How to clear the cache on an iPhone
Clear Safari or Chrome website data, understand what gets removed, and free storage without deleting the wrong information.
Clear Safari history, cache and cookies
Open Settings, tap Apps, choose Safari, then tap Clear History and Website Data. Select the timeframe and profile you want to clear, and confirm. Apple says this does not change AutoFill information.
This option removes Safari browsing history, cookies and cached website files. It can fix a page that keeps loading an old version or behaves incorrectly, but it may also sign you out of websites and remove site preferences.
- Settings > Apps > Safari
- Tap Clear History and Website Data
- Choose the timeframe and Safari profile
- Tap Clear History to confirm
Keep your Safari history while clearing website data
If you want to keep the list of pages you visited, go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data. You can remove data for individual sites or choose Remove All Website Data.
Website data helps sites remember sessions and load faster, so removing it can sign you out or reset preferences. It does not delete your photos, messages, contacts or files stored elsewhere on the phone.
Clear Chrome cache on iPhone
Chrome manages its browsing data inside the Chrome app. Open Chrome, tap More, then Delete Browsing Data. Choose a time range and select the data categories you actually want to remove before confirming.
Cached images and files can usually be removed without deleting saved passwords. Review every selected category because browsing history, cookies, passwords and autofill information are separate types of data.
What about other apps?
Some apps provide a Clear Cache option in their own settings, but many do not. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see which apps use the most space. Tapping an app shows the app size and its documents and data.
Offloading an app removes the app itself while keeping its documents and data for a later reinstall. Deleting an app can remove its local data, so first confirm that anything important is synced, backed up or recoverable through the account. Reinstalling should be a last resort, not the first step.
Will clearing cache make an iPhone faster?
Clearing website data can solve a specific browser problem and recover some space, but it is not a guaranteed speed boost. Cached files are designed to make repeat visits faster, so clearing them can make the first reload of a site slower.
If the whole phone is slow, restart it, check available storage, update iOS and identify unusually large apps before deleting data. Avoid third-party cleaner apps that promise a one-tap system cleanup or ask for unnecessary access.
Frequently asked questions
Does clearing cache delete photos or contacts?
No. Clearing browser cache and website data does not delete your Photos library, contacts or messages.
Why is Clear History and Website Data gray?
There may be no data to clear, or Screen Time web-content restrictions may be preventing the action.
Will clearing Safari cache sign me out?
It can. Removing cookies and website data may sign you out and reset preferences on websites.
Is offloading the same as deleting an app?
No. Offloading removes the app while retaining its documents and data; deleting can remove the app and its local data.
Sources
Primary and official references used for this guide:
Published August 8, 2026 · Reviewed for clarity and source accuracy.