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.
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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 left off.
Cache and cookies are not the same.
Cache stores copies of images, scripts, and other page elements so sites load faster on your next visit, while cookies are small data files that remember specific information about you — like login credentials, site preferences, or items in your shopping cart.
Also: Cookie pop-ups don’t have to be a fact of life online – how I block them and why
Clearing your cache removes those saved page files but won’t log you out of sites, whereas deleting cookies will wipe your saved logins and settings, forcing you to sign in again and reset any preferences.
You can block cookies in Safari. Turning them off stops sites from tracking you, but it can also break some websites or limit features. So, you’ll need to weigh privacy against usability. If you’d like to block cookies in Safari, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings and select Safari.
- Tap on the toggle next to Block All Cookies.
There are also third-party extensions — such as Ghostery and Disconnect — that help you block cookies and trackers in Chrome.
How to check your iPhone’s storage
Your iPhone’s Settings can show you what’s eating up your storage, whether it’s photos, videos, music, or even an app’s temporary data. To see a full breakdown of your storage usage, follow these steps:
- Go to the iPhone’s Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Select iPhone Storage.
- Scroll through to find the app you’re looking for.
- Tap on the app to view storage status and options.
Also: Does your iPhone have enough space? How to find out
Unfortunately, you can’t clear a third-party app’s cache directly in Settings, but this view gives you a clear breakdown of your storage and lets you delete or offload apps.
How to browse on Safari without creating a history
If you’re learning how to clear the cache on an iPhone, you might wonder if there’s a way to use Safari without saving any browsing history. Yes! You can turn on Private Browsing by following these steps:
- Open Safari.
- Tap on Tabs.
- Choose Private.
Also: The best secure browsers for privacy
You can also enable Private Browsing by going to your iPhone Settings, finding Safari, and toggling on the private option.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2022. It was fact-checked and thoroughly updated on July 9, 2025.
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