How to Clear iPhone Cache & Cookies

Experiencing minor glitches or slowdowns on your iPhone? A simple cache clearing might be the solution! Follow this step-by-step guide to easily clear your iPhone's cache and get it running smoothly again...

What is Cache?

Cache is a temporary storage system that helps speed up performance by storing frequently accessed data, allowing it to be retrieved quickly instead of reloading it from the original source each time you open an app or visit a website.

Over time, these files can accumulate, expire or become corrupted, leading to sluggish performance and taking up unnecessary storage space.

When Should You Clear Cache?

Clearing cache can help resolve performance issues, but doing it too often may slow things down temporarily as your device rebuilds necessary cached data. Consider clearing cache if you experience:

• Frequent app crashes or unexpected slowdowns
• Web pages not loading correctly or showing outdated content
• Low storage space warnings
• Lagging keyboard or incorrect predictive text suggestions
• General sluggishness that isn't resolved by restarting the device

If your iPhone is running smoothly, there's no urgent need to clear cache. However, if you notice lagging or outdated data, these steps can help refresh your device.

How to Clear Cache on iPhone

The iPhone stores cached data in multiple areas, including web browsers, third-party apps, and even the keyboard (e.g. predictive text). Because of this, there are different methods used to clear cache depending on the specific area you want to refresh.

1. Clear Safari Cache

If you use Safari as your main web browser, clearing its cache can free up storage and improve browsing performance. This will remove saved website data, cookies, and history, but won't affect your bookmarks or saved passwords.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Locate and tap the Safari app
3. Tap on Website Data.
4. Tap on Remove All Website Data

This will remove cached files, cookies, and browsing history.

You Might Also Like: How to Block Websites in Chrome, Mozilla, Safari, and Edge Browsers

2. Clear Cache from Third-Party Apps

Most third-party apps, such as social media, streaming, and shopping apps, store temporary cache files to load content faster. However, many apps don't provide a direct "Clear Cache" option, so you'll need to free up space using one of these methods:

Option 1: Offload Unused Apps

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Scroll down to find the app(s) taking up excessive space.
3. Tap the app and select Offload App. This removes the app but retains its documents and data.
4. Reinstall the app from the App Store when needed.

Option 2: Delete and Reinstall the App

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Select the app you want to clear cache from.
3. Tap Delete App and confirm.
4. Reinstall the app from the App Store.

3. Clear Keyboard Cache

Your iPhone learns your typing habits and saves frequently used words for predictive text. Over time, this can lead to incorrect word suggestions or unnecessary stored data. Resetting your keyboard dictionary will remove all saved words and typing history.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Reset.
3. Select Reset Keyboard Dictionary and confirm.

4. Restart Your iPhone to Clear System Cache

Restarting your iPhone helps clear temporary system cache, which can accumulate over time and slow down performance. This is one of the easiest and quickest ways to refresh your device.

Steps:

1. For iPhones with Face ID: Press and hold the Side Button and either Volume Button until the power off slider appears. Slide to turn off.
2. For iPhones with a Home Button: Press and hold the Power Button until the power off slider appears. Slide to turn off.
3. Wait a few seconds, then turn your iPhone back on by pressing and holding the Power Button.

5. Use a Third-Party Cache Cleaner App

If you prefer an automated way to manage cache, third-party apps can help. Apps like Phone Cleaner or Cleaner App can scan and remove unnecessary temporary files.

However, be cautious:

• Choose reputable apps with positive reviews.
• Avoid apps that require unnecessary permissions or subscriptions.
• Some apps may not be effective, so read user feedback before downloading.

Does Clearing Cache Improve Battery Life?

While clearing cache won't directly extend battery life, it can contribute to better battery performance in some cases. Here's how:

Reduces Background Activity: Cached data allows apps to load quickly, but over time, excessive cached files may cause apps to run inefficiently in the background, draining battery life. Clearing cache can help prevent unnecessary background processes.

Prevents App Freezing and Crashes: When an app becomes sluggish or unresponsive due to corrupted cache files, your iPhone may work harder to process tasks, increasing battery usage. Refreshing the cache can improve app efficiency and reduce CPU strain.

Improves System Performance: A cluttered cache can slow down your iPhone, making simple actions like opening apps or browsing the web require more power. Regularly clearing cache helps maintain smooth operation, indirectly aiding battery life.

Limits Unnecessary Network Activity: Some cached files, such as outdated website data or app content, may cause apps to reload elements repeatedly, leading to increased data usage and battery drain. Clearing cache ensures apps fetch only the latest, necessary files.

When to Clear Cache for Battery Benefits:

• If you notice your battery draining quickly after an app update
• If certain apps freeze or crash frequently
• If your iPhone feels hot while using specific apps

If your goal is longer battery life, it's worth considering other optimizations like reducing background app refresh, lowering screen brightness, and enabling Low Power Mode when necessary.

How Much Storage Can You Free Up by Clearing Cache?

The amount of space you recover depends on how frequently you use your iPhone and specific apps. Here's a general estimate:

Safari Cache: If you browse frequently, your cache can range from a few MBs to 1GB or more. Regularly clearing website data can free up a significant amount of space.

Third-Party App Cache: Social media, streaming, and shopping apps can store several hundred MBs to multiple GBs of cached files. Apps like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube accumulate a lot of temporary data.

System Cache (Restarting iPhone): Restarting your iPhone helps clear out temporary files, but this typically frees up a small amount of space (less than 100MB). However, it can optimize performance, making your iPhone run more efficiently.

Offloading Unused Apps: Instead of deleting an app entirely, offloading it removes the app itself but retains user data. This can free up several GBs while keeping essential app data intact for future use.

How to Check Storage Usage Before Clearing Cache

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Scroll through the app list to see which ones are using the most space.
3. Tap on an app to check its App Size vs. Documents & Data (cached files).

For the best results, consider clearing cache on a routine basis—especially if you have limited storage or frequently use data-heavy apps.

Does Clearing Cache Delete Important Data?

A common concern is whether clearing cache will remove important personal data. Generally speaking, clearing cache from these areas will not remove higher-level data like usernames and passwords. For a bit more detail, here's a breakdown of what happens:

Safari Cache

• Deletes website data, cached images, cookies, and history.
• Does not delete saved passwords, autofill information, or bookmarks.
• Websites may require you to log in again after clearing cache.

Third-Party Apps

• Offloading an app removes the app itself but retains documents and settings.
• Deleting an app removes all data unless it's backed up to iCloud.
• Some apps have built-in cache-clearing options that remove only temporary files without affecting user data.

Keyboard Cache

• Deletes learned words and predictive text history.
• Does not affect system settings or default keyboard preferences.

Restarting iPhone (System Cache)

• Clears temporary system cache.
• Does not delete any personal files, settings, or apps.

Keeping Important Data Safe

If you want to err on the side of caution to make sure no important data is lost, consider the following:

• Backup to iCloud or local storage device before deleting apps or clearing large amounts of cache.
• Use password managers to store login information if clearing Safari cache.
• Regularly review storage usage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage to manage app data.

Wrapping Up

Clearing cache on your iPhone can help free up storage, enhance performance, and resolve minor glitches. Whether you're clearing Safari cache, app cache, or system cache, following these steps will keep your iPhone running smoothly.

For the best performance, consider doing the following regularly:
✅ Clearing Safari cache every few weeks
✅ Offloading or reinstalling apps when they take up excessive space
✅ Restarting your iPhone at least once a week
✅ Resetting keyboard cache if predictive text becomes inaccurate

Happy cleaning!