How to Clear Cache on a Keyboard

The phrase “clear cache on keyboard” can mean two different things: removing temporary files from a software keyboard, or cleaning debris from a physical keyboard. These are separate tasks. On many Android devices, you can clear an on-screen keyboard app’s cache in the system’s app settings. iPhone and iPad do not generally offer a per-keyboard cache button, while Windows and Mac keyboards are usually hardware or input features without a single cache to clear.

Clearing an app cache may help if the on-screen keyboard is lagging, freezing, or behaving unexpectedly. It does not clean physical keys, and it may not reset personalized typing suggestions. Before changing settings, identify which keyboard and device you use. Menu names can vary slightly by operating system version and device maker.

What You’ll Need

Your phone, tablet, or computer and its screen lock passcode, if required.
The name of the keyboard app you use, such as the default keyboard or a keyboard you installed.
A few minutes to test typing afterward. You usually do not need to install another app.

Step-by-Step

Decide what you mean by “keyboard.” If you mean an on-screen keyboard that appears while typing, follow the software steps for your device below. If you mean a physical keyboard, there is no general cache to clear; see the troubleshooting and tips sections for cleaning and connection checks.
Find the keyboard app’s name. On Android, open Settings and look under System, General management, or Keyboard settings for the active on-screen keyboard. The path varies by manufacturer and Android version. On iPhone or iPad, open Settings, then General and Keyboard to review installed keyboards. On Windows or Mac, identify whether the issue concerns a particular typing, accessibility, or input app rather than the physical keyboard itself.
Try the least disruptive fix first. Close and reopen the app where the keyboard problem occurs. Restart the device if the keyboard still stalls. These actions can resolve a temporary glitch without removing app data or learned preferences.
On Android, open the keyboard app’s system settings. Go to Settings, then Apps (the label may be Apps & notifications or similar). Choose the keyboard app from the list. If it is not shown, use the app-list menu to display system apps, or search Settings for the keyboard’s name.
Clear cache, not storage or data. Tap Storage or Storage & cache, then select Clear cache. Do not choose Clear storage, Clear data, or an equivalent option unless you intend to reset the app. Those commands can erase preferences, downloaded language settings, learned words, or other local information. Menu labels and available controls differ slightly by version.
Reopen the keyboard and test it. Return to a text field in a trusted app and type a short sample. Check whether the keyboard appears normally, responds to taps, and switches languages as expected. Some apps rebuild temporary files after they are opened, which is normal.
On iPhone or iPad, use keyboard settings instead. Apple’s system does not provide a general Clear cache button for the built-in keyboard or each third-party keyboard. If typing suggestions are the problem, Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone (or iPad) > Reset > Reset Keyboard Dictionary may be available; menu wording may differ slightly by version. This resets learned dictionary entries, not a cache, so use it only when that is your goal.
On Windows or Mac, target the affected app. There is no universal keyboard-cache control for ordinary hardware keyboards. If an on-screen keyboard or keyboard utility is misbehaving, restart that app and device, then consult the app’s own settings or support instructions. Avoid deleting unfamiliar system files or registry entries to try to fix typing.

Common Mistakes

Confusing cache with keyboard history: Clearing temporary cache is not the same as erasing learned words, predictions, or text-replacement shortcuts. A reset option may remove these personalized settings.
Choosing Clear data by accident: On Android, Clear data or Clear storage is more extensive than Clear cache. Read the button label and any confirmation carefully before proceeding.
Expecting cache clearing to clean hardware: Software settings cannot remove crumbs, dust, or residue from physical keys. Hardware cleaning requires a separate, device-appropriate method.
Assuming every device has the same menu: Manufacturers and software versions organize settings differently. Search Settings for the keyboard app name if the listed path does not match your screen.
Resetting the wrong keyboard: A device may have several input apps installed. Confirm the app name before clearing its cache or changing its preferences.

Tips

Start with restarting the affected app or device; use a reset only if the simpler checks do not help.
Before resetting a keyboard dictionary or app, note custom shortcuts, preferred languages, and settings you may need to restore.
Keep the keyboard app and device software updated through their normal settings or official app store. Updates can resolve software problems, but they do not guarantee a fix for every keyboard issue.
If the keyboard is a separate physical device, check its battery or cable, reconnect it, and test it with another app. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning it.

Troubleshooting

There is no Clear cache button. Confirm that you opened the keyboard app’s page, not the settings for the app where you type. Some systems do not expose a cache control for keyboards; do not substitute Clear data unless you accept a reset.

The keyboard still lags or freezes. Restart the device, check whether the problem happens in more than one app, and install available updates from official sources. If only one app has the issue, update or restart that app first. On Android, you can also check whether another installed keyboard works, but switch only to a keyboard you trust.

Suggestions or learned words disappeared. A dictionary reset or clearing app storage can remove personalization. Re-enable the keyboard’s language and preference settings, then allow it to learn again. Restoring learned words may not be possible if they were not backed up by the keyboard service.

The keyboard is missing or will not open. Check the device’s keyboard or input settings and make sure the keyboard is enabled. If it is a downloaded app, verify that it is still installed and consult its official support instructions. Do not remove a system keyboard unless another usable input method is available.

A physical keyboard does not respond. Cache clearing will not fix a disconnected or unpowered keyboard. Reconnect the cable or wireless connection, check the power source, and review the device maker’s troubleshooting guidance. If the keys are physically dirty, use the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and avoid spraying liquid directly onto the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing keyboard cache delete my messages?

Clearing an Android keyboard app’s cache should not delete messages stored in your messaging apps. However, clearing the keyboard’s data or storage is a different action and can remove keyboard settings or learned words.

Will clearing cache make the keyboard type faster?

It may help if temporary app files are contributing to a specific problem, but it is not a guaranteed speed fix. A restart, app update, or checking whether the issue occurs in only one app may be more useful.

How do I clear the keyboard cache on an iPhone?

iPhone does not offer a general per-keyboard cache-clearing control. You can reset the keyboard dictionary if you want to remove learned words, but that is a separate action and is not a cache clear.

Does clearing cache remove autocorrect words?

Not necessarily. Cache and learned dictionary data are different. Resetting the dictionary or clearing the keyboard app’s data may remove learned words, so check the specific option before confirming.

Should I clear cache on a physical keyboard?

No. A physical keyboard has no app cache to clear. If keys do not respond, check its connection and power, or clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

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