If your iPad is sluggish, Safari takes forever to load, or you're running low on storage, a full cache is often the culprit. Temporary files accumulate over weeks and months, slowing down your device. With a few simple steps, you can clear the cache. Here's an overview of all the methods for iPadOS 26 and later.
What are the benefits of clearing the cache on the iPad?
Apps and browsers store data in the background to deliver content more quickly the next time they're accessed. Safari saves images and scripts from websites, streaming apps like YouTube or Netflix cache preview images and playback data, and social media apps like Instagram or TikTok cache entire feeds. While this speeds up access, it consumes storage space over time. This becomes particularly noticeable on iPads with 64 GB of storage – a few gigabytes of cache can mean the difference between "storage full" and smooth performance.
Clearing the cache only deletes temporary data. Personal content such as photos, documents, notes, and saved passwords remain completely intact.
Safari cleanup
Safari on the iPad collects data with every website visit. There are two ways to achieve a clean browser experience.
Complete Safari reset via settings
- Open settings
- Tap on Apps
- Select Safari
- Tap "Clear history and website data".
- Set the desired time frame – for maximum effect, select the entire course .
- Confirm by deleting history
Cache, cookies, and browsing history will be cleared. Bookmarks, saved passwords, and autofill data will remain untouched. Users of Safari profiles can also selectively delete the history for individual profiles.
Remove targeted website data
For those who want to keep their browser history and only get rid of cookies and cache files:
- Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced
- Tap website data
- Select "Remove all website data"
Your browsing history will be retained, but you will need to log in again to previously visited websites.
Delete history directly in Safari
On the iPad, the history can also be cleared directly in the browser:
- Open Safari
- Tap History in the sidebar (clock icon)
- Tap Delete at the bottom
- Select and confirm the time frame
If the sidebar is not visible, it can be displayed via the icon in the top left corner.
Clear app cache
Besides Safari, many apps consume a lot of storage space with cache data. This is especially true on the iPad, where apps like Procreate, GarageBand, or iMovie also create large project files, and the storage can quickly add up.
Check storage usage
A look at actual consumption reveals where tidying up is worthwhile:
Settings > General > iPad Storage
The list shows all installed apps sorted by size. The biggest storage hogs are at the top.
Outsource apps
When offloading, iPadOS removes the app itself but retains all documents and settings. The cache is then gone, but personal data remains.
- Settings > General > iPad Storage
- Tap the relevant app
- Select outsource app
The app icon remains on the home screen. Tapping it reinstalls the app – without the old data clutter.
Completely remove and reinstall the apps
The most thorough method: Delete the app and download it again from the App Store. This will erase all app data, including login information. You will therefore need to log in again.
- Settings > General > iPad Storage
- Tap the relevant app
- Select delete app
- Reinstall from the App Store
Enable automatic outsourcing
iPadOS can automatically remove rarely used apps from the device:
Settings > App Store > Enable offload unused apps
The data is retained and the app will automatically reload if necessary.
Clear the cache within individual Apps
Some apps offer a dedicated cleanup option:
Spotify: Settings > Save data and offline mode > Clear cache
Chrome: Three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data
Telegram: Settings > Data and Storage > Storage Usage > Clear Cache
Restart your iPad and clean up system data
A restart terminates all running processes and clears the RAM. iPadOS also deletes temporary system data in the background. A restart can be particularly helpful after a major update like iPadOS 26.
Restart iPad without a Home button
- Press and hold one of the volume buttons and the top button simultaneously
- Swipe the power-off slider to the right.
- Wait 30 seconds, then hold down the top button until the Apple logo appears.
Restart iPad using the Home button
- Hold down the top button until the power-off slider appears.
- Swipe the slider to the right
- Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the top button again.
Forced restart
If the iPad stops responding:
iPad without a Home button:
- Briefly press and release the volume up button.
- Briefly press and release the volume down button.
- Hold down the top button until the Apple logo appears.
iPad with Home button: Press and hold the Home button and the top button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
No data is lost in the process.
