How to Clear Cache on an iPhone

If your iPhone is running unusually slow, constantly crashing on specific websites, or simply running out of storage space, the culprit is often a bloated cache. A cache is a hidden repository where your phone stores temporary files—like website logos and scripts—so it can load things faster the next time you visit. Over time, these files become corrupted or simply take up too much room.

Unlike Android, iOS does not have a magical “Clear All Cache” button for the entire system. Instead, you must clear the cache for your web browser and manually manage your storage-heavy apps. Here is exactly how to clear cache on an iPhone.

Step 1: Clear the Safari Browser Cache

For most users, the Safari web browser is the single biggest hoarder of temporary files. Clearing Safari’s cache is the fastest way to resolve weird browsing glitches and free up immediate space.

1. Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
2. Scroll down the main list (past General and Display) until you find Safari. Tap it.
3. Scroll down again, past the Privacy & Security section, and look for a blue link that says Clear History and Website Data.
4. A pop-up menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
5. Choose the time frame (Last hour, Today, Today and yesterday, or All history). If you want a completely fresh start, select All history.
6. Tap the red Clear History button.

Warning: Doing this will log you out of all the websites you are currently signed into on Safari, so make sure you know your passwords before you press the button.

Step 2: Clear the Chrome Browser Cache

If you use Google Chrome instead of Safari, the process is handled inside the Chrome app itself, not the iOS Settings menu.

1. Open the Chrome app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the three horizontal dots (More) in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. Tap Clear Browsing Data (it looks like a little trash can).
4. Ensure the time range is set to All Time.
5. Check the boxes for Cookies, Site Data and Cached Images and Files.
6. Tap the red Clear Browsing Data button at the bottom.

Step 3: “Offload” Bloated Apps

If clearing your web browser did not fix your storage issue, you need to deal with third-party apps like TikTok, Instagram, or massive video games. Because Apple does not let you clear the cache inside these apps directly, you must use a feature called “Offloading.”

Offloading deletes the heavy core application files but safely preserves your personal data and login information.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap iPhone Storage.
4. Wait a few seconds for the list to populate. It will show you exactly which apps are consuming the most space.
5. Tap on a large app that you do not use very often (for example, a large game).
6. Tap the blue Offload App button.

The app’s icon will remain on your home screen, but with a tiny cloud symbol next to it. The next time you tap the icon, your iPhone will quickly re-download the fresh, un-cached version of the app from the App Store, and all your personal data will still be there.