What to Know

• Clear Safari's cache:Settings>Safari>Clear History and Website Data>Clear.
• Clear Chrome's cache:Three dots>Clear Browsing Data.SelectCached Images and Files.
• To clear the cache for other apps, you can offloadordelete them.

This article explains how to delete the app cache in Safariand Chrome on any iPad.It also covers how to clear the cache for other apps without losing your data.

How to Clear the SafariCache on iPad

If you use Safari as your main browser, clearing its cache through the Settingsapp can help it run smoothly.Here's how to do it:

1. Open theSettingsapp.

   

2. TapSafarifrom the left navigation menu.You may have to scroll to find it.

   

3. SelectClear History and Website Data.

   

4. TapClearto confirm.If you're asked about closing open tabs, selectKeep TabsorClose Tabs.

   

   Depending on how long it's been since it was done last, it may take a few minutes for the Safari cache to clear. Once it's complete, you should notice a difference in the responsiveness of your iPad if you were previously having slowdown issues.

How to Clear the Cache in the Chrome Browser on iPad

If you use Chrome on your iPad instead of Safari, follow these steps to clear that browser's cache:

1. Open Chrome and tapMore(three dots) in the upper-right corner of the page.

   

   Can't see this button? Scroll up on the page to reveal Chrome's full menu.

2. TapClear Browsing Data.

   

3. In the dialog box, selectthe type of data you want to clear.

   

   These are your options:

   • Browsing History: This is the history of all the sites you've visited.
   • Cookies, Site Data: This refers to the small bits of information stored in your web browser that help sites log you in automatically and/or load faster. Cookies may also contain other information about your system and might reveal your browsing habits to other sites.
   • Cached Images and Files: Cached data help websites load faster, but they can take up space and slow down your overall browser performance.
   • Saved Passwords: This includes any usernames or passwords you've told your browser to keep for you. Be careful and make sure you have all your important passwords stored somewhere else before you clear these so you can get back into those sites later.
   • Autofill Data: This can include names, addresses, credit card numbers, and any other data that you've given your browser permission to remember to make filling out forms easier.
     

   TapTime Rangeif you want to change how far back the selected items should be deleted. For example, to clear the whole cache for Chrome, you'd pickAll Time.

4. Once you've made your selection, tapClear Browsing Data.

5. In the confirmation that appears, tapClear Browsing Dataagain to begin the process of clearing your browsing data. It could take a couple of minutes, depending on how heavily you use Chrome and how long it's been since you last cleared the cache.

   

How to Clear the App Cache on Your iPad

One more thing you can do to clear up some space is to delete the individual app cache for apps that you have installed. You can do that by offloading or deleting apps.

1. OpenSettings.

   

2. Go toGeneral>iPad Storage.

   

3. It may take a few seconds to a couple of minutes for the iPad Storage page to load, depending on how much you have stored. Once it loads, you should see a breakdown of how your iPad storage is used and aRecommendationssection.

   

   The iPad Storage page helps you understand what's using up all your storage space. For example, if you have downloaded movies or TV, you can see them listed there. You can also tap through those to delete any downloads or apps that you no longer want to keep.

4. Select an app from the list. If your goal is to free up space on your iPad, note that the list is ordered by app size.

   

5. On the app page, you have two options for clearing the app from your storage:

   • Offload App: This removes the app from your iPad, but retains the data associated with it. Choosing this effectively clears the cache. Once you've offloaded it, you can reinstall a clean, fresh copy of the app that still has your data.
   • Delete App: This option does what it says it does. It deletes the app and all data associated with the app. You can reinstall the app if you choose, but all data associated with the app will be permanently lost.
   

6. Regardless of which option you select, you'll be prompted to confirm your choice. TapOffload App or Delete Appagain to confirm your choice.

   

No Option to Clear the Cache?

You may encounter system apps, likePhotos, that don't have the option to Offload App or Delete App. If this is the case for an app that is using a lot of space on your device, your only option is to go into the app and delete individual items. How those items are deleted will depend on the item, but generally either selecting or long-pressing on the app will open a menuthat contains aDeleteoption.

Why You Should Clear Your iPad's Cache Regularly

The app cache on an iPad stores temporary data that apps use often, like images and files, to help them run faster and smoother. Having a cache means apps don't need to download or process the same information repeatedly.

However, the cache can grow large over time, so it might need to be cleared occasionally to free up space and keep the iPad running well. You may find that your iPad loads web pages more slowly or websites seem outdated or aren't performing correctly. Clearing your browser's cache will speed up page load and response times, acting as a general system cleanup.

If you find that your iPad is running out of storage or that apps are generally not performing well, clearing the in-app cache will free up storage space and improve overall operations.

• How do I clear the cache on an iPhone?

  To clear your iPhone cache for Safari, go toSettings>Safari >Clear History and Website Data. For apps, go toSettings>General>iPhone Storage, and tapOffload App. In Chrome, go tomenu >Clear Browsing Data.

• How do I clear cookies on an iPhone?

  To clear cookies on an iPhone, go toSettings >Safari >Advanced>Website Data. Select Remove All Website Data > Remove. When you delete all cookies, you'll need to log in to websites again.

• How do I clear the cache on an Android?

  To clear cache data on an Android, openSettings, select Apps, and tap the app whose cache you want to clear. TapStorage & cache> Clear cache to clear the app cache. Tap Clear storageto erase the data associated with the app.