Tech News
← Back to articles

How to clear your iPhone cache (and why you should do it before updating to iOS 26)

read original related products more articles

What is cache?

Cache -- or browser cache -- is the temporary storage of website files. So, things like images, scripts, and cookies that your browser saves on your phone to make pages load faster the next time you visit.

Also: How to clear your Android phone's cache and make it feel like new

Over time, though, those files can add up, taking a large bite out of your device storage and slowing things down. That's why it's smart to clear your browser cache regularly. In this article, I focused on clearing Safari and Chrome's cache on an iPhone, but keep in mind that apps and even your phone's processor have their own caches, too.

How to clear your app cache on iPhone

You can clear an app's cache by deleting and reinstalling it -- or, when available, using an in-app "Clear Cache" option. Since iOS doesn't offer a universal cache-clearing tool, each app handles it differently. TikTok and CapCut include a built-in cache-clear button, Amazon lets you erase your browsing history, and Reddit offers a way to wipe local history. It depends on an app's features.

Is 'clear cache' the same as offloading?

Not quite. Offloading an app via your iPhone's settings can boost performance when your storage is tight by uninstalling the app and keeping its documents and data intact. Just go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the app you want, and choose Offload App. This removes the app and its cache but leaves your data in place, so when you reinstall it, you'll pick up right where you

Are cookies and cache the same thing?

Cache and cookies are not the same.

... continue reading