iOS · iPhone & iPad
How to Clear App Cache on iPhone and iPad
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
To clear App Cache on iPhone and iPad, follow the current owner-supported path below in order. Start with the least destructive checks, preserve account and save data, and verify the result before moving to repair, reinstallation, or support.
Understand what iPhone allows
iOS has no universal Clear cache button for every app. First use the app's own Settings menu if it provides a cache or downloaded-content control. Otherwise, offloading keeps documents and data, while deleting the app removes its local data.
Check the app's storage use
Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage, wait for the list to calculate, then select the affected app. Compare App Size with Documents & Data so you know whether offloading can meaningfully recover space.
Review Apple's storage guidance
Read Apple's current explanation of storage recommendations and the difference between offloading and deleting before removing anything. Back up or sync files that exist only inside the app.
Clear content inside the app first
Open the app and remove downloaded videos, music, maps, browser data, or offline files using its documented settings. This is the safest option because the app knows which temporary items can be rebuilt.
Offload the app when appropriate
Return to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > the app, tap Offload App, and confirm. Then tap Reinstall App. This replaces the app binary while retaining its documents and data, so it may not reduce a large Documents & Data total.
Delete only after confirming synchronization
If the app's local data is safely synced and offloading did not help, tap Delete App, confirm, then reinstall it from the App Store. Sign back into the same account and wait for cloud content to restore.
Verify space and app behavior
Reopen Settings > General > iPhone Storage and confirm the new total. Test the original symptom and required offline content. If Documents & Data immediately returns, contact the app developer because iOS cannot selectively clear its private storage.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If the labels differ, update the app or launcher and compare the current Apple Support guidance before continuing; do not guess at hidden files, registry values, ports, account links, or security controls.
- If the problem survives a clean supported test, preserve the exact error, timestamp, platform, account region, and completed steps for the product owner's support team instead of repeating destructive resets.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: iPhone & iPad.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.