Quick Answer
- To clear Safari cache, go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
- To clear only website data and keep your history, use Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data > Remove All Website Data.
- iPhone has no single “clear all cache” button. App cache is cleared inside each app, or by deleting and reinstalling the app.
- Offload App removes the app but keeps its data, so it does not wipe your cache.
- Clearing cache does not delete your photos, contacts or AutoFill information.
Your iPhone stores small temporary files called cache so pages and apps load faster. Over time this data can build up, take space and sometimes cause slow loading or display errors. Below are the exact steps for each case.
What Is Cache on an iPhone?
Cache is temporary data saved by Safari and by apps, such as images, scripts and website files. It helps things open faster the next time. Clearing it is safe, but you may need to sign in again on some sites, and pages load a bit slower the first time afterward.
How to Clear Safari Cache on iPhone
Apple’s official steps are:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then tap Safari.
- Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Choose a time range from the menu.
- Tap Clear History to confirm.
This removes your browsing history, cookies and cache. Apple says it does not change your AutoFill information.
If the button is grayed out, there may be no data to delete, or web content restrictions in Screen Time may be turned on.
How to Clear Website Data Without Deleting History
If you want to keep your history but remove cookies and cached site data:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced.
- Tap Website Data.
- Tap Remove All Website Data, then confirm with Remove Now.
This is a good choice when one site keeps loading old content but you do not want to lose your history.
How to Clear Cache in Chrome and Other Browsers on iPhone
Other browsers manage their own cache, so clearing Safari does not clear them. Open the browser’s own settings and look for an option such as “Clear Browsing Data” or “Delete Browsing Data”, then select cached images and files. Menu names can vary slightly between versions.
How to Clear App Cache on iPhone
Unlike Android, iOS does not give you a clear-cache button for each app in Settings. You have three practical options:
- Use the app’s own settings. Many apps, such as social and streaming apps, have a “Clear cache” or “Clear data” option inside their settings.
- Delete and reinstall the app. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the app and choose Delete App. Apple’s storage menu lists both the app size and “Documents & Data”, and deleting removes both. Reinstall it from the App Store afterward. Back up anything important first, because some data may not return.
- Update iOS. Updates can fix bugs that cause cache to grow unusually fast. See our guide to the iOS 27.0.1 update and the iOS 26.7.1 security update.
Offload App vs Delete App: What Is the Difference?
Both options are in Settings > General > iPhone Storage > (App name).
| Option | What it removes | What it keeps |
|---|---|---|
| Offload App | The app itself | Documents, settings and data |
| Delete App | The app and its data | Nothing |
Offloading frees only the “App Size” amount. Because your data stays, it is not a true cache cleaner. Deleting frees the app size plus Documents & Data, and you will need to set the app up again.
What About “System Data” Storage?
Many people see a large System Data number in iPhone Storage and assume it is cache. It can include cache, logs and temporary files, but you cannot clear it with one button. Clearing Safari data, deleting heavy apps you do not use and keeping iOS updated are the safest ways to reduce it. Avoid third-party “cleaner” apps that promise one-tap fixes.
When Should You Clear Cache?
Clear cache when:
- A website loads old content or shows display errors.
- Safari feels slow or a page will not log in.
- You are running low on storage.
You do not need to do it often. Doing it every day just makes pages load slower for no benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clear the cache on my iPhone?
For Safari, go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. For other apps, use the clear-cache option inside the app or delete and reinstall it.
Does clearing cache delete my photos or contacts?
No. Clearing Safari data removes history, cookies and cache. Apple says it does not change AutoFill information.
Is there a clear-all-cache button on iPhone?
No. iOS does not have one, so you clear cache per browser or app.
Does Offload App clear the cache?
Not reliably. Offloading removes the app but keeps its documents and data, so cached data stays until you delete the app.
Will I be logged out after clearing cache?
You may be signed out of some websites because cookies are removed. Your app accounts are usually kept unless you delete the app.
Why is my iPhone System Data so large?
System Data includes cache, logs and temporary files. Clearing Safari data and removing unused apps can help reduce it.
How often should I clear cache on iPhone?
Only when you have a problem, such as a slow site or low storage. Regular clearing is not needed.
