What clearing cache actually does
Cache is temporary data your phone stores to make apps and websites load faster the next time you use them. When you clear it, you delete that stored data — the app or website will reload from scratch the next time you open it, which takes a few extra seconds but frees up storage space and can fix glitchy behavior.
Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, photos, messages, or any files you created. It only removes the temporary copies apps made to speed themselves up. Think of it like emptying a junk drawer — you keep the important things in your wallet, you just throw away the scraps you saved for no reason.
Most people clear cache when an app is freezing, crashing, or running slowly, or when they need to free up a few hundred megabytes of storage. You can do it safely whenever you want — the worst that happens is apps take a second longer to open for a day or two.
Key Takeaways
- Cache is temporary data apps store to load faster; clearing it frees storage and can fix crashes without deleting your actual files or passwords.
- On Android, go to Settings > Apps, select an app, tap Storage, and choose Clear Cache; on iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and delete apps you do not use regularly.
- Clearing cache for one app takes 30 seconds; clearing it system-wide takes two to five minutes depending on your phone.
- You can clear cache monthly or whenever an app misbehaves without any risk to your data.
How to clear cache on Android
Open Settings and tap Apps (sometimes called Applications or App Management depending on your phone brand). Scroll to find the app you want to clear cache for — if you want to clear cache for all apps at once, skip to the next paragraph.
Tap the app name, then tap Storage or Storage and Cache. You will see two buttons: Clear Cache and Clear Data. Tap Clear Cache only — do not tap Clear Data, which deletes your login information and saved settings inside that app. The cache clears when ready.
To clear cache for everything at once, go back to Settings and look for Storage or Device Care. Tap it, then look for Storage again or Optimize Now. Some phones call this section different names — Samsung calls it Device Care, Google Pixel calls it Storage, and others may say Memory or Cleanup. Tap the option to clear cached data, and your phone will delete temporary files from all apps in one go.
How to clear cache on iPhone
iPhone does not have a single "clear cache" button the way Android does. Instead, you manage cache by offloading or deleting apps you are not using regularly, which forces them to rebuild their cache from scratch when you reinstall them.
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. You will see a list of apps sorted by size. Tap any app you use infrequently, then tap Offload App. This removes the app but keeps your data inside it — when you reinstall it from the App Store, it will reload with fresh cache. If you want to delete the app entirely, tap Delete App instead.
If you want to clear cache for Safari (the web browser), go to Settings > Safari and tap Clear History and Website Data. Choose how far back you want to clear — Last Hour, Today, Last Week, or All Time — then tap Clear.
When to clear cache and how often
Clear cache when an app is crashing, freezing, or loading slowly. It is often the first fix that works because corrupted cache files can cause apps to behave strangely. If an app still misbehaves after you clear its cache, try restarting your phone next.
You can also clear cache if you are running low on storage space. Cache typically takes up 100 megabytes to a few gigabytes depending on how many apps you use and how long you have owned the phone. Clearing it will not free up massive amounts of space, but it can help if you are a few hundred megabytes away from your limit.
There is no harm in clearing cache monthly as routine maintenance, though it is not necessary unless you have a specific reason. Some people do it when they notice their phone slowing down; others only do it when an app breaks.
What not to confuse cache with
Cookies are similar to cache but live in your web browser and remember your login information and preferences on websites. Clearing browser cache (like Safari's Clear History and Website Data on iPhone) also clears cookies, which means you will have to log back into websites next time you visit them.
App data is different from cache and includes your saved games, messages, photos, and login credentials inside an app. Clearing app data deletes all of this — do not do this unless you are trying to reset an app completely. Always choose Clear Cache, not Clear Data.
Storage is the total space your phone has for everything — apps, photos, videos, and files. Cache is just one small part of storage. Clearing cache frees up a little storage, but if you are running out of space, you probably need to delete old photos or videos instead.
Troubleshooting if cache clearing does not help
If an app still crashes after you clear its cache, try restarting your phone. Hold the power button until you see the shutdown screen, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears temporary memory and often fixes problems cache clearing did not solve.
If the app still misbehaves, uninstall it completely and reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play Store. This gives you a fresh copy of the app with no corrupted files. If the problem persists, the app itself may have a bug — check the app's reviews or support page to see if other people are reporting the same issue.
If your entire phone is slow, not just one app, clearing cache system-wide may help, but the real issue is usually too many apps running at once or too little free storage. Close apps you are not using, delete photos or videos you do not need, or consider uninstalling apps you have not opened in months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my photos or messages?
No. Cache is only temporary data apps use to load faster. Your photos, messages, passwords, and any files you created stay on your phone. Clearing cache only removes the scraps apps saved for speed — it is completely safe.
How much storage space does clearing cache actually free up?
Usually 100 megabytes to a few gigabytes, depending on how many apps you use and how long you have owned the phone. It is not a huge amount, but it can help if you are close to your storage limit. If you need serious space, delete old photos or videos instead.
Do I need to clear cache on my phone regularly?
No, it is not necessary unless an app is misbehaving or you are running low on storage. Some people do it monthly as maintenance; others only do it when they have a reason. There is no downside to clearing it whenever you want.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?
Cache is temporary files apps use for speed; clearing it is safe and does not affect your logins or settings. Data includes your passwords, saved games, and preferences; clearing it resets the app completely. Always choose Clear Cache unless you are trying to reset an app from scratch.
Why is my phone still slow after I cleared the cache?
Cache clearing helps with app crashes and glitches, not overall phone speed. If your phone is slow, you probably have too many apps running, too little free storage, or an app using a lot of battery in the background. Check your battery settings or storage space instead.