How to clear cache on iPhone and instantly free up space

Top half of iPhone 15

Wondering how to clear the cache on an iPhone? As we run several apps and navigate browsers like Safari and Chrome, we collect a lot of useless clutter along the way that fills up our phone’s cache.

What, exactly, is a cache? For the uninitiated, it’s a reserve for your iPhone that saves temporary data. On the plus side, it helps websites load more rapidly. However, it does have its downsides. For example, it can take up a lot of storage that can be used for more pertinent files.

Itching to free up more space, or simply trying to clear away cookies and other browsing data? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clear the cache on your iPhone. Please note that we’ve included screenshots from a phone running iOS 26 and Liquid Glass, but the steps should be similar even if you’re on an older OS.

How to clear cache on iPhone: Clear Safari cache

If you’re experiencing any issues with performance or unexpected behavior on a website, clearing your Safari cache may solve the problem. Below, we’ve got instructions on how to do just that.

1. Open Safari and tap the three dots in the corner

Mashable home page on Safari with an arrow pointing to three dots in the corner

The start of your journey.
Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

2. Tap Bookmarks

Safari app with an arrow pointing to the Bookmarks button

Find your bookmarks.
Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

3. Tap the clock icon, then the three dots, then tap Clear

Safari app with an arrow pointing to the Clear button

Find that clear button.
Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

4. Set how far back you want to clear your data and then hit the big red button

Shiny red button.
Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

How to clear cache on iPhone: Clear app cache

If you want to look into clearing your app cache instead, here’s how to do it.

1. Open ‘Settings’

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

2. Tap on ‘General’

iPhone settings app with an arrow pointing to General

Easy enough so far.
Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

3. Tap on ‘iPhone Storage’

iPhone general settings screen with an arrow pointing to iPhone Storage

So far, so good.
Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

Look through any apps that you feel can use a cache cleaning.

4. Tap on desired app and hit ‘Offload App’

iPhone app settings screen for Bluesky with an arrow pointing to the clear cache button

There you have it.
Credit: Screenshot: Apple/Alex Perry

With these cache-cleaning tips, you should free up some space on your iPhone and benefit from better performance, whether you’re surfing the web or navigating iOS.

UPDATE: Sep. 27, 2025, 11:08 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with new screenshots and advice.