If you’ve recently updated to iOS 26, you might be experiencing slower website loading times in Safari or other browsing apps. You might wonder if that’s due to the latest software changes. Chances are, there’s a simple fix: clearing your cache could be all you need to enhance performance.
Clearing your cache can speed up browsing, free up storage, and resolve pesky bugs like slow page loads or inaccessible links. While it won’t transform an aging device into a brand-new model, it provides a better experience overall.
Your browser cache is somewhat like a digital mini fridge. Whether you use Chrome, Safari, or Firefox, the cache saves elements of web pages locally, speeding up subsequent visits. Unfortunately, like overstocked fridge supplies, outdated page elements can slow things down over time.
Clearing your cache is akin to cleaning out that mini fridge. Your first visit post-clearance may be a bit slower, but the overall browsing experience will noticeably improve once it restocks with fresh content.
If it’s been a while since your last refresh, here’s how to clear your cache on your iPhone.
What Happens When You Clear Your Cache?
Clearing your cache often includes removing website cookies. While caches store web elements, cookies maintain user data for personalized browsing. Clearing cookies allows you to reset your preferences, which can significantly enhance your experience. Keep in mind that clearing cache and cookies will log you out from websites, requiring you to re-enter your credentials and adjust preferences. This minor inconvenience can lead to a much smoother future experience, especially if you’ve recently made changes that aren’t reflecting properly.
How to Clear Your iPhone Cache in Safari
As the default browser on iPhones, Safari makes clearing your cache simple. Starting from iOS 11, this process affects all devices linked to your iCloud account, so expect to sign in again across the board. Here’s how:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to Apps > Safari.
3. Scroll down to History and Website Data and select Clear History and Website Data.
4. Confirm by tapping Clear History and Data in the pop-up dialog, choosing a timeframe from the last hour to all history.
How to Clear Your iPhone Cache in Chrome
If you’re using Chrome, the process is convenient. Follow these steps:
1. Open the Chrome app.
2. Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner for more options.
3. Go to Settings in the top menu bar.
4. Scroll down and select Privacy and security.
5. Tap Delete browsing data. Choose the desired time range (from Last 15 minutes to All time), ensuring that Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Images and Files, are checked. Finally, hit Delete data.
How to Clear Your iPhone Cache in Firefox
For Firefox users, clearing your cache is straightforward. Here’s what to do:
1. Open the hamburger menu at the bottom right corner.
2. Tap Settings at the bottom of the menu.
3. Select Data Management in the Privacy section.
4. To remove everything, select Web Site Data at the top and then hit Clear All Web Site Data. Optionally, you can clear browsing history, cache, cookies, or offline files.
How Often Do I Need to Clear My Cache?
Generally, clearing your caches every month or two suffices. At that point, browsers typically accumulate enough data to start causing slowdowns. Frequent visitors to many sites might want to consider cleaning their cache a bit more often.