Introduction / Why This Is Needed
Cache consists of temporary files that apps save to speed up content loading and interface rendering. Over time, these files accumulate, consuming gigabytes of storage and causing system slowdowns. Clearing this data will free up space and eliminate artifacts in app performance, without affecting your photos, contacts, or messages.
Preparation / What to Consider Before Starting
Before cleaning, ensure your device is running the latest version of iOS (15 or later). The process doesn't require connecting to a computer, but a stable internet connection is needed to reinstall apps.
⚠️ Important: This operation does not remove your logins and passwords, but some apps will require you to sign in again. We recommend syncing important data to iCloud in advance.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open Storage Settings
Go to the system menu Settings → General → iPhone Storage. Wait for the graph and app list to appear. The system will automatically sort apps by the amount of space they occupy. This information helps identify the main sources of "junk" files.
Step 2: Select an App to Clear
Find the app in the list where the Documents & Data section takes up the most space. Tap its name to open the detailed management menu. Pay attention to the difference between the app's size and its temporary files.
Step 3: Apply the "Offload" or "Delete" Method
You have two options:
- Offload App: The system removes the binary files and cache but keeps your documents. After reinstalling from the App Store, all data will be restored.
- Delete App: Completely erases the program along with all temporary files and settings. After downloading it again, the app will launch in a clean state. Confirm the action in the system dialog box.
Step 4: Clear Safari Browser Cache
The web browser accumulates history, cookies, and cached pages. To reset it, go to Settings → Safari. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data. Confirm the action. This will free up space and resolve issues with website loading.
Step 5: Restart Your Device
After manually deleting files, press and hold the combination of the side button and volume up (or just the side button on models without Face ID). Swipe the Power Off slider. Wait 10 seconds and turn your iPhone back on. Restarting will trigger system indexing processes and correctly update your storage statistics.
Verifying the Result
Return to Settings → General → iPhone Storage and refresh the screen. You will see a reduction in the total used storage. Open the cleared apps—they should load without artifacts or freezes. If space has been freed up and performance is stable, the procedure was successful.
Possible Issues
- Storage doesn't update immediately: iOS recalculates data in the background. Give the device 5–10 minutes or force-restart it.
- App requests data again: After completely clearing the cache, some messengers and banking clients reset login sessions. Simply enter your username and password again.
- "Offload App" option is unavailable: This feature may be disabled in iCloud settings. Ensure that data sync is enabled in Settings → Your Name → iCloud, or use full deletion followed by reinstallation from the App Store.