What clearing Facebook cache actually does
Cache is temporary data Facebook stores on your device to load faster next time — old images, page layouts, login information, and browsing history. Clearing it removes that stored data and forces Facebook to read everything fresh from its servers the next time you open it.
You might clear cache to fix a frozen app, stop Facebook from showing outdated information, free up storage space on your phone, or remove traces of your browsing history from your device. The process is different depending on whether you use Facebook on a phone, tablet, or computer, and whether you use the app or the website.
Clearing cache does not delete your Facebook account, your messages, your photos, or anything you posted. It only removes the temporary copies stored locally on your device. Your actual account data stays on Facebook's servers untouched.
Key Takeaways
- Cache is temporary data stored on your device to make Facebook load faster, and clearing it forces a fresh read next time you open the app.
- On Android phones, go to Settings > Apps > Facebook > Storage > Clear Cache; on iPhones, you must delete and reinstall the app because iOS does not expose cache clearing.
- On Windows computers, clearing your browser cache through Settings removes Facebook's stored data; on Mac, use Safari or Chrome settings depending on your browser.
- Clearing cache does not delete your account, messages, photos, or posts — only the temporary copies stored on your device.
- If Facebook is frozen, slow, or showing old information, clearing cache is usually the first troubleshooting step before contacting support.
Clearing cache on Android phones
Open your phone's Settings app. Scroll down and tap Apps (sometimes called Applications or App Manager depending on your phone brand). Find and tap Facebook in the list.
Tap Storage or Storage and Cache. You will see two buttons: Clear Cache and Clear Data. Tap only Clear Cache. Do not tap Clear Data, which would log you out and delete your saved login information.
After you tap Clear Cache, a confirmation message appears. Tap OK or Clear. The process takes a few seconds. Close Settings and open Facebook normally — it will load slower the first time as it downloads fresh data, then return to normal speed.
Clearing cache on iPhones and iPads
Apple's iOS does not let you clear cache for individual apps the way Android does. Instead, you must delete the Facebook app and reinstall it, which removes all cached data along with it.
Press and hold the Facebook app icon on your home screen until a menu appears. Tap Remove App, then tap Delete App, then tap Delete again to confirm. The app is now removed from your phone.
Open the App Store, tap the search icon at the bottom, search for Facebook, and tap Get next to the official Facebook app (the one with the blue icon and white f). Tap Install, then use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm. Once it finishes installing, open it and log in with your username and password. Your account and all your data are still there — you only removed the app and its cached files.
Clearing cache on Windows computers
If you use Facebook through a web browser on Windows, clearing cache removes Facebook's stored data from that browser. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Chrome, Edge, or Firefox.
In Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Click Settings. On the left, click Privacy and security, then click Clear browsing data. A window opens. Make sure the time range is set to All time. Check the box next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear data.
In Microsoft Edge: Click the three horizontal dots in the top right corner. Click Settings. Click Privacy, search, and services. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear. Set the time range to All time. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear now.
In Firefox: Click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right. Click Settings. Click Privacy & Security on the left. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data. Check both boxes and click Clear.
Clearing cache on Mac computers
In Safari: Click Safari in the top menu bar. Click Settings (or Preferences on older versions). Click the Privacy tab. Click Manage Website Data. Search for facebook in the search box. Click on facebook.com in the list, then click Remove. Click Done.
In Chrome on Mac: Click the three vertical dots in the top right. Click Settings. Click Privacy and security on the left. Click Clear browsing data. Set the time range to All time. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear data.
When to clear cache and what to expect
Clear Facebook cache if the app is running slowly, freezing, or crashing. Clear it if Facebook is showing you old posts, old profile information, or old photos that you know have changed. Clear it if you share a device with someone else and want to remove traces of your browsing history from that device.
After clearing cache, the first time you open Facebook it will load noticeably slower as it downloads everything fresh from the servers. This is normal and temporary — within a few minutes of normal use, Facebook will cache new data and return to normal speed. If Facebook is still slow or frozen after clearing cache, the problem may be your internet connection, your device's storage space, or an outdated version of the app. Try restarting your device or updating Facebook to the latest version before contacting Facebook support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache log me out of Facebook?
No. Clearing cache removes temporary data only. Your login information stays saved (unless you specifically chose to clear cookies and site data on a computer). You will stay logged in and your account will be exactly as you left it.
Does clearing cache delete my messages or photos?
No. Clearing cache removes only temporary copies stored on your device. Your actual messages, photos, and posts remain on Facebook's servers. Nothing you created or received is deleted.
How often should I clear Facebook cache?
You do not need to clear it on a schedule. Clear it only when you notice a problem — the app is slow, frozen, or showing outdated information. Most people never need to clear it unless something goes wrong.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?
Clearing cache removes temporary files only. Clearing data removes cache plus your saved login information, which logs you out. On Android, always tap Clear Cache unless you specifically want to log out. On iPhone, deleting the app removes both.
Why is Facebook still slow after I cleared the cache?
Slowness can come from other sources: a weak internet connection, your device running out of storage space, or an outdated version of the app. Try restarting your phone or computer, checking your internet speed, or updating Facebook to the latest version. If it is still slow, the problem may be on Facebook's servers rather than your device.