How to Clear Cache on Safari on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Safari’s cache stores website files, such as images and scripts, so pages can load faster next time. Clearing cached data can help when a site looks outdated, behaves incorrectly, or is taking up storage. It may also remove cookies and other website data, depending on the method you choose, so some sites may forget your sign-in or preferences.

You do not need an extra app. Before clearing anything, consider whether you want to keep your browsing history or remain signed in to websites. The steps below cover iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Settings labels and menu paths may differ slightly by software version.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad with Safari, or a Mac with Safari.
Your device passcode or account credentials if you need to unlock the device or sign back in to websites.
A moment to choose whether you want to remove all website data or data for one particular site.

Step-by-Step

Choose your device. Follow the iPhone or iPad steps if you use Safari on a mobile Apple device. For a Mac, use the desktop steps below. Clearing data on one device does not necessarily clear it on your other devices unless Safari data is syncing through iCloud.
On iPhone or iPad, open Safari settings. Open the Settings app, then tap Apps and Safari. On some versions, Safari appears directly in the main Settings list, so tap Safari there instead.
Clear mobile browsing data. Tap Clear History and Website Data. Choose the time range if your version offers that choice, then confirm. This option removes browsing history and website data, including cached files and cookies for the selected range. It is broader than clearing cache alone.
Check whether the clear option is unavailable. If the button is dimmed, there may be no history or website data in the selected range, or a device restriction may be preventing changes. Check Screen Time or other device-management restrictions if appropriate; do not change a work or school restriction without permission.
On a Mac, open Safari settings. Open Safari, choose Safari from the menu bar, then select Settings. Menu names may differ slightly by version. Select the Privacy tab.
Remove website data on Mac. Click Manage Website Data, review the list, then choose a site and click Remove to clear only that site’s stored data. To remove all listed website data, use Remove All and confirm. This can delete cookies and local site information as well as cached files, and may sign you out.
Clear only the Mac cache, if that is your goal. In Safari settings, open the Advanced tab and enable Show features for web developers, or the similarly named option if shown. Close settings, open the Develop menu in the menu bar, and choose Empty Caches. This removes cached files without using the broader Remove All website-data option. The menu wording can vary slightly by version.
Reload the affected page. Reopen Safari or reload the website. If it still looks wrong, close the tab and open the site again; the browser may need to download fresh page files, so the first visit can be slower.

Common Mistakes

Confusing cache with history: On iPhone and iPad, Clear History and Website Data clears more than cached files. If keeping history matters, understand that trade-off before confirming.
Expecting to stay signed in: Cookies help websites remember sessions and preferences. Removing website data can sign you out, reset site settings, or empty information saved locally by a website.
Clearing every site unnecessarily: On a Mac, Manage Website Data lets you remove data for a particular site. Use that option when just one website is the problem.
Assuming all Apple devices are cleared at once: iCloud syncing can affect Safari information across devices, but behavior depends on settings and data type. Check your sync setup if the data returns or disappears elsewhere.
Repeating the clear without testing: Clearing data repeatedly usually will not fix a network, extension, or website outage. Reload once and troubleshoot the specific problem instead.

Tips

If a single website is not displaying correctly, remove its data first on Mac rather than wiping data for every site.
Keep your passwords available before clearing cookies. Safari’s saved passwords are managed separately from ordinary website data, but clearing a site session can still require you to sign in again.
Try reloading a page before clearing anything. A normal reload may be enough if a site has just updated its content.
Clear data only when useful; routine clearing is not required for Safari to work properly.
When testing whether cache caused an issue, reopen the same page after clearing and compare its behavior. A site may load more slowly once while Safari downloads its files again.

Troubleshooting

A website still shows old content: Confirm that you cleared data for the affected site or used the Mac’s Empty Caches option. Then close and reopen the tab. Check the site in a private browsing window as a comparison; if it works there, stored site data or an extension may be involved.

The clear button is missing or disabled: Verify you are in Settings > Apps > Safari on iPhone or iPad, or Safari > Settings on Mac. A disabled mobile button can mean there is no data to clear for the chosen range. Restrictions managed through Screen Time or an organization can also limit access.

You were signed out or site preferences reset: This is expected after removing cookies or website data. Sign in again and restore preferences on the site. If you cleared more than intended, Safari generally cannot restore removed cookies or local website information.

The problem continues after clearing: Check that Safari can load other websites, temporarily disable content-blocking extensions, and restart the device. If only one site fails, the issue may be with that site rather than its cached data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing Safari cache delete passwords?

Clearing history and website data is not the same as deleting passwords stored in Safari’s password manager. However, clearing cookies can sign you out, so you may need to enter your login details again.

Can I clear Safari cache without deleting history?

On a Mac, use Develop > Empty Caches to clear cached files without using the broad history-clearing option. On iPhone or iPad, the built-in Clear History and Website Data control also removes history, so it does not offer the same cache-only choice.

How often should I clear Safari cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when troubleshooting a site, refreshing outdated content, or addressing a specific storage concern rather than as a routine maintenance task.

Will clearing Safari cache free up space?

It can remove cached files and stored website data, but the amount varies by device and browsing habits. Safari may rebuild its cache as you revisit websites.

Why does a website load slowly after I clear the cache?

Safari may need to download images and other page files again. That first visit can take longer; later visits may be faster as the browser stores files anew.

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