What cache is and why you might want to clear it

Cache is temporary data that apps and Safari store on your iPhone to load faster next time. When you visit a website, your browser saves images and text. When you use an app, it stores login information, settings, and parts of content you've already seen. This speeds things up — but over time, cache can take up storage space or cause an app to behave oddly.

You don't need to clear cache regularly. Most people only do it when an app is crashing, a website looks wrong, or they want to free up storage space. Clearing cache won't delete your photos, messages, or documents — it only removes temporary files that apps and Safari can rebuild.

Key Takeaways

  • Safari cache clears through Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data, and you can choose to clear only the last hour or all time.
  • Individual apps store cache in their own settings or through the iPhone storage menu, and the method varies by app.
  • Offloading an app removes it but keeps your data, then reinstalling it clears all cache without losing your account or settings.
  • Clearing cache frees storage space and can fix apps that crash or load incorrectly, but won't affect your photos, messages, or documents.

Clear Safari cache and browsing history

Open Settings, then tap Safari. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data. A menu appears asking what time period to clear: Last Hour, Last Day, Last Week, Last Month, or All Time. Choose the period you want, then tap Clear History and Data.

This removes the websites you've visited, cookies (which remember your logins), and cached images and text that Safari stored. If you want to stay logged into websites, clearing all data will log you out — you'll need to sign back in. Clearing only the last hour or day is gentler if you just want to fix a single website that's loading wrong.

Clear cache for individual apps

Most apps don't have a built-in cache-clearing option in their settings. Instead, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Scroll down and find the app you want to clear. Tap it, then look for an option that says Offload App or Delete App. Offload App removes the app but keeps your data and login information — when you reinstall it, your account will still be there. Delete App removes everything.

Some apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Gmail do have cache settings inside the app itself. Open the app, go to Settings or Account, and look for Storage, Cache, or Data. The exact name and location varies by app. If you can't find it, offloading and reinstalling is the most reliable way to clear cache for any app.

Offload and reinstall an app to clear all cache

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find the app, and tap Offload App. A warning appears saying the app will be removed but your data will be kept. Tap Offload App again to confirm. The app disappears from your home screen, but your account and settings remain stored on your phone.

To reinstall, open the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the cloud icon with a download arrow. The app reinstalls in a few seconds. When you open it, you'll be logged in and your settings will be there — but all temporary cache files are gone. This works for any app and is the fastest way to fix crashes or slow loading.

Free up storage by clearing cache

If your iPhone is running low on storage, clearing cache can help. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see how much space each app is using. Apps with large cache files show a high number. Offloading and reinstalling the biggest ones can free up several gigabytes.

You can also clear Safari cache and delete old photos or videos, which usually take up more space than cache. If you're still low on storage after clearing cache, consider deleting old text message threads (which can include large videos), or uploading photos to iCloud or another cloud service.

When clearing cache might fix problems

If an app keeps crashing, a website displays incorrectly, or login screens won't load, clearing cache often solves it. Cache can become corrupted, especially after an app update or iOS update. Clearing it forces the app or website to download fresh data instead of using old, broken files.

If clearing cache doesn't fix the problem, try restarting your iPhone by holding the power button and sliding to power off, then turning it back on. If the issue persists, check the App Store to see if an update is available for the app, or check Apple's system status page to see if Safari or iCloud services are having problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords or login information?

Clearing Safari cache will log you out of websites, so you'll need to sign back in. Clearing app cache through offloading keeps your login information — you'll still be signed in when you reinstall. If you want to clear passwords too, go to Settings > Passwords and delete them manually.

How much storage space does cache usually take up?

It varies widely. Social media apps like Instagram and TikTok can store several gigabytes of cached images and videos. Safari cache is usually under 500 MB unless you haven't cleared it in years. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see which apps are using the most space.

Can I clear cache without losing my photos or messages?

Yes. Cache is separate from your photos, messages, and documents. Clearing cache only removes temporary files that apps and Safari created. Your actual data stays on your phone unless you delete it directly.

Do I need to clear cache regularly?

No. Most people only clear cache when an app misbehaves or storage is low. If your iPhone runs smoothly and you have plenty of storage, you don't need to clear cache at all.

What's the difference between offloading and deleting an app?

Offloading removes the app but keeps your account data and settings. Deleting removes everything. Use Offload App if you want to keep your login information and settings. Use Delete App only if you want to completely remove the app and start fresh.