How to clear cache and cookies on iPhone and Android

Maintaining your smartphone’s performance is crucial for a smooth experience. Regularly clearing your phone’s cache and cookies is one way to keep it running optimally. This article guides you through the process for both iPhone and Android devices, helping you improve performance and free up valuable storage space.

What is cache?

Cache is temporary data stored by apps and websites to speed up loading times and improve user experience. While useful, it can accumulate over time. This can slow down your device or cause app issues.

The difference between cache and cookies

Cache: Temporary files stored to speed up loading times.

Cookies: Small text files containing user data and preferences.

The benefits of clearing cache and cookies from your phone

Clearing cache and cookies can offer several benefits, such as:

• Improved device performance and speed
• Recovery of storage space
• Resolution of app-related issues and bugs
• Enhanced privacy and security

How to clear cookies on iPhone

Safari

If you’re using Safari (the default iPhone browser), follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app
2. Scroll down and tap on ‘Safari’
3. Tap ‘Clear History and Website Data’
4. Confirm by tapping ‘Clear History and Data’

This process will remove cookies, browsing history, and other cached data from Safari.

Chrome

If you’re using the Chrome browser on your iPhone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Chrome app
2. Tap the three dots icon in the bottom right corner
3. Select ‘Settings’
4. Tap ‘Privacy’
5. Choose ‘Clear Browsing Data’
6. Ensure ‘Cookies, Site Data’ is selected, then tap ‘Clear Browsing Data’ to confirm

Firefox

If you’re using Firefox on your iPhone, follow these steps: 

1. Open the Firefox app 
2. Tap the menu icon in the bottom right corner
3. Select ‘Settings’
4. Under the ‘Privacy’ section, tap ‘Data Management’
5. Toggle on ‘Cookies’, then tap ‘Clear Private Data’ to remove cookies

How to clear cache on iPhone

Clearing cache on iPhone varies by app. For Safari, follow the steps above (this clears cookies and cache). 

For third-party apps:

1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
2. Select the app you want to clear
3. Tap ‘Offload App’ to remove the app while keeping its documents and data
4. Reinstall the app from the App Store

Alternatively, some apps have built-in options to clear cache in their settings.

How to clear cookies on Android

Chrome 

To clear cookies on Chrome (the default browser on most Android devices), follow these steps:

1. Open the Chrome app
2. Tap the three-dot menu icon
3. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Privacy and security’
4. Tap ‘Clear browsing data’
5. Select ‘Cookies and site data’
6. Tap ‘Clear data’

Samsung Internet

If you’re using the Samsung Internet browser, follow these steps to clear cookies:

1. Open the Samsung Internet app
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom-right corner
3. Select ‘Settings’ from the menu
4. Scroll down and tap on ‘Personal browsing data’
5. Tap ‘Delete browsing data’
6. Ensure ‘Cookies, site data’ is checked.
7. At the bottom, tap ‘Delete data’
8. Confirm by tapping ‘Delete’ in the prompt

Firefox

Here are the steps to clear cookies on Firefox for Android:

1. Open the Firefox app
2. Tap the menu icon (three dots) in the top-right corner
3. Select ‘Settings’ from the menu
4. Tap on ‘Clear private data’
5. Ensure ‘Cookies & active logins’ is checked
6. Tap ‘Clear Data’ at the bottom
7. Confirm by tapping ‘Clear’ in the prompt

How to clear cache on Android

To clear cache on Android (all apps):

1. Go to Settings > Storage
2. Tap ‘Cached data’
3. Confirm by tapping ‘OK’

For individual apps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps
2. Select the app you want to clear
3. Tap ‘Storage’
4. Tap ‘Clear Cache’

Keeping your phone performing optimally 

Clearing cache and cookies is just one aspect of maintaining your smartphone’s performance. 

Here are some more tips:

• Keep apps and operating systems updated

Regular updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Enable automatic updates or check for updates manually in your device’s app store.

• Manage your storage space

Regularly review and delete unnecessary files, photos, and apps to free up storage space. This can help prevent performance issues caused by low storage. A great hack for deleting unwanted photos is filtering by screenshots and then deleting all. 

• Monitor battery health

Keep an eye on your battery health. A deteriorating battery can affect overall device performance. Apple may replace your iPhone if its battery health falls below 80% within the one-year warranty period. 

• Use power-saving modes

Both iPhone and Android offer power-saving modes that can help extend battery life and improve performance.

• Restart your device regularly

A simple restart can help clear temporary files and refresh your device’s memory, potentially improving performance.

• Be mindful of background apps

Close apps you’re not actively using to free up system resources and improve performance.

• Use reliable antivirus software (Android)

Many security experts recommend using antivirus apps on Android devices for additional protection. Top-rated options include Bitdefender Mobile Security, Norton Mobile Security, and Avast Mobile Security. iPhones don’t typically need antivirus software due to built-in security measures in iOS.

Manage your mobile data usage

Efficient data management is crucial for maintaining optimal performance. Here are some tips:

• Monitor your data usage regularly through your device’s settings
• Set data usage limits to avoid unexpected charges
• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible for large downloads or updates
• Consider using data-saving modes offered by your device or specific apps

Ensure you have enough data 

Having enough mobile data is essential for keeping your apps updated and functioning properly. Running out of data can lead to interrupted services and potential performance issues. To avoid this:

• Keep track of your data balance
• Set up alerts for low data
• Use a trusted mobile top-up service to avoid running out 

When you need to quickly add credit to your account, you can top up your phone online here at Mobiletopup.co.uk. It’s simple, fast, and secure. And you don’t need to share any bank details. This helps keep you protected from identity fraud. Top-ups are available for all popular UK mobile networks. That includes established players like Lycamobile and Three.

Don’t sleep on clearing cache and cookies

By following the steps in this guide, you can improve your device’s performance, free up storage space, and resolve potential app issues. Remember to clear cache and cookies regularly to keep your phone running smoothly. And for an easy way to stay on top of your data usage and add credit to a prepaid SIM, you can always top up your data online at Mobiletopup.co.uk.