{"id":66156,"date":"2026-04-02T01:59:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T23:59:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/?p=66156"},"modified":"2026-04-02T02:03:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T00:03:24","slug":"clear-ipad-cache-for-more-storage-and-better-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apfelpatient.de\/en\/tipps-tricks\/ipad-cache-leeren-mehr-speicher-und-bessere-performance","title":{"rendered":"Clear iPad Cache: More Storage and better Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of clearing the cache on the iPad?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2013 a few gigabytes of cache can mean the difference between "storage full" and smooth performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearing the cache only deletes temporary data. Personal content such as photos, documents, notes, and saved passwords remain completely intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safari cleanup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Safari on the iPad collects data with every website visit. There are two ways to achieve a clean browser experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complete Safari reset via settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Open settings<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Tap on Apps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Select Safari<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Tap \"Clear history and website data\"<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Set the desired time frame<\/strong> \u2013 for maximum effect, select the entire course<\/strong> .<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Confirm by deleting history<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Remove targeted website data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    For those who want to keep their browser history and only get rid of cookies and cache files:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Settings<\/strong> > Apps<\/strong> > Safari<\/strong> > Advanced<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Tap website data<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Select \"Remove all website data\"<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Your browsing history will be retained, but you will need to log in again to previously visited websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Delete history directly in Safari<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      On the iPad, the history can also be cleared directly in the browser:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Open Safari<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Tap History<\/strong> in the sidebar<\/strong> (clock icon)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Tap Delete<\/strong> at the bottom<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Select and confirm the time frame<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        If the sidebar is not visible, it can be displayed via the icon in the top left corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Clear app cache<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Check storage usage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        A look at actual consumption reveals where tidying up is worthwhile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Settings<\/strong> > General<\/strong> > iPad Storage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The list shows all installed apps sorted by size. The biggest storage hogs are at the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Outsource apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        When offloading, iPadOS removes the app itself but retains all documents and settings. The cache is then gone, but personal data remains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Settings<\/strong> > General<\/strong> > iPad Storage<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Tap the relevant app<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Select outsource app<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          The app icon remains on the home screen. Tapping it reinstalls the app \u2013 without the old data clutter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Completely remove and reinstall the apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Settings<\/strong> > General<\/strong> > iPad Storage<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Tap the relevant app<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. Select delete app<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. Reinstall from the App Store<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Enable automatic outsourcing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            iPadOS can automatically remove rarely used apps from the device:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Settings<\/strong> > App Store<\/strong> > Enable offload unused apps<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The data is retained and the app will automatically reload if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Clear the cache within individual Apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Some apps offer a dedicated cleanup option:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Spotify:<\/strong> Settings > Save data and offline mode > Clear cache<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Chrome:<\/strong> Three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Telegram:<\/strong> Settings > Data and Storage > Storage Usage > Clear Cache<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Restart your iPad and clean up system data<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Restart iPad without a Home button<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Press and hold one of the volume buttons<\/strong> and the top button<\/strong> simultaneously<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Swipe the power-off slider<\/strong> to the right.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Wait 30 seconds, then hold down the top button<\/strong> until the Apple logo appears.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Restart iPad using the Home button<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              1. Hold down the top button<\/strong> until the power-off slider appears.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. Swipe the slider to the right<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the top button<\/strong> again.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Forced restart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                If the iPad stops responding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                iPad without a Home button:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Briefly press and release the volume up button<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                2. Briefly press and release the volume down button<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                3. Hold down the top button<\/strong> until the Apple logo appears.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  iPad with Home button:<\/strong> Press and hold the Home button<\/strong> and the top button<\/strong> simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  No data is lost in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  System data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Under Settings > General > iPad Storage,<\/strong> you'll find the System Data<\/strong> 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 \u2013 our iPad buying guide<\/a> can help you decide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  What happens when the cache is cleared \u2013 and what doesn't?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                  Will be removed<\/th>It remains in effect<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
                  Cached images and scripts<\/td>Photos, videos and documents<\/td><\/tr>
                  Browser history (after resetting Safari)<\/td>Bookmarks and reading list<\/td><\/tr>
                  Cookies and website logins<\/td>Saved passwords in the keychain<\/td><\/tr>
                  Temporary app data<\/td>App settings (when outsourcing)<\/td><\/tr>
                  System cache (on restart)<\/td>Contacts, Calendar and Notes<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                  How often should you tidy up?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  Clearing the Safari cache<\/strong> 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<\/strong> deserve attention as soon as storage space becomes low or an app starts behaving unusually. A weekly restart<\/strong> keeps the system running smoothly \u2013 especially after major iPadOS updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Clearing the iPad Cache \u2013 the most important points at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  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\"<\/a>. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront<\/a> offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock \/ Stock 4you)<\/p>\n\n\n\n