How to Clear Cache on iPhone: Safari, Chrome, and Apps

To clear the cache on your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data for Safari, or use a browser’s own data-clearing menu. For other apps, look for a cache option inside the app, or review Settings > General > iPhone Storage. There is no single iPhone button that safely clears every app cache.

Cached files can help apps and websites load faster. Clearing them is useful when a page displays outdated content, an app misbehaves, or storage is tight—but it is not a guaranteed speed boost. Your first visit afterward may actually take longer because the data has to download again.

Clear Safari cache, cookies, and history

These steps follow Apple’s Safari data-clearing instructions. On recent iOS versions, Safari appears under Apps in Settings; on older versions, it may appear directly in Settings.

1. Open Settings, tap Apps, and select Safari.
2. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
3. Select a timeframe, then tap Clear History to confirm.

This removes the selected browsing history along with associated cookies and cache. It does not erase Safari AutoFill information. Because cookies can keep you signed in, you may need to log in to some websites again. If the clear button is gray, there may be nothing to remove, or Screen Time web-content restrictions may apply.

Clear Safari website data without clearing history

To keep your list of visited pages, open Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data. Tap Remove All Website Data, then Remove Now. Website cookies and other stored site data will be removed, so some sites may forget your preferences or sign-in state.

If one website is causing trouble, start with that site’s stored data where the available controls allow it, rather than clearing everything. Deleting Safari data will not erase separate browsing data stored inside Chrome or other browser apps.

Clear Chrome cache on iPhone

Chrome has its own controls, described in Google’s iPhone and iPad Chrome guide.

1. Open Chrome and tap the More menu (three dots).
2. Choose Delete Browsing Data.
3. Select Time Range, then open Browsing Data and select Cached Images and Files. Select cookies or history only if you also want to remove them.
4. Confirm your selection, then tap Delete Browsing Data.

Deleting cached images and files is different from clearing passwords, bookmarks, or all account information. Review the selected categories carefully before confirming. Other browsers may use different menu labels; consult their own settings rather than assuming Safari settings control them.

Free up storage used by iPhone apps

iOS does not provide a universal cache-clearing control for third-party apps. First, open the problem app and look in its settings for an option such as Clear Cache, Storage, or Downloads. The precise option depends on the app, and many apps do not offer one.

If the app has no suitable control, use Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Wait for the storage list to load and select the app you want to review.

Choose Offload App or Delete App carefully

• Offload App removes the app itself and keeps its documents and data. This can free space, but it is not a reliable way to erase the app’s entire cache. Reinstallation requires the app to remain available in the App Store.
• Delete App removes the app and its local related data, which can include cached files. Before using it, check whether photos, downloaded media, conversations, or other important information is backed up or synced. Cloud-stored account data may remain with the service.

You can also enable Settings > Apps > App Store > Offload Unused Apps to let iOS remove rarely used app binaries while retaining their data when storage is low. See Apple’s iPhone storage guide for this option and its limitations.

Will clearing cache make an iPhone faster?

Sometimes. Removing damaged or stale website data can fix loading problems, and recovering storage can help when the device is nearly full. But caches usually exist to improve speed. Apple recommends keeping at least 1 GB of free storage to help avoid slowdowns, and checking your connection, battery and Low Power Mode when performance is poor. See Apple’s slow-iPhone troubleshooting advice.

There is no need to clear everything every week or every month. Do it when you notice a specific problem or need to reclaim space. If an app freezes, update it, restart your phone, or contact the developer before deleting data you may not be able to recover.

Quick questions

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

A cache stores reusable resources such as images and page files. Cookies store small pieces of site-specific information, including preferences and session identifiers. Removing cookies may sign you out, while removing cached files mainly forces content to load again.

Can I clear all app caches with one tap?

No. iOS manages many temporary files automatically, and the available controls vary by app. Be cautious with third-party “cleaner” apps promising to clear every app’s private cache or dramatically speed up the phone.