What is cache?
Cache -- aliases browser cache -- is nan impermanent retention of website files. So, things for illustration images, scripts, and cookies that your browser saves connected your telephone to make pages load faster nan adjacent clip you visit.
Also: Every iPhone exemplary that tin beryllium updated to iOS 26 (and which ones don't support it)
Over time, though, those files tin adhd up, taking a ample wound retired of your instrumentality retention and slowing things down. That's why it's smart to clear your browser cache regularly. In this article, I focused connected clearing Safari and Chrome's cache connected an iPhone, but support successful mind that apps and moreover your phone's processor person their ain caches, too.
How to clear your app cache connected iPhone
You tin clear an app's cache by deleting and reinstalling it -- or, erstwhile available, utilizing an in-app "Clear Cache" option. Since iOS doesn't connection a cosmopolitan cache-clearing tool, each app handles it differently. TikTok and CapCut see a built-in cache-clear button, Amazon lets you erase your browsing history, and Reddit offers a measurement to swipe section history. It depends connected an app's features.
Is 'clear cache' nan aforesaid arsenic offloading?
Not quite. Offloading an app via your iPhone's settings tin boost capacity erstwhile your retention is tight by uninstalling nan app and keeping its documents and information intact. Just spell to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, pat nan app you want, and take Offload App. This removes nan app and its cache but leaves your information successful place, truthful erstwhile you reinstall it, you'll prime up correct wherever you near off.
Are cookies and cache nan aforesaid thing?
Cache and cookies are not nan same.
Cache stores copies of images, scripts, and different page elements truthful sites load faster connected your adjacent visit, while cookies are mini information files that retrieve circumstantial accusation astir you -- for illustration login credentials, tract preferences, aliases items successful your shopping cart.
Also: Cookie pop-ups don't person to beryllium a truth of life online - really I artifact them and why
Clearing your cache removes those saved page files but won't log you retired of sites, whereas deleting cookies will swipe your saved logins and settings, forcing you to motion successful again and reset immoderate preferences.
Can you artifact cookies connected an iPhone?
You tin artifact cookies successful Safari. Turning them disconnected stops sites from search you, but it tin besides break immoderate websites aliases limit features. So, you'll request to measurement privateness against usability. If you'd for illustration to artifact cookies successful Safari, travel these steps:
- Go to Settings and prime Safari.
- Tap connected nan toggle adjacent to Block All Cookies.
There are besides third-party extensions -- specified arsenic Ghostery and Disconnect -- that thief you artifact cookies and trackers successful Chrome.
How to cheque your iPhone's storage
Your iPhone's Settings tin show you what's eating up your storage, whether it's photos, videos, music, aliases moreover an app's impermanent data. To spot a afloat breakdown of your retention usage, travel these steps:
- Go to nan iPhone's Settings.
- Tap connected General.
- Select iPhone Storage.
- Scroll done to find nan app you're looking for.
- Tap connected nan app to position retention position and options.
Also: Does your iPhone person capable space? How to find out
Unfortunately, you can't clear a third-party app's cache straight successful Settings, but this position gives you a clear breakdown of your retention and lets you delete aliases offload apps.
How to browse connected Safari without creating a history
If you're learning really to clear nan cache connected an iPhone, you mightiness wonderment if there's a measurement to usage Safari without redeeming immoderate browsing history. Yes! You tin move connected Private Browsing by pursuing these steps:
- Open Safari.
- Tap connected Tabs.
- Choose Private.
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You tin besides alteration Private Browsing by going to your iPhone Settings, uncovering Safari, and toggling connected nan backstage option.
Editor's note: This article was primitively published successful 2022. It was fact-checked and thoroughly updated connected July 9, 2025.
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