While you use your iPhone – whether you’re scrolling Insta or surfing the web – it’ll store information. And this is where cache and cookies come in. While they do help to speed things up, you’re going to need to clear them every so often. Especially if you want to keep your phone running nice and smoothly. But what are they? And how do you actually get rid of them? We’ve got the answers…
Understanding cache and cookies
The cache is like quick access storage for your phone. It saves any data that’s used regularly – helping your websites and apps to load even faster when you visit them. This cache can build up over time though. Taking up precious space on your iPhone if you don’t handle it!
No, they’re not sat in your biscuit tin. Cookies are tiny bits of data that websites store on your iPhone. They help with things like remembering your login info and which goodies you’ve got in your shopping cart. But they can also be used to track your online activity and behaviour. So, it’s not all good news.
How to clear cache on iPhone
How do you clear the cache on an iPhone then? Just follow these steps:
Go to the ‘Settings’ menu – Open up ‘Settings’ on your iPhone.
Scroll down – Find the apps you want to clear the cache for.
Pick the app – Tap the app you need to clear the cache on.
Clear App’s cache – Scroll down again and hit ‘Clear App Cache’ or ‘Clear Cache’. This might be slightly different depending on the app.
Confirm – A pop-up will appear asking if you really want to clear the cache. Press yes and the cache will be cleared.
Clear cache in Safari
Clearing cache in Safari is just as easy. Here’s how to clear your cache on iPhone:
Open settings – Launch the ‘Settings’ app.
Scroll down – Look for ‘Safari’.
Clear your website and history data – Hit ‘Clear History and Website Data’.
Finish up – Another box will pop up. Tap to clear the cache.
Clear cache in Chrome
Prefer Chrome instead? No worries. Here’s how to clear the cache in Chrome:
Open Chrome – Fire up the Chrome app.
Click the three dots – These are in the top right corner.
Select ‘More Tools’ – You’ll find this fifth from bottom on the dropdown list.
Tick boxes – Make sure the box ‘Cached images and files’ is ticked.
Click ‘Clear Data’ – And then you’re done!
Clear your app cache
For any specific app, you can just do this in the app itself. Or, like we mentioned earlier, through the iPhone’s ‘Settings’. Keep in mind though that not every app has an option to clear the cache in it.
How to clear cookies on iPhone
Clearing cookies on iPhone is also super straightforward. You’ll have to do it through Safari though. Here’s how to delete cookies on iPhone:
Clear cookies in Safari
Open ‘Settings’ – Launch your ‘Settings’ app.
Scroll down – Go and find ‘Safari’.
Look for ‘Advanced’ – Find ‘Advanced’ and tap it.
Then look for ‘Website Data’ – You’ll need to press this afterwards.
Remove all Website Data – At the bottom, press ‘Remove all Website Data’.
Confirm – Confirm that you want to get rid of all the website data (including cookies). And that’s how you erase cookies on iPhone.
Clear cookies in Chrome
If you’re a Chrome user, it’s pretty simple to clear your cookies too:
Fire up Chrome – Open the Chrome app.
Click on the three dots – If you can’t find them, they’re in the top right-hand corner.
Click ‘More Tools’ – This is near the bottom of the dropdown list.
Tick boxes – You’ll need to tick the box ‘Cookies and other site data’.
Click on ‘Clear Data’ – And now all your cookies will be completely wiped.
Benefits of regularly clearing cache and cookies
There’s a load of good reasons to do it:
Frees up space – Clearing the cache can free up more storage on your iPhone. And that’ll help it to run even better.
More privacy – Getting rid of cookies can protect your privacy, as it stops the websites you visit from tracking whatever you’re doing.
Improves performance – Websites and apps will be able to run faster because they won’t be relying on old data.
Fixes issues – It can sort common problems like slow loading times and website errors.
Better security – Removing cookies every so often means there’s less chance of someone getting access to your accounts and sensitive data.
FAQs
How often should I clear the cache on my iPhone?
It’s a good idea to clear your cache every couple of months. Especially if your phone is slowing down or acting a bit off.
Should I clear cookies on iPhone?
If you’re worried about website tracking, it’s a good idea to regularly clear cookies to protect your privacy online.
How to block cookies on iPhone
You can block cookies on your iPhone by going to ‘Settings’. Then pick ‘Safari’ (or whatever browser you use), and tick ‘Prevent Cross-Site Tracking’ and the ‘Block All Cookies’ options. Sorted.
So, now you know how to reset cookies on iPhone. And you won’t be wondering ‘how do I clear the cache on an iPhone?’ either. But how do you find it when you lose it? Here’s how to find a lost or stolen iPhone. And if you’re having problems with your AirPods, we’ve got you too. Check out our top tips on how to connect AirPods right here.
