The iPhone's storage isn't infinite. You may reach a point where apps won't install, the camera won't take a selfie, and songs won't download. On top of that, the device may crawl to a snail's pace because it has no room to carry out everyday tasks. One way to regain space and performance is by deleting the cache.

This guide shows you how to clear the cache on an iPhone starting with Safari. We also explain how to clear out the cache in third-party apps like Chrome, and what to do if there are no built-in cache-clearing controls.

You can free up storage and help improve your iPhone’s performance by clearing Safari’s cache. Here’s how:

Step 1: Tap to open Settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap Safari. It’s listed with Apple’s other first-party apps.

Step 3: Tap Clear History and Website Data.

Step 4: Tap Clear History and Data.

Step 5: While still on the Safari panel, scroll down and tap Advanced.

Step 6: Tap Website Data. Look to the top of the list and you’ll see the amount of website data Safari stores on your device. In our example, it’s a hefty 1.8GB!

Step 7: Tap Remove All Website Data. Remember, this will get rid of website data, browsing history, and website cookies. If you want to preserve any of these, consider deleting your cache for third-party apps instead, as described below.

Along with Safari, you can clear cached data for other native and third-party apps. One method is to open the app and delete its contents from within. For example, if you downloaded files within OneDrive or Dropbox for offline use, you can remove the local files from your iPhone without deleting them from the cloud. Other apps have built-in tools as shown below.

In this example, we use Spree:

Step 1: Tap to open Settings.

Step 3: Tap the toggle next to Clear Cache.

Another example is Chrome. You can delete its cache by following these steps:

Step 1: Tap to open Chrome.

Step 2: Tap the three-dot icon located in the bottom right corner.

Step 3: Tap Settings on the pop-up menu.

Step 5: Tap Clear Browsing Data.

Step 6: Tap Clear Browsing Data again located at the bottom.

Another method is to remove the app altogether and reinstall it from the App Store. Here’s how:

Step 1: Tap to open Settings.

Step 4: Tap on an app you want to clear.

Step 5: Tap Delete App. Do not select Offload App, as this keeps the data you’re trying to delete.

Step 6: Tap Delete App again in the slide-up prompt.

Step 7: Reinstall the app from the App Store.

Step 8: Repeat these steps for all apps that have outrageous sizes.

Here are additional ways to clear your iPhone’s cache and free up some much-needed storage space.

All operating systems create temporary files on their parent devices. These files are typically made to transfer data to a permanent file. They’re also created when memory can’t be allocated for a task and the OS turns to the local storage to use it as a scratchpad.

To eliminate these files, turn off your iPhone and immediately turn it back on. On the iPhone X and later models, press down and hold the Volume Down and Sleep/Wake buttons simultaneously, then swipe to the right when the Slide to Power Off slider pops up on your screen. Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button to restart your phone.

If you have an iPhone SE or an iPhone 8 or earlier, you can turn off your iPhone by pressing the Sleep/Wake button until you see a slider.

Restarting will free up some system storage so there’s adequate space for the processor and OS to manage tasks. During this process, all temporary files and other more short-term app information will be deleted.

One other method of clearing your cache is to use a third-party app meant to help you optimize your iPhone. It’s typically best practice to use Apple-compatible applications when you’re using Apple products. Be careful whenever you opt to use a third-party cleaning app, as you’re potentially risking the safety and security of your phone in the process.

In a nutshell, cache is data stored locally by the operating system and apps. It’s where web pages, game saves, in-app downloads, and more reside. It’s also where iOS stores temporary information when writing files or when it needs a scratchpad. All of this data takes up space, which in turn can limit your downloads and the phone’s performance.

Clearing your cache can help protect your information, while also potentially helping your device to run better. Clearing your cache is a method of getting rid of old data, so it can help some applications run better if old data is preventing them from running optimally.

Keep in mind, however, that deleting an app’s cache removes necessary data, too. In many cases, your apps need this data to function properly, or to at least remember your preferences, settings, and any files you’ve saved to them. As such, before you clear the cache for any iPhone app, consider whether or not you may actually need its data (make sure you’ve saved your login info). Clearing your cache is not a substitute for a factory reset. If you want to factory reset your iPhone, we have a guide for that, too.

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