How to clear cache on iPhone (apps, Safari and cookies)

How to clear your cache on iPhone: Free up space and boost performance

If your iPhone is feeling slower than usual or storage is running low, clearing the cache can help. Cache files are temporary data stored by apps and browsers to make things load faster, but over time they can take up valuable space and affect performance.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to clear cache on your iPhone — for apps, Safari, browser data and cookies — and explain why regular maintenance matters, especially if you’re using a refurbished device.

What is cache and why clear it?

Cache is temporary data stored by apps and websites to speed up loading times. While it’s useful, it can also accumulate and lead to:

  • Reduced storage space
  • Slower app or browser performance
  • Glitches or outdated content display

That’s why clearing your iPhone’s cache every now and then is a smart way to keep things smooth — and it’s easier than you think.

How to clear app cache on iPhone

Unlike Android, iOS doesn’t allow clearing all app caches at once, but you can do it manually in a few ways.


Option 1: Offload the app
 Offloading removes the app but keeps your data safe.

  1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
  2. Select the app you want
  3. Tap Offload App
  4. Reinstall it from the App Store

Option 2: Delete and reinstall the app
This completely removes all cache and data.

  1. Tap and hold the app icon
  2. Select Remove App > Delete App
  3. Reinstall it from the App Store.

Apps like Instagram, Facebook or TikTok can store hundreds of MBs of cache — reinstalling them occasionally can make a big difference.

How to clear Safari cache on iPhone

Safari stores browsing history, cookies and website data. Clearing it can fix loading issues and free up space.
Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Safari
  2. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data
  3. Select Confirm.

This will log you out of websites and delete saved browsing history. It won’t affect passwords saved in Keychain.

How to clear browser cache on iPhone (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)

If you use browsers other than Safari, you can clear their cache from within the app itself.


Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome > tap the three dots (⋮)
  2. Go to History > Clear Browsing Data
  3. Choose Cached Images and Files (you can also select Cookies).
  4. Tap Clear Browsing Data

Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox > tap the menu icon (☰)
  2. Go to Settings > Data Management
  3. Select Cache and Cookies
  4. Tap Clear Private Data

How to clear cookies on iPhone

Cookies are small files that store site preferences and login info. You can remove them in the same way as cache.

  • Safari: Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
  • Chrome/Firefox: Clear from browser settings and select Cookies

Clearing cookies can improve privacy, but you may need to log in again to websites afterwards.

Bonus tip: Why clearing cache helps refurbished iPhones stay fast

Whether you’ve bought a new iPhone or a refurbished one, clearing the cache regularly helps your device stay fast and responsive. Refurbished iPhones from Swappie are thoroughly tested and updated, but keeping up with simple maintenance like this ensures:

  • Better battery efficiency
  • Smoother app performance
  • More available storage.

It’s a small habit that makes a big difference in the long run — especially if your phone is a few years old.

Conclusion

Clearing cache on your iPhone is an easy and effective way to keep it running at its best. Whether you’re troubleshooting slow apps, freeing up storage, or just giving your iPhone a fresh start, these simple steps will help. And if you’re using a refurbished iPhone, regular cleanup makes it feel just as fast as day one.

FAQ ❓

🧹 How do I clear cache on iPhone apps?
You can either offload the app in Settings or delete and reinstall it to remove cache.

🌐 How do I clear Safari cache on iPhone?
 Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data to remove cache and cookies.

📱 Can I clear all app cache at once on iPhone?
 No, iOS doesn’t support clearing all app cache at once — you have to manage it app by app.

🛑 Will clearing cache delete my data?
 Offloading apps keeps data. Deleting apps removes cache and app data, but not your photos, contacts or messages.

🔒 Should I clear cookies too?
 Yes, especially for privacy. Just note that deleting your cookies may also log you out of websites.

🔄 How often should I clear cache?
 Once every few weeks or when your phone starts to slow down — it’s a good digital habit.