On an iPhone, 'cache' usually means Safari's stored website data or the temporary files inside apps. Clearing it can fix slow loading and glitchy pages and free up a little storage. Here's how to do both.
What you'll need
- An iPhone
Step by step
- Clear Safari's cacheOpen Settings, tap Apps then Safari (on older iOS it's Settings then Safari directly), then tap 'Clear History and Website Data' and confirm.
- Keep your history if you wantTo clear the cache but keep your browsing history, instead go to Safari settings, then Advanced, then Website Data, and tap 'Remove All Website Data'.
- Clear an app's cache from inside itMany apps — streaming and social apps especially — have their own 'Clear cache' button in their in-app settings. Check there first.
- Offload an app to clear its cacheFor apps with no such option, go to Settings, General, iPhone Storage, tap the app, and choose 'Offload App'. This clears its temporary files but keeps your data; then reinstall it.
Handy tips
- Clearing Safari's data signs you out of most websites, so have your passwords handy.
- Offloading is safer than deleting — it keeps your documents and settings while clearing the bulk of the space.
Heads up
- There's no single 'clear all cache' button on iOS. Be wary of third-party 'cleaner' apps that promise one.
FAQ
Where's the Safari option in the latest iOS?
Settings, then Apps, then Safari, then 'Clear History and Website Data'.
Does this delete my photos or messages?
No. It only clears website and app temporary data — your photos, messages, and files are untouched.
Will clearing the cache speed up my iPhone?
It can help a sluggish browser or app and frees some storage, but it isn't a cure-all for general slowness.