How to clear cache on iPhone — declutter your iOS device

How to clear cache on iPhone
How to clear cache on iPhone (Image credit: Future)

"How to clear cache on iPhone" is one of the most popular queries Google search. iOS users are ready to free up some space on their devices! As we surf Safari and run several apps, we collect a lot of rubbish along the way, piling up tons of unnecessary files in our device's cache.

Your iPhone's cache, a reserved location in your device that preserves temporary data, can help websites and apps load faster. However, it can swallow up your storage as well, so we've got the scoop on how to clear your cache to free up some space. 

Below, check out our easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to get rid of all the clutter. (By the way, if you don't have an iPhone, here's a guide on how to clear your cache on Android.)

How to clear cache on iPhone: Clear browser cache

Experiencing some performance issues? Clearing your browser cache may help. The files in your cache are small, but over time, they add up and impact your device's speed. Don't worry! Below, we've got instructions on how to clear your browser cache.

How to clear cache on iPhone

How to clear cache on iPhone (Image credit: Future)

1. Go to Settings (the app with the gear icon).

How to clear cache on iPhone

How to clear cache on iPhone (Image credit: Future)

2. Scroll down until you see Safari. Tap it.

How to clear iPhone cache

How to clear iPhone cache (Image credit: Future)

3. Tap on Clear History and Website Data.


4. A message will appear warning you that clearing your cache will remove history, cookies and other browsing data. Tap on "Clear History and Data."

How to clear cache on iPhone: Clear app cache

In order to get rid of your app cache, you must "offload" them. This frees up storage space, but leaves your user data intact. Should you want to re-download the app, all your data will be reinstated without the tedium of restoring everything from scratch. Here's how to clear your app cache.

1. Go to Settings.

How to clear app cache on iPhone

How to clear app cache on iPhone (Image credit: Future)

2. Tap on General

How to clear app cache on iPhone

(Image credit: Future)

3. Tap on iPhone Storage.

How to clear iPhone cache

How to clear app cache on iPhone (Image credit: Future)

4. Here, you'll see an exhaustive list of apps on your phone. Click the one you'd like to clear and tap Offload App.

How to clear cache iPhone

How to clear cache iPhone (Image credit: Future)

5. You'll get a message informing you that the app will be deleted, but its documents and data will remain. Tap Offload App.

Kimberly Gedeon

Kimberly Gedeon, holding a Master's degree in International Journalism, launched her career as a journalist for MadameNoire's business beat in 2013. She loved translating stuffy stories about the economy, personal finance and investing into digestible, easy-to-understand, entertaining stories for young women of color. During her time on the business beat, she discovered her passion for tech as she dove into articles about tech entrepreneurship, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and the latest tablets. After eight years of freelancing, dabbling in a myriad of beats, she's finally found a home at Laptop Mag that accepts her as the crypto-addicted, virtual reality-loving, investing-focused, tech-fascinated nerd she is. Woot!