How to Clear Cache on Your Phone: iPhone and Android

Clearing a cache removes temporary files that apps and websites save to load content more quickly. It can help when an app displays outdated information, behaves unusually, or uses more storage than expected. Cached files may be recreated the next time you use the app, so clearing them is not a permanent storage fix. Before you begin, identify whether you have an iPhone or Android phone and which app or browser you want to clean up.

What You’ll Need

Your phone, unlocked, with enough battery to complete the steps.
A moment to check the exact app or browser involved. Menu names and paths can differ slightly by phone model, operating-system version, and app version.
Your account sign-in details if you may need to log in again. Clearing a cache usually keeps accounts and personal files, but clearing app data or website cookies can remove settings or sign you out.

Step-by-Step

Choose what to clear. If only one app is slow or showing old content, start with that app rather than clearing everything. For web pages that load incorrectly, clear the browser’s cached files. Restarting the phone or updating the app may fix a problem without removing saved data.
On Android, open the app settings. Open Settings, then look for Apps, Apps & notifications, or a similarly named section. Tap the app you want to clean. On some phones, you may need to choose See all apps first. The exact menu path can differ slightly by version and manufacturer.
Find its storage options. Tap Storage, Storage & cache, or a similar option on the app’s information page. Check the buttons carefully: choose Clear cache, not Clear storage or Clear data. The latter options can erase the app’s local settings, files, or login state. If you cannot find a cache button, the phone or app may not provide one.
Clear the selected cache. Tap Clear cache and confirm if prompted. The displayed storage amount may not change much if the app has little cached data. Open the app again and allow a little time for images or pages to reload; this is normal as temporary files are rebuilt.
On iPhone, clear Safari website data if needed. Open Settings, scroll to Apps, then Safari; on some iOS versions, Safari appears directly in Settings. Choose Clear History and Website Data and confirm. This can remove browsing history, cookies, and website data as well as cached files, and may sign you out of sites. If you want to keep history, look for Safari’s Advanced website-data controls and remove data for selected sites where available. Menu labels can differ slightly by version.
For another iPhone app, check inside the app. Open the app and look in its settings for options such as Clear cache, Storage, or Downloads. Availability varies, and many iPhone apps do not offer a cache-only control. Avoid deleting an app unless you understand what is stored locally and have checked that important content is backed up or synced. Reinstalling may remove downloads, drafts, or other local data.
Check the result. Reopen the app or website and see whether the original issue is fixed. If not, restart the phone, check for an app update, and review the troubleshooting section before clearing more data.

Common Mistakes

Confusing cache with app data: Cache is temporary; app data may include settings, downloaded files, and account information. On Android, selecting Clear storage or Clear data is not the same as selecting Clear cache.
Expecting a universal iPhone cache button: iOS generally does not provide one control to clear every app’s cache. Use Safari’s controls or options supplied by the individual app.
Assuming clearing cache fixes every issue: A full or damaged cache is only one possible cause. A network problem, an outdated app, or an account issue may need a different fix.
Clearing browser history without checking: Safari’s combined clearing option can remove browsing history and website sign-ins, not just temporary page files.
Repeatedly clearing cache for storage: Apps may rebuild cached files as you use them. Review large downloads, offline media, or app storage separately if space is the main concern.

Tips

Clear the cache for the one app or site causing trouble first. This makes it easier to tell whether the step helped.
Try closing and reopening the app before removing data. If the issue is limited to one page, reload that page or sign out and back in only if you know your login details.
Check whether an app’s own storage screen offers a way to remove downloaded files. Offline videos, maps, and music are not necessarily cache and may need to be deleted from inside the app.
Use the phone’s built-in Settings menus rather than unfamiliar “cleaner” apps. A separate cleaner is usually unnecessary for clearing one app’s cache.
After clearing a browser’s data, expect some websites to load more slowly the first time while they download page resources again.

Troubleshooting

There is no Clear cache button: Confirm that you opened the app’s information page and then its storage section. Some phone makers use different labels, and some apps do not expose a cache control. Check the phone maker’s support instructions or the app’s own help settings rather than choosing Clear data as a substitute.

The app still has the same problem: Force-close and reopen it, restart the phone, and check whether the app has an update. If the problem affects only one online service, test your connection or try again later. Avoid uninstalling an app until you know its locally saved content is backed up or recoverable.

The storage number barely changed: The app may have had little cached data, or it may have created new temporary files after you reopened it. Check the storage screen again before using stronger removal options.

You were signed out or lost a preference: Sign back in and restore the setting if possible. This is more likely after clearing website cookies or app data than after clearing an Android cache. If important content is missing, check the app’s sync or backup options and contact its support team.

Safari’s clear option is unavailable: Check whether Screen Time restrictions or device-management settings limit Safari. If the phone is managed by a workplace or school, ask its administrator before changing restricted settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my photos or messages?

Clearing an app cache normally removes temporary files, not photos or messages saved separately. However, Clear data, Clear storage, or uninstalling an app may remove content stored only on the phone, so check the wording and backup status first.

How often should I clear my phone’s cache?

There is no routine schedule you need to follow. Clear a specific app’s cache when it is misbehaving or when you have a clear reason; repeatedly clearing it can make content reload without solving the underlying problem.

Does clearing cache free up storage?

It can free some space temporarily, depending on how much cached data the app holds. The app may rebuild those files, so remove unneeded downloads or other large content if you need a longer-lasting storage change.

Is clearing cache the same as clearing cookies?

No. Cache usually refers to temporary files such as images and page resources. Cookies and other website data can remember sessions or preferences, so removing them may sign you out or reset site settings.

Should I clear cache if an app is slow?

It is reasonable to try for a problem limited to one app, but it is not guaranteed to help. Also check your connection, restart the app, and look for an update; do not clear app data unless you are prepared for possible sign-outs or lost local settings.

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.