Clearing Your Cache to Keep Your Phone Running Smoothly

February 10, 2025

If your phone feels sluggish or websites aren’t loading correctly, it might be time to clear your cache. The cache stores temporary files to help apps and websites load faster, but over time, it can take up space and cause performance issues. Here’s how to clear it on your iPhone or Android device.

For iPhone Users:

Apple doesn’t have a one-tap option to clear all cached data, but you can do it in a few steps:

  1. Clear Safari Cache:
    • Open Settings > Safari.
    • Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
  2. Clear Other Browser Caches (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and More):
    • Open the browser app (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or DuckDuckGo).
    • Go to the menu (usually three dots or lines in the corner).
    • Find Settings > Privacy & Security.
    • Look for an option to Clear Browsing Data or Clear Cache and follow the prompts.
  3. Clear App Cache (if needed):
    • Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
    • Scroll down to see your apps. Tap an app to check if it has an option to Offload or Clear Cache.
    • If an app is acting up, try deleting and reinstalling it.

For Android Users:

Android phones allow you to clear the cache for individual apps and browsers:

  1. Clear App Cache:
    • Open Settings > Apps (or Apps & Notifications).
    • Select the app you want to clear.
    • Tap Storage & cache > Clear Cache.
  2. Clear Browser Cache (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, etc.):
    • Open your browser app.
    • Tap the menu (three dots or lines in the top right or bottom corner).
    • Select Settings > Privacy & Security.
    • Tap Clear Browsing Data and choose Cache (you may also see options for Cookies and History).

Some Android models also have a system-wide cache cleaner under Settings > Storage > Cached Data (if available).

Regularly clearing your cache can free up space and keep your phone running smoothly. Try it the next time your device feels slow!

Pam Overly
Author: Pam Overly

Digital and Media Manager for New Westsiders (NWS). I moved to Avon Lake from Overland Park, Kansas, in 2013 and joined NWS later that year. I’ve served on the board as Historian and President and have also chaired several interest groups.

Posted in Gadget Gals