How to Clear Cache on Email Apps and Webmail

Email cache consists of temporary files an app or browser keeps to load screens and content more quickly. Clearing it can help when email pages look outdated, attachments will not preview, or an app behaves strangely. It usually does not erase messages saved on the mail server, but the result depends on the app and the option you select. Use the steps for the place where you read email, and avoid deleting account data unless you understand what it removes.

What You’ll Need

Your phone, tablet, or computer, with access to its settings.
The email app or browser where the problem occurs.
Your email address and current password, plus access to any required two-step verification method. You may need to sign in again afterward.
A few minutes to let the app or website reload. If you use an email app that stores drafts or unsent messages locally, check that they are saved or synchronized first.

Step-by-Step

Start by identifying whether you use a dedicated email app or a website such as webmail in a browser. Menu labels and paths can differ slightly by device, operating system, browser, and version. If you cannot find a setting, use the device’s Settings search or the app’s built-in help rather than selecting a similarly named option at random.

Check that messages are synced. Open your inbox and confirm recent messages and drafts appear as expected. If you have messages in an Outbox or unsent drafts, connect to the internet and let them finish syncing. This reduces the chance of losing work stored only on the device.
Choose the right place to clear. If you open email from an icon installed on your phone or computer, it is probably an app. If you type a web address into Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, or another browser, clear the browser’s cached files instead. Clearing the wrong cache may not address the problem.
For webmail, open browser privacy settings. Go to the browser’s Settings and look for Privacy, History, or Clear browsing data. Select the time range appropriate to the problem, then select only “cached images and files” or its equivalent. The menu path and wording vary by browser version.
Keep cookies unless needed. Avoid selecting cookies, site data, saved passwords, or all browsing history unless you intend to remove them. Deleting cookies can sign you out of webmail and other sites. If the issue affects only one email site, check whether the browser offers a way to clear stored data for that site alone.
Confirm and reload webmail. Choose Clear or Delete to complete the action. Close and reopen the browser tab, then sign in if prompted. The first load may take longer while the browser fetches fresh files. Check whether the original issue is resolved.
For an Android email app, open app storage options. In Settings, go to Apps, choose your email app, then look under Storage or Storage & cache. Select “Clear cache,” not “Clear storage” or “Clear data.” Paths may differ slightly by Android version and device maker. Reopen the app and allow it to sync.
For iPhone or iPad, use the app’s available controls. iOS does not provide one universal cache-clearing button for every email app. Check the email app’s own settings for a cache or temporary-file option. If it has none, close and reopen the app, restart the device, and check the app’s support instructions before removing or reinstalling it.
For desktop apps, check the app’s own settings. Look for a storage, offline, or troubleshooting option in the email program’s settings or help. Do not delete folders or files manually unless the app’s official instructions identify them and explain how to restore or resync the mailbox.
Test the result. Open the affected folder, refresh or sync, and try the action that failed, such as previewing an attachment. If the problem remains, note any error message and move to the troubleshooting steps below instead of repeatedly clearing data.

Common Mistakes

Choosing “clear data” instead of “clear cache.” On some Android devices, clearing app data resets the app and may remove downloaded mail, account settings, or local files. Use the cache-only option when available.
Assuming all email is stored in the cache. Cache is generally temporary, but an app can also keep offline messages, drafts, or attachments on the device. Check synchronization before taking broader actions.
Clearing every browser item. Removing cookies and saved passwords can sign you out and make it harder to get back in. Select cached files only when that is all you need.
Clearing the wrong app or browser. If email is faulty only in one browser, clearing a separate email app’s cache will not affect it.
Expecting cache clearing to fix every problem. An outage, full mailbox, poor connection, incorrect account settings, or a service-side issue may cause similar symptoms.

Tips

Try a simple refresh, closing and reopening the app, or restarting the device before clearing anything.
Clear only the affected app or site’s temporary files when possible; broad cleanup can remove useful sign-in and browsing information.
Keep the app and operating system updated through their normal update settings. Updates can resolve bugs that cache clearing cannot.
After clearing, connect to a reliable network and allow time for messages and attachments to download again.
Keep your password and verification method accessible before clearing browser cookies or reinstalling an app.

Troubleshooting

The app still acts the same: Confirm you cleared the cache for the app or browser you actually use. Restart the device, check your connection, and see whether the problem happens on another device or in webmail. If it does, the issue may be with the account or email service rather than local cache.

You cannot find “Clear cache”: Menu names vary. Search device settings for the app name and “storage,” or consult the app maker’s official support page. Some systems manage temporary files automatically and do not provide a separate control.

You were signed out: This can happen if cookies or app data were removed. Sign in using the official app or website and complete verification. If you cannot access the account, use the provider’s account-recovery process; do not share verification codes with anyone.

Messages or drafts appear missing: Check the correct account, folders such as Drafts and Outbox, and the web version of the mailbox. Reconnect to the internet and allow synchronization. If important items remain missing, stop clearing or reinstalling and contact the email provider or app support.

Clearing cache did not help: Check for a service status notice, available device storage, app updates, and any displayed error. Avoid removing the account or reinstalling until you have confirmed that messages and drafts are synchronized and that you can sign back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing email cache delete my emails?

Usually, clearing cached files does not delete messages stored in your email account. However, clearing app data, removing an account, or deleting local offline files can affect unsynced content, so confirm drafts and messages are synchronized first.

How often should I clear my email cache?

There is no set schedule. Clear it when you have a specific loading, display, or attachment problem, rather than as a routine task.

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores temporary files such as images and page resources. Cookies store site information, which may include sign-in state and preferences; deleting them can sign you out.

Can I clear cache for just one email website?

Some browsers let you remove stored data for an individual site through privacy or site settings. Availability and labels differ, so check your browser’s help and avoid deleting data for other sites unintentionally.

Does clearing cache free up space?

It can remove some temporary files, but the amount varies and files may build up again. For meaningful storage management, use your device’s storage settings to see which apps and files are using space.

Should I reinstall my email app?

Reinstalling is a later troubleshooting step, not the first choice. Before doing so, confirm your account can be accessed, drafts and offline items are synchronized or backed up, and the app provider’s instructions explain what will be removed.

Further reading: Apple Support and Google Help. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.