Over time, iPhones slow down, apps become sluggish, and Safari takes forever to load. The reason: Temporary data accumulates in the cache, eventually slowing things down more than it speeds them up. This problem can be solved in just a few steps. Here are all the methods to clear the cache on your iPhone – currently for iOS 26 and later.
The cache is a temporary storage area where the iPhone stores data. Websites save images and scripts so they load faster on subsequent visits. Apps store data to display content more smoothly. The system itself uses the cache for background processes. In principle, this is a good thing – but over time, gigabytes of unnecessary data accumulate. The result: less free storage, slower apps, and sluggish websites. This is especially noticeable after major updates like iOS 26, because the system indexes and processes a lot of data in the background. The good news: The cache can be easily cleared without losing personal data such as photos, messages, or passwords.
Clear Safari cache
Safari is the biggest cache hog on the iPhone. Every website visit leaves behind temporary files. Here's how to clear the Safari cache:
Via the settings (recommended)
- Open settings
- Tap the apps
- Select Safari
- Scroll down and tap Clear history and website data
- Under "Delete time frame", select how much should be deleted (recommended: Entire history)
- Confirm delete history
This will remove your browsing history, cookies, and cached files. Bookmarks, saved passwords, and autofill data will be retained.
Users of Safari profiles can also selectively delete the history for a single profile or for all profiles at once.
Delete website data only (excluding history)
Those who wish to keep their browsing history can selectively remove only the website data:
- Settings > Apps > Safari
- Tap to expand
- Select website data
- Tap "Remove all website data"
This will delete cookies and cache, but your browsing history will remain. You will then need to log in again to visited websites.
Directly in Safari
In iOS 26, deleting also works directly in the Safari app:
- Tap the three dots (⋯) in Safari
- Select the book icon (bookmark).
- Switch to the clock icon (history).
- Tap the three dots (⋯) at the top, then tap delete and select the desired time frame.
Note: In iOS 26, using the Settings app (Settings > Apps > Safari) is the more reliable method with more options. Directly in Safari, you can only delete the history, including cookies and cache – not just website data.
Clear app cache
Besides Safari, other apps also accumulate large amounts of cache data. Social media apps (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook), streaming apps (Netflix, Spotify, YouTube), and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) are particularly affected. iOS doesn't offer a central function to clear the app cache all at once. Instead, there are several ways to do it.
Offload app (clear cache, keep data)
Offloading the app removes the app itself, but all personal data and settings are retained. After reinstalling, everything is back – just without the old cache.
- Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Tap the desired app
- Select and confirm the app to be outsourced.
- Then tap "Reinstall app".
The app icon remains on the home screen. Tapping it re-downloads the app from the App Store.
Delete and reinstall the app
The most drastic method: Completely delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store. This will remove all cache and app data. You will then need to re-enter your login credentials.
- Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Tap the desired app
- Select delete app and confirm.
- Download the app again from the App Store
Automatically offload apps
Those who don't want to clean up manually on a regular basis can have iOS automatically offload unused apps:
- Settings > App Store
- Enable offloading of unused apps
iOS automatically removes apps that haven't been used for a long time. The data is retained, and the app can be reinstalled at any time with a single tap.
Clear cache directly in apps
Some apps offer a built-in cache clearing function. Here are the most important ones:
Spotify: Settings > Save data and offline mode > Clear cache. Spotify is one of the apps that accumulates the most cache – especially with offline downloads. Which streaming service is better value is shown in the Apple Music vs. Spotify comparison.
Chrome: Three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data
Telegram: Settings > Data and Storage > Storage Usage > Clear Cache
TikTok: Profile > Three-dot menu > Clear cache
Clear system cache: Restart iPhone
Restarting your iPhone clears the RAM and removes temporary system data. This often fixes micro-stuttering, delayed touch input, and minor software glitches.
Normal restart
- Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons simultaneously
- Swipe the power-off slider to the right.
- Wait 30 seconds, then hold down the side button until the Apple logo appears.
Forced restart
If the iPhone stops responding:
- Briefly press and release the volume up button.
- Briefly press and release the volume down button.
- Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
A forced restart does not delete any data. However, iOS clears the system cache and terminates all running processes.
Check storage space: Where is the cache located?
Under Settings > General > iPhone Storage, iOS displays an overview of the storage used. The list of apps is sorted by size – the biggest storage hogs are at the top. This makes it easy to see which apps have accumulated the most cache.
The System Data category (formerly "Other") contains non-deletable system files, caches, and temporary data. This category typically shrinks after a restart or when iOS automatically frees up storage. It cannot be manually cleared. Anyone who regularly struggles with limited storage should consider a larger storage option for their next iPhone – our iPhone buying guide can help with the selection.
What gets deleted when clearing the cache – and what doesn't?
| Will be deleted | It will be preserved |
|---|---|
| Temporary files and images | Photos and videos |
| Browser history (Safari cache) | Contacts and messages |
| Cookies and website data | Saved passwords (keychain or password app) |
| Cached app data | Bookmark |
| Old log files | Apps (on restart) |
| Outdated system data (on restart) | Settings and accounts |
Clearing the cache is safe. No personal data is lost. After clearing the Safari cache, you will only need to log in again to websites that previously used cookies for login.
How often should the cache be emptied?
There is no fixed rule. As a guideline:
The Safari cache should be cleared about once a month, especially if websites are loading slowly or displaying incorrectly. Clearing the app cache for memory-intensive apps like TikTok, Instagram, or Spotify is worthwhile if your iPhone storage is running low. A restart is advisable after major iOS updates and if you experience noticeable performance issues—generally, restarting once a week is a good habit.
Clearing the cache too frequently offers no benefit. The cache exists to reduce loading times. After clearing it, websites and apps have to download their data again, which can even be temporarily slower.
Clear iPhone cache – the most important points summarized
The cache is a temporary storage area for data that can slow down your iPhone over time. You can clear the Safari cache via Settings > Apps > Safari > History and Website Data. App caches are cleared by offloading or reinstalling the respective app. Some apps, like Spotify, Chrome, or Telegram, offer their own cache clearing function. Restarting your iPhone clears the system cache and RAM. Clearing the cache does not delete personal data such as photos, messages, or passwords. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / PixieMe)
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Frequently Asked Questions: Clearing the iPhone Cache
Clearing the cache only removes temporary files. Personal data such as photos, messages, contacts, and saved passwords are retained. After clearing the Safari cache, you only need to log in to websites again.
Go to Settings > Apps > Safari, tap "Clear History and Website Data," and select the desired time frame. Bookmarks and Autofill data will be retained.
No. iOS does not offer a central function to clear all app caches at once. The cache must be cleared for each app individually – either via a function within the app itself or by offloading or reinstalling the app.
Offloading the app removes it, but all personal data and settings are retained. After reinstalling, everything is restored. Deleting the app completely removes both the app and all associated data.
Yes, especially when storage is limited. Full caches can slow down apps and lead to display problems in Safari. However, the effect is temporary – the cache will refill with normal use.
Clear the Safari cache about once a month, and the app cache as needed when storage is low. Restarting your iPhone once a week is a good habit. Clearing the cache too frequently offers no benefit, as it actually reduces loading times.
System data (formerly "Other") contains non-deletable system files, caches, and temporary data. This area cannot be manually cleared, but it typically shrinks after a restart or when iOS automatically frees up storage space.
