You can speed up your iPhone by clearing its cache — here's how to do it

Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
(Image credit: Future)

As someone who relies on their iPhone for quite literally everything, I've learned the importance of keeping it running smoothly. Clearing your cache is a simple yet effective way to free up space, improve performance, and resolve minor bugs or slowdowns.

Whether you're troubleshooting an issue or just giving your phone a quick refresh, clearing cached data is a good habit to form. Our iPhones are packed with useful features that simplify everyday tasks. Users can take a screenshot, scan a QR code, or even force restart their device to address issues.

Similarly, clearing the cache for apps like Safari helps optimize performance and ensure your phone runs as efficiently as possible. The process is straightforward and takes only a minute or two. Let’s walk through how to clear the cache on your iPhone step by step.

1. Open settings

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Begin by opening the Settings app on your iPhone. This is where you’ll access all the options for managing your device's apps and data.

2. Tap Apps

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Scroll down and tap Apps to view a list of all the applications installed on your phone. This is where you can manage all app-specific settings, including data storage and cache.

3. Tap Safari

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

Find Safari in the list and tap it. Safari stores a significant amount of cached data, including website files and history, which can be cleared to free up space and improve performance.

4. Clear History and Website Data

(Image: © Tom's Guide )

Scroll down until you find Clear History and Website Data, then tap this option. This will remove your browsing history, cookies, and other cached website data from Safari.

5. Confirm your action

(Image: © Tom's Guide)

When prompted, tap Clear History to confirm. Your Safari cache will now be cleared, helping to refresh the app and improve its responsiveness.


Now that you've learned how to clear your iPhone cache, why not check out some of our other useful guides. We break down simply and easily how to turn off your iPhone, how to screen record on your iPhone, and how to turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone.

Kaycee Hill
Tutorials editor

Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

Read more
MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021 sitting on a patio table
You can speed up your Mac by clearing its cache — here's how
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
How to delete apps on iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro shown held in hand
How to enable cookies on iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
How to factory reset your iPhone — follow these steps
Apple iPhone 16 held in the hand.
You can change your iPhone name — here's how
iPhone 16 Pro shown held in hand
How to back up your iPhone — don't risk losing your data
Latest in Phones
iphone 17 renders showing off rear and camera bump
iPhone 17 just tipped for this major display upgrade — thanks to Samsung
Galaxy S25 Edge dummy unit from side angle
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge colors shown off in leaked renders — here’s the options
Nothing Phone 3a Pro rear side showing the camera
Nothing Phone 3a could start charging for using AI features — and I think that's a terrible idea
Motorola Razr Plus 2024 cover display
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra just tipped for a price hike — here's what you might pay
iphone 13 mini display on with plant in background
The iPhone mini may never make a comeback — and it’s a huge shame
iPhone 17 Pro Max render
iPhone 17 Pro may not record 8K video after all (Update)
Latest in How To
Mohu Leaf 50 Indoor Amplified HDTV Antenna Review
5 tips to get the best reception from a TV antenna
Streaming services with a pile of cash
How to decide which streaming services to cancel
Removing dehumidifier water
5 clever ways to reuse your dehumidifier water around the home
avoid AI scams
Online sellers are using AI to scam you — here’s how to outsmart them
ChatGPT on iPhone
I asked ChatGPT to become my exercise coach — here's what happened
23andME box
23andMe has declared bankruptcy — here's how to delete your data now