
If the app feels slow again within days, the cache is not the root cause. The likelier culprits are a very large playlist, low free storage on the device, or an older device that struggles with the app's demands. In that case, grouping the playlist, freeing storage, or moving to a stronger device helps more than repeated clearing. See channel groups and picture quality.
A Short Order of Operations#
- Clear cache.
- Restart the app.
- If still slow, restart the device.
- If still slow, free device storage.
- Only then consider clearing data, after a backup.
Sources#
See the TiviMate listing on Google Play for the app. For what an application cache is, see cache on Wikipedia.
Related Guides#
See TiviMate keeps crashing, fixing buffering, and TiviMate not working.