What clearing cache does and why you might need to
Clearing the cache on your iPhone removes temporary files that apps store to load faster next time you open them. These files take up storage space and can sometimes cause an app to behave oddly — freezing, crashing, or showing outdated information. Clearing cache does not delete your actual data like photos, messages, or login information.
You might clear cache if an app is running slowly, if you are running low on storage space, or if an app keeps showing an error. It is one of the first things to try before uninstalling and reinstalling an app.
Key Takeaways
- Clearing cache removes temporary files apps store but keeps your actual data, photos, and login information intact.
- The fastest way is to go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find the app, and tap "Offload App" — then tap it again to reinstall it.
- You can also clear Safari cache separately by going to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
- If an app is crashing or running slowly, clearing its cache often fixes the problem without losing anything important.
Clear cache for a single app using iPhone Storage
This method removes the cache for one app at a time and is the most direct route if a specific app is giving you trouble.
Step 1: Open Settings on your home screen.
Step 2: Tap General, then tap iPhone Storage. Your iPhone will take a few seconds to load a list of all your apps and how much space each one uses.
Step 3: Find the app you want to clear cache for and tap it. The app name will show how much total space it is using.
Step 4: Tap "Offload App." A popup will ask if you want to offload the app — tap "Offload App" again to confirm. This removes the app but keeps your data for it.
Step 5: Tap "Reinstall App" immediately after. Your iPhone will download the app again without its old cache files. The app will be back on your home screen in a few seconds.
Your login information and any data saved inside the app will still be there. The app will simply start fresh with no temporary files.
Clear Safari cache and browsing history
Safari stores cache separately from other apps. If Safari is running slowly or you want to clear your browsing history, use this method.
Step 1: Open Settings and tap Safari (you may need to scroll down to find it).
Step 2: Scroll down and tap "Clear History and Website Data."
Step 3: A popup will appear asking what time period to clear. Choose "All time" to remove everything, or pick a specific range like "Last hour" or "Last day."
Step 4: Tap "Clear History and Data" to confirm. Safari will remove your browsing history, cookies, and cached files from websites.
This does not affect other apps or your saved passwords in Safari — only the temporary files and history from browsing.
Clear cache for all apps at once
If you want to clear cache across multiple apps without offloading each one individually, you can use your iPhone's built-in storage tools.
Step 1: Open Settings and go to General > iPhone Storage.
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom and look for "Recommendations." Your iPhone may suggest offloading unused apps or enabling "Reduce Clutter" — these options can free up space by removing cache from apps you have not used recently.
Step 3: You can also manually offload multiple apps by tapping each one and selecting "Offload App," then reinstalling them one by one.
The downside of this approach is that it takes longer than clearing a single app. If only one app is causing problems, the single-app method is faster.
What happens after you clear cache
After clearing cache, the app will take slightly longer to load the first time you open it because it has to rebuild those temporary files. Subsequent opens will be faster as it stores new cache. You will not notice any difference in how the app works or looks.
If clearing cache does not fix the problem — the app still crashes or runs slowly — the next step is to uninstall and reinstall the app completely. This removes everything related to the app and downloads a fresh copy from the App Store.
When to clear cache versus when to uninstall
Clear cache first if an app is misbehaving but you want to keep your data inside it — like game progress, saved drafts, or login information. Clearing cache is fast and safe.
Uninstall the app if clearing cache does not work, if you are running critically low on storage space, or if the app keeps crashing even after cache is cleared. Uninstalling removes everything, so you will lose any data stored only on your phone (though most apps sync data to their servers).
For apps like email, messaging, or banking, your data is stored on the company's servers, so uninstalling and reinstalling will not erase anything important. For games or note-taking apps, check whether your progress is saved to the cloud before uninstalling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my photos or messages?
No. Cache is only temporary files apps use to load faster. Your actual photos, messages, and documents are stored separately and will not be affected by clearing cache.
How often should I clear cache on my iPhone?
You only need to clear cache when an app is running slowly, crashing, or when you are running low on storage space. There is no benefit to clearing it regularly if your phone is working fine.
Does clearing cache free up a lot of storage space?
It depends on the app. Some apps store very little cache, while others (like social media or streaming apps) can store hundreds of megabytes. If storage is your main concern, check iPhone Storage to see which apps are using the most space.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?
Cache is temporary files. Data includes your login information, saved settings, and anything you created inside the app. Offloading an app clears cache but keeps data. Uninstalling removes both.
Can I clear cache without offloading the app?
Not directly through Settings. Offloading and reinstalling is the built-in way to clear cache on iPhone. Some apps have their own cache-clearing option in their settings, so check the app itself before using the offload method.