System data
Under Settings > General > iPad Storage, you'll find the System Data category. This contains files that can't be manually deleted, such as caches, logs, and index data. This area shrinks after a restart or when iPadOS automatically frees up storage. If you're constantly struggling with limited storage, you should consider a larger storage option for your next iPad – our iPad buying guide can help you decide.
What happens when the cache is cleared – and what doesn't?
| Will be removed | It remains in effect |
|---|---|
| Cached images and scripts | Photos, videos and documents |
| Browser history (after resetting Safari) | Bookmarks and reading list |
| Cookies and website logins | Saved passwords in the keychain |
| Temporary app data | App settings (when outsourcing) |
| System cache (on restart) | Contacts, Calendar and Notes |
How often should you tidy up?
Clearing the Safari cache about once a month is sufficient in most cases. It's also advisable to clear it more frequently if you experience display problems or slow loading times. App caches deserve attention as soon as storage space becomes low or an app starts behaving unusually. A weekly restart keeps the system running smoothly – especially after major iPadOS updates.
Overdoing it isn't worth it: The cache speeds up access to frequently used content. After clearing it, the iPad will load websites and app content slightly slower until the cache is rebuilt.
Clearing the iPad Cache – the most important points at a glance
Temporary data in the cache can slow down your iPad and take up storage space. Safari can be cleared via Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. App caches disappear when you move or reinstall the respective app. Some apps, like Spotify, Chrome, and Telegram, offer their own built-in clearing function. A restart also clears RAM and system data. Photos, documents, passwords, and personal data are preserved with all methods. For iPhone users, see the article "Clearing the iPhone Cache". The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Stock 4you)
- Clear iPhone cache: How to make your iPhone fast again
- Search iCloud.com: Activate new search function in iOS 26.4
- Apple Watch Tips: Hidden features you didn't know about
- iPhone storage full? Here's how to instantly free up more space
- Apple Account Purchase History: Review purchases, subscriptions & costs
- Apple Music: How to successfully migrate from Spotify & Co.
- AirTag 2 Factory Reset: How to Perform a Reset
- Apple Games App: Central hub for modern gaming
- Lockdown Mode: Maximum security for iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Apple Music: How to activate translated song lyrics in iOS 26
- Apple Creator Studio: Apps, subscription, and clear AI limits
- Is Apple Music taking up too much storage space? This will help immediately
- AirTag 2: Setting up Precision Finding on the Apple Watch
- How to turn texts into reminders with Apple Intelligence
- Precision Finding on the Apple Watch requires AirTag 2
- AirTag 2: Which airlines support baggage tracking
- AirTag 1 or AirTag 2: How to tell the difference
- AirTag 2: These iPhones are compatible with improved tracking
- iPhone alarm silent: Why the alarm suddenly stops working
- Safari at 120 Hz: How to activate smoother scrolling
- iOS 26 improves group chats with five new features
- Here's how to create Apple Music playlists with ChatGPT
- iOS 26: Change default apps on your iPhone
Frequently Asked Questions: Clearing the iPad Cache
Go to Settings > Apps > Safari, tap "Clear History and Website Data," and select the desired time frame. Bookmarks, passwords, and Autofill data will be retained.
No. Only temporary files are removed. Photos, documents, notes, contacts, and saved passwords remain completely intact. After clearing the Safari cache, you simply need to log in to websites again.
Offloading only removes the app itself; all personal data and settings are retained. Deleting completely removes the app and all associated data. Both methods clear the app cache.
Cached data is often the culprit. Streaming and social media apps like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram accumulate large amounts of temporary files in the background. You can check which apps are taking up the most space under Settings > General > iPad Storage.
No. iPadOS does not offer a central function for this. The cache must be cleared for each app individually – either via a function within the app itself or by offloading or reinstalling the app.
Yes. A restart clears the RAM and cleans up temporary system data. Especially after major iPadOS updates, a restart can noticeably improve performance. Once a week is a good routine.
System data includes caches, logs, and index files that iPadOS creates for operation. This area cannot be manually cleared, but it shrinks after a restart or when iPadOS automatically frees up storage space.
