How to clear app cache on your phone

💡 Need to know

• Why it matters: Clearing your app cache fixes slow or glitching apps by removing temporary files.
• Quick fix: On Android, use Settings > Apps > Storage > Clear cache. On iPhone, use Offload App.
• Pro tip: Clearing cache doesn’t delete personal data—it just frees space and boosts performance.

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If you’ve noticed that your apps are running slowly or not working properly, one of the easiest troubleshooting tips is to clear your cache. Often, clearing the cache resolves app issues right away.

Here’s everything you need to know about what app cache is, how it works, and how to clear it on Android™ and iPhone®.

At Asurion, our experts have seen it all and know the best fixes for your tech problems, from addressing the top reasons iPhones® run slowly to optimizing phone storage.

What app cache is and why it matters

App cache is where apps store temporary data like images, scripts, and other files. The data helps apps load faster because they don’t have to download the same information each time.

However, over time, cached data can build up and cause performance issues. Too much data in your cache can lead to app crashes, glitches, or lag. Clearing the cache can fix these problems instantly and free up storage space.

Think of the cache as a shortcut—helpful until it gets too crowded. Once it’s overloaded, clearing it helps your apps start fresh.

Some people confuse the app cache with app data. Here’s the difference:

• App cache: Stores temporary files that make apps load faster.
• App data: Includes personal settings, preferences, and saved progress.

Clearing cache won’t delete your data, but deleting app data will reset your app to its original settings, like when you first installed it.

How often should I clear my cache?

There’s no set rule, but clearing your cache every few months is a good habit. If you notice your apps running slowly, freezing, or using too much storage, go ahead and clear it sooner.

How to clear app cache on Android

Follow these steps to clear app cache on Android and improve your phone’s performance:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apps or Applications, depending on your Android version.
3. Select the app you want to clear the cache for.
4. Tap Storage > Clear cache.

⚠️ Note: Don’t tap Clear storage or Clear data unless you want to reset the app completely. Doing so will delete your app’s user data, logins, and settings.

These steps only clear the cache for a single app. To clear your entire system cache, you’ll need to boot your phone into recovery mode. Check your device manual for instructions. Once in recovery mode, select Wipe cache partition.

How to manage cached data on iPhone

Apple® devices don’t have a single button to clear all app caches at once, but you can manage cached data per app using the Offload App feature.

Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > iPhone Storage.
3. Select the app you want to clear.
4. Tap Offload App, then confirm.

Offloading the app deletes its cache but keeps your data. To use the app again, tap its icon to reinstall—it’ll still have your saved settings.

📝 Tip: Deleting the app instead of offloading it will remove all app data permanently.

You can also clear cached data from Safari®:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Safari > Clear History and Website Data.

This clears Safari’s cache, cookies, and browsing history.