How to Clear Cache on Your Phone: iPhone and Android

Cache is temporary data an app or browser saves to load pages and content more quickly. Clearing it can help when an app displays outdated information, behaves unexpectedly, or uses more storage than you want. It usually does not delete your account or personal files, but the exact result depends on the app and the option you choose. Menu names vary slightly by phone model and software version.

Before you start, identify whether the issue is in a browser or a particular app. Close and reopen the app first, and make sure you know your account sign-in details if you may need to log in again. Avoid choosing options labeled “Clear storage,” “Clear data,” or “Delete app” unless you intend to remove more than temporary files.

What You’ll Need

Your phone, unlocked and charged enough to complete the steps.
A few minutes and, if relevant, the password or sign-in method for the affected app or website.
The app or browser you want to troubleshoot. You do not need a special cache-cleaning app.

Step-by-Step

Choose the right cache. If only one website is acting up, start with that browser’s site data. If one installed app is the problem, clear that app’s cache where your phone offers the option. Cache clearing is not the same as deleting downloaded files, messages, or photos.
Restart the app first. Close the app, open it again, and check whether the problem remains. If it does, continue. This simple step can resolve a temporary glitch without removing saved temporary data.
Open Android app settings. On most Android phones, open Settings, then Apps or Apps & notifications, and select the affected app. If you do not see it, tap See all apps or use Settings search. The exact labels and path may differ slightly by Android version and manufacturer.
Clear only the cache on Android. Open Storage, Storage & cache, or a similarly named section, then tap Clear cache. Read the button label carefully: “Clear storage” or “Clear data” can reset the app, remove local settings, or sign you out. Return to the app and see whether the issue is fixed.
Clear Safari data on iPhone. Open Settings, scroll to Apps and Safari on newer iOS versions, or find Safari directly in Settings on some versions. Choose Clear History and Website Data and confirm if you want to remove Safari history, cookies, and website data. This affects more than just cached files and may sign you out of sites. Menu wording and location may differ slightly by version.
Remove selected Safari site data instead. To target particular websites, open the Safari settings, choose Advanced, then Website Data. Find the site and remove its data; if needed, use the edit or search controls shown there. Removing website data can still sign you out of that site. The route may vary slightly between iOS versions.
Check an iPhone app’s own settings. iOS does not provide a universal control for clearing every app’s cache. Open the app and look in its settings for an option such as Clear cache or Storage. Use it only if the app clearly identifies it as a cache-clearing action. If no such control exists, consult the app’s help information before removing or reinstalling it.
Reopen and test. Launch the app or website again and repeat the action that was failing. It may take a little longer to load the first time because the phone needs to rebuild some temporary files. Check that you can still access the account and content you need.

Common Mistakes

Clearing storage instead of cache: On Android, these are different actions. Clearing storage or data can erase local app settings and require setup or sign-in again; clearing cache is intended to remove temporary files.
Expecting one iPhone button for all apps: iPhone settings do not generally offer a single system-wide cache-clearing control. Browser data and app-specific controls are handled separately.
Assuming browser history is cache: Browser controls may combine history, cookies, and website data. Review the description before confirming, especially if you want to stay signed in or retain browsing history.
Using a “cleaner” app without checking it: A third-party utility is not necessary for the steps here and may request broad access. Use built-in settings or the app’s own controls instead.
Clearing cache as routine maintenance: Cache is normally useful and can rebuild. Clear it when troubleshooting or when you have a specific storage concern, rather than expecting it to speed up every phone.

Tips

Clear data for one affected app at a time. That makes it easier to see whether the action solved the issue.
For a browser problem, try reloading the page or removing data for just that site before clearing all browsing data.
Check the app’s storage screen before and after. The amount shown may not change immediately, and cached files can accumulate again during normal use.
If your goal is to make room, review large downloads, offline media, and unused apps separately. Cache clearing is not a substitute for deciding which personal files to keep.
Keep your phone’s operating system and apps up to date through their normal update settings. An update may fix a problem that clearing temporary data does not.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find the cache option: Use the Settings search box for the app name or “storage.” On Android, look under the app’s Storage section. On iPhone, check the app itself or its official support information; not every app exposes a cache control.

The problem remains: Restart the phone, check your internet connection, and see whether the app or website has an outage or an available update. If only one app is affected, contact its support team. Avoid clearing app data unless you understand what it removes and can sign back in.

You were signed out or lost local settings: Sign in again if you can. If you chose Clear storage, Clear data, or removed website data, some local preferences or saved sessions may not be recoverable. Check whether the app syncs content to your account before reinstalling it.

Storage space did not increase: The cache may have been small, the storage display may take time to refresh, or the app may have rebuilt temporary files. Restart the phone and check the storage screen again. For more space, review downloads and other large files rather than repeatedly clearing cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing cache delete photos or messages?

Clearing an app’s cache is intended to remove temporary files, not personal photos or messages. However, clearing storage or data can remove local content or settings, so read the option carefully and check the app’s own guidance.

Will clearing cache log me out?

It usually does not sign you out when you clear only an Android app’s cache, but behavior can vary. Clearing Safari website data or browser cookies can sign you out of websites.

How often should I clear my phone’s cache?

There is no routine schedule needed. Clear a specific cache when troubleshooting an app or website, or when you have a clear reason to manage its temporary storage.

Is clearing cache the same as clearing browsing history?

No. Cache is temporary content used to load pages, while history is a record of pages visited. Browser options may bundle history, cookies, and website data, so check what will be removed before confirming.

Should I delete and reinstall an app to clear its cache?

Usually, try the app’s own cache control first. Deleting and reinstalling can remove local files or settings, and may not be appropriate if the app does not sync your content or you cannot sign back in.

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.