Website not loading properly? An app acting strange? Phone low on space? Clearing your cache is one of the quickest fixes. It removes temporary files that apps and browsers store to load things faster, but which sometimes get outdated or corrupted.
Here’s how to clear cache on every major device and browser.
What Is Cache, and Is It Safe to Clear?
Cache is a store of temporary files, like images and scripts from websites you’ve visited. Clearing it is safe. Your photos, messages and documents aren’t affected. The only downside is that some websites and apps load a little slower the first time afterward.
Note: Clearing cookies as well will sign you out of most websites. If you only want to fix loading problems, clear cached images and files and leave cookies alone.
How to Clear Cache on iPhone
Safari
Go to Settings > Apps > Safari and tap Clear History and Website Data. (On older iOS versions, Safari is directly in Settings.) Choose a time range and confirm.
To clear data for just one site, go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data and swipe left on the site.
Chrome on iPhone
Open Chrome, tap the three dots > Delete browsing data, select Cached images and files, and tap Delete.
Other apps
iPhone doesn’t have a “clear cache” button for most apps. Some apps, like TikTok and Instagram, include a clear cache option in their own settings. Otherwise, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select the app, and choose Offload App, which removes the app but keeps your data, then reinstall it.
How to Clear Cache on Android
For one app
- Go to Settings > Apps and select the app.
- Tap Storage & cache (or Storage).
- Tap Clear cache.
Careful: Don’t tap Clear storage or Clear data unless you want to reset the app completely, which deletes its settings and logs you out.
Chrome on Android
Open Chrome, tap the three dots > Delete browsing data, select Cached images and files, choose a time range, and tap Delete data.
How to Clear Cache on Your Computer Browser
Chrome, Edge and Firefox (Windows and Mac)
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows or Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac.
- Choose a time range, such as All time.
- Check Cached images and files (and uncheck cookies if you want to stay signed in).
- Click Delete data or Clear.
Safari on Mac
Go to Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data and remove data for specific sites or all sites. Or choose History > Clear History.
Just one website acting up? Try a hard refresh
Press Ctrl + F5 (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + R (Mac) to reload the page and ignore its cached files. This often fixes a single broken page without clearing everything.
When Should You Clear Cache?
- A website looks broken or shows old content.
- An app crashes, freezes or won’t load new content.
- Your phone is low on storage (some apps store gigabytes of cache).
- After a big website or app update, if things look wrong.
You don’t need to clear cache regularly “just because.” It’s a fix, not routine maintenance. If your device is slow overall, see our guides to speeding up a slow laptop and fixing a full iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords?
No. Clearing cached files doesn’t delete saved passwords. Clearing cookies signs you out of websites, but saved passwords stay in your browser or password manager.
Will clearing cache delete photos or messages?
No. Cache only contains temporary files. Your personal content isn’t touched.
How often should I clear my cache?
Only when you have a problem or need storage space. Clearing it too often just makes websites load slower.
Does clearing cache make my phone faster?
Sometimes, if a specific app’s cache is corrupted. It won’t speed up a phone that’s slow for other reasons.
The Bottom Line
On a computer, press Ctrl or Cmd + Shift + Delete. On Android, use Settings > Apps > Storage & cache. On iPhone, clear Safari data in Settings or offload problem apps. It’s a safe, quick fix for broken pages and misbehaving apps.
Related Guides
- Wi-Fi Connected But No Internet? 10 Fixes That Actually Work
- Google Storage Full? How to Free Up Space in Gmail, Drive and Photos
- Why Is My Phone Overheating? 10 Easy Fixes for iPhone and Android
- How to Back Up Your iPhone (iCloud and Computer Methods)
Explore more in our Tech Tips for Beginners hub.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is based on details available at the time of writing. Prices, plans, features, release dates, policies and availability can change at any time and may vary by country. Please verify the latest information on the official website of the company or product mentioned before making any decision or purchase. Next DigiTech is an independent website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the companies mentioned; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. We are not responsible for any loss or decisions made based on this content.
