What clearing cache actually does

Cache is temporary data YouTube stores on your device so videos load faster the next time you watch them. When you clear it, you delete that stored data — YouTube will re-read it the next time you open the app or website. Clearing cache does not delete your watch history, subscriptions, or account settings. It straightforward removes the behind-the-scenes files that speed things up.

Most people clear cache when YouTube is running slowly, crashing, or taking up too much storage space on their phone. It is one of the quickest fixes to try before uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Clearing cache removes temporary files YouTube stored on your device, but keeps your account, history, and subscriptions intact.
  • On Android phones, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage > Clear Cache; on iPhones, you must delete and reinstall the app since iOS does not let you clear individual app caches.
  • On a computer, clearing your browser cache through Chrome, Firefox, or Safari settings will remove YouTube's stored data along with other websites' data.
  • After clearing cache, YouTube may load slightly slower for a few minutes while it re-downloads frequently used data.

Clearing cache on an Android phone

Open your phone's Settings app. Scroll down and tap Apps (sometimes called Applications or App Management depending on your phone brand). Find and tap YouTube.

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 delete your login information and settings. After you tap it, a message will confirm the cache was cleared. Close Settings and open YouTube — it will work normally.

Clearing cache on an iPhone

iPhones do not have a built-in way to clear cache for individual apps. Instead, you must delete the YouTube app entirely and reinstall it. Open the App Store, search for YouTube, and tap Get to read it again. Sign back in with your Google account — your history and subscriptions will still be there.

If you want to avoid signing in again, you can also go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find YouTube, and tap Offload App. This removes the app but keeps your data. Then tap Reinstall App. It takes a few minutes longer but saves you from logging in.

Clearing cache in your web browser

If you watch YouTube on a computer, clearing your browser's cache will remove YouTube's stored data along with other websites' temporary files. The steps differ by browser.

In Chrome: Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data. Make sure Cached images and files is checked. Choose a time range — All time clears everything. Click Clear data.

In Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right. Select Settings > Privacy & Security. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data. Check Cached Web Content and click Clear.

In Safari: Click Safari in the top menu. Select Clear History. Choose how far back you want to clear (all the way back is safest), then click Clear History.

When to clear cache versus when to clear data

Clearing cache is safe to do anytime — it only removes temporary files. Clearing data removes everything: your login, saved passwords, watch history, and settings. Only clear data if YouTube is seriously broken and clearing cache did not help. You will have to sign in again afterward.

If you are just trying to free up storage space or fix slow loading, always choose Clear Cache, not Clear Data. Cache usually takes up 100 to 500 megabytes depending on how much you watch. If you need more space, clearing data might free up a gigabyte or more, but you lose your personalized settings in the process.

What happens after you clear cache

YouTube will work normally when ready after you clear cache. The first few videos you watch may load slightly slower because YouTube is re-downloading the data it needs. After that, performance returns to normal. Your watch history, subscriptions, and recommendations are completely unaffected.

If clearing cache did not fix the problem you were having, try restarting your device. If YouTube is still slow or crashing, uninstalling and reinstalling the entire app is the next step — that removes both cache and data and gives you a fresh start.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my watch history?

No. Watch history is stored on your YouTube account, not in cache. Clearing cache only removes temporary files. Your history, subscriptions, and playlists stay exactly as they are.

How much storage space will I free up?

Cache typically uses 100 to 500 megabytes depending on how often you watch YouTube. Clearing it will not free up huge amounts of space, but it is worth doing if your phone is running low on storage. If you need significantly more space, clearing app data (not just cache) frees up more, but you will lose your login information.

Do I need to clear cache regularly?

No. You only need to clear cache if YouTube is running slowly, crashing, or you need to free up storage space. There is no benefit to clearing it on a schedule. Most people never need to do it.

What is the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores video data and images so they load faster next time. Cookies store small pieces of information like your login status and preferences. Clearing cache does not affect cookies, so you will stay logged in. Clearing cookies logs you out.

Will clearing cache speed up YouTube permanently?

It may help if YouTube was slow due to corrupted cache files, but it is not a permanent fix. If YouTube slows down again weeks later, it is usually due to a different problem — too many apps running, a weak internet connection, or an outdated app version.