iPhone browser FAQ: How to clear cache, cookies, and search history

Has your iPhone® been sluggish lately? Do your favorite apps keep crashing? You may need to clear your cache. It's a simple step that can free up space, boost speed, and improve performance. If you're not sure how—or have no idea what the word “cache" even means—you're in the right place.

At Asurion, our experts help millions of people get the most out of their favorite tech every day, from teaching you what internet cookies are to revealing fun, handy iPhone tips and tricks you may have overlooked. Here's their step-by-step instructions on how to clear the cache on your iPhone.

What is a cache and why should you clear it?

As you use the internet on your iPhone, your device creates and stores temporary files in a cache (pronounced “cash"), which ensures that you have a fast, efficient experience. Over time, however, that cache can build up and cause your phone to slow down or create glitches in your apps. That's why it's a good idea to regularly clear your cache once every month or two.

Before you begin

When you clear the cache on your iPhone, you'll get logged out of your accounts, so make sure you know your usernames and passwords. A password manager can help.

How to clear your Safari cache, cookies, and search history

To clear the cache in Safari®, as well as cookies and search history, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Safari.
2. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
3. Tap Clear History and Data to confirm.

Clearing cookies, cache, and search history on your iPhone will remove your history, cookies, and other browsing data and log you out of any websites you're currently logged in to. Your AutoFill information will stay the same.

How to clear your Chrome™ cache, cookies, and search history

In the Chrome app, cookies are automatically turned on, and they stay on. You can't block them, but you can clear them by following the steps below.

Before doing anything, make sure your recovery phone number and email are updated in your Google® Account, as clearing your cache, cookies, and history may sign you out. Then follow these steps:

1. Open the Chrome app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the three dots at the bottom-right corner, then tap History > Clear browsing data.
3. Confirm that there's a check next to Cookies, Site Data and Cached Images and Files.
4. Tap Clear Browsing Data, then tap again to confirm.

How to block cookies on Safari

We're not talking about chocolate chip cookies here. When it comes to your tech, cookies are pieces of data that a website places on your iPhone (or computer) so that it can keep track of your future visits and preferences. To block cookies:

1. Tap Settings > Safari.
2. Turn on Block All Cookies.

Keep in mind: Some webpages may not work when you block cookies. For example, you may get a message saying cookies are required to use a certain site. Other times, some features may not work on a given website.

How to enable or disable popup blockers on Safari

If you're like most people, internet popups—those spammy windows that flood your screen with ads—drive you nuts. Your iPhone's internet browser automatically blocks popups. But certain websites, like your bank, may require you to allow pop-ups so you can see your statements. Here's how to turn them on or off on your iPhone.

1. Tap Settings > Safari.
2. Scroll down to Block Pop-ups. If the switch is green, tap it once to turn it off (the switch will look gray).
3. To disable pop-ups again, tap the switch again so it turns green

How to enable or disable popup blockers on Chrome

1. Open Chrome on your iPhone.
2. Tap the three dots in the bottom-right corner.
3. Select Settings > Content Settings > Block Pop-ups.
4. Tap the switch so that it turns gray. Now popups are enabled.
5. To disable them, tap the switch again to turn the popup blocker back on.