How to Clear Safari and App Caches on iPhone (Safely)

First, know what you are clearing

A cache is temporary data an app keeps to load things faster: images, previews, pieces of video, and website files. Clearing it is generally safe, but it can come with side effects. You may be signed out of websites, apps may load slower for a while, and offline downloads can disappear. Read each step before you tap.

Also keep expectations realistic. iOS already clears some cache data on its own when storage runs low. Caches are usually a smaller part of the picture than photos, videos, and Messages. If you have not looked at those yet, start with how to free up iPhone storage without deleting apps.

Clear Safari history and website data

1. Open Settings > Apps > Safari. On iOS 17 and earlier it is Settings > Safari.
2. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
3. Choose a time range if offered (for example, All History) and confirm.

This removes browsing history, cookies, and cached website data. You will be signed out of most websites, and if you use iCloud for Safari, history is cleared on your other signed-in devices too. Your bookmarks, saved passwords, and Reading List are not removed by this step.

Remove data for just some websites

If you would rather not sign out of everything:

1. Go to the Safari settings screen above and tap Advanced > Website Data.
2. Wait for the list to load. The sites using the most data appear at the top.
3. Swipe left on a site to remove it, or tap Edit to remove several. Remove All Website Data clears all of them.

Check Safari's Reading List and downloads

• If you save pages for offline reading, the Reading List can store copies. Turning off Automatically Save Offline in Safari settings stops new copies.
• Files you download in Safari go to the Downloads folder in the Files app by default. Open Files, check Downloads, and delete what you no longer need.

Use in-app cache controls

Many apps have their own storage settings that iOS cannot clear for you. Look in each large app's settings for words like Storage, Data, Cache, or Downloads. Common examples:

• Music and podcast apps: remove downloaded songs and episodes you have already played.
• Video streaming apps: delete downloaded movies and episodes.
• Chat apps: many have a storage manager for media and cache. For WhatsApp, see how to delete WhatsApp media on iPhone.
• Maps and navigation apps: remove offline maps for trips that are over.
• Social apps: some offer a clear cache option in settings; others do not.

To find which apps are worth checking, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Each app shows two numbers when you tap it: App Size (the app itself) and Documents & Data (everything it has stored). A large Documents & Data number is where caches and downloads live.

Offload an app to reset it without losing data

For apps without a cache button, offloading can help:

1. In Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the app.
2. Tap Offload App. This removes the app itself but keeps its documents and data.
3. Reinstall it by tapping its icon on the Home Screen or Reinstall App on the same screen.

Be aware: offloading frees the App Size, not the Documents & Data. If the problem is a huge Documents & Data number, offloading will not fix it. In that case, Delete App and reinstalling clears everything the app stored on the phone. Only do that if the app keeps your data in the cloud or you have a backup, and you know your sign-in details.

Restart once

Restarting your iPhone does not clear app caches on purpose, but it gives iOS a chance to clean up temporary files. If iPhone Storage looks stuck after a cleanup, a restart and a few minutes of waiting often help the numbers update. For the gray System Data bar specifically, see what System Data is and how to reduce it.

Where Storage Cleaner fits

Because of how iOS works, no App Store app can clear other apps' caches for you, and you should be wary of any cleaner that claims to. What Storage Cleaner does is help with the largest files you control: duplicate and similar photos, large videos, compression, and duplicate contacts, all processed on your iPhone. It also includes guided steps for places like Messages, Files, and Safari.

Checklist

1. Check Documents & Data for your biggest apps in iPhone Storage.
2. Clear Safari website data, all or per site.
3. Delete old files in Files > Downloads.
4. Use in-app storage settings for music, video, maps, and chat apps.
5. Offload or reinstall apps only when you know your data is safe.
6. Restart and check storage again.

FAQ

Is it safe to clear Safari website data?

Yes. It signs you out of websites and removes cookies and cached files. Bookmarks and saved passwords stay.

Can an app clear the cache of all my other apps?

No. iOS keeps each app's data separate, so an App Store app cannot clear another app's cache. Be skeptical of any app that promises this.

What is the difference between Offload App and Delete App?

Offload removes the app but keeps its documents and data. Delete removes both.

Why did clearing the cache barely free any space?

Caches are often smaller than photos, videos, and Messages, and iOS already trims some when space runs low. Check those bigger categories next.