How to clear cache on your iPhone

To clear cache on an iPhone, remove Safari website data and clear or reinstall apps that store cached files. This article gives direct, step-by-step instructions for Safari, system apps and third-party apps so you can free storage or resolve slow loading and app errors quickly.

Quick checklist (what to do first)

Decide whether you need to clear browser cache, app cache, or both.
Back up important data if you plan to delete or reinstall apps — see Backup before changes.
Try a simple restart; it often clears temporary files without removing data.
Use Offload when you want to preserve app data but remove the app binary; learn more in Offload vs delete apps.

How to clear Safari cache and website data

Safari is the default browser on iPhone and stores history, cookies and other website data. Clearing Safari is the most direct way to remove browser cache.

Open Settings and scroll to Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data. If you want finer control, tap Advanced > Website Data to view or remove individual site data.
Confirm when prompted. Clearing removes cookies and browsing history stored in Safari on that device and signed-in devices using the same Apple ID, depending on your settings.

If you want background context about Safari data options, see Clear Safari history.

Offload, delete or reinstall apps that hold cache

Most third-party apps store cache internally. iOS does not provide a universal "clear cache" button, so you have three practical choices: use an in-app clear option, offload the app, or delete and reinstall it.

Offload an app (preserve documents and data)

Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Scroll to the app you want and tap it.
Tap Offload App, then confirm. The app binary is removed but user data and settings stay on the device.
Reinstall by tapping the app icon or using App Store if it does not reinstall automatically.

Delete and reinstall (full cache reset)

In Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select the app and choose Delete App to remove app and stored data.
Reinstall from the App Store. You will usually need to sign back in and may need to restore settings or downloads from the app's cloud if available.

To decide which approach fits, read the short decision guide below and the developer's guidance in each app. If you want to manage storage across many apps, review Free up iPhone storage for broader options.

In-app cache clearing and a worked example

Some apps include their own cache or storage controls inside their settings. Always check app settings first because that avoids reinstalling.

Open the app and tap Settings or Account.
Look for Clear Cache, Clear Temporary Files, Storage, or Downloaded Data.
Follow prompts; you may be logged out or lose offline content.

Worked example: If a social app does not show new content, try this sequence: force-close the app (swipe it away in the app switcher), check for an in-app Clear Cache option, offload the app if the option is absent, then reinstall if problems persist. This preserves your account but removes locally stored files that can cause repeated errors.

Restart your iPhone to clear temporary files

Restarting can free temporary system files without changing app data or settings. Use the device method appropriate for your model: hold the side button and a volume button, then slide to power off; or use Settings > General > Shut Down. After the device powers off, turn it on again.

If an app behaves erratically after clearing cache, a restart is a low-risk first step before removing apps or data.

Offload vs Delete — quick comparison

Offload app: Removes the app binary but keeps documents and data. Use when you want to free space but return to the same app state later.
Delete app: Removes app and local data. Use when you need a full cache reset or the app's data is corrupt.
In-app clear: Best when available because it targets only temporary files the developer intends to be removable without touching account data.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Assuming all apps have a system-level clear cache button: iOS does not offer a universal clear cache; check the app settings or reinstall instead.
Deleting an app without backing up data: some apps store data only locally; use Backup before changes if the data is important.
Confusing offload with delete: offload preserves documents and app settings; delete removes them.
Restarting before trying simpler steps: try in-app clear or offload before deleting to minimize disruption.

Troubleshooting: if problems continue

Confirm you are signed in to the app with the correct account after reinstalling; many apps re-sync content from the server.
Check for app updates in the App Store; an update can address corrupted cache behavior.
If the device shows low storage but caches remain large, use Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see which apps use the most space and act accordingly.
If clearing Safari or apps does not fix browsing or app errors, consider contacting the app developer or Apple Support for help diagnosing persistent issues.

Closing: what to do next

Clearing Safari data and managing app storage are the most reliable ways to clear cache on iPhone. Start with in-app options, use Offload when you want to keep data, and delete and reinstall when you need a full reset. If you plan to remove apps that contain unique content, back up first using Backup before changes to avoid permanent loss.

For wider storage housekeeping, consult the guide on Free up iPhone storage and the differences in Offload vs delete apps to choose the least disruptive option for your needs.