Introduction
Every iPhone stores temporary data in its cache, which can include images, app data, and website data. The cache can help your iPhone perform faster by reducing the load on the hardware, but it can also cause problems such as app crashes and slower performance. In this article, we will explore how to clear iPhone cache to boost device performance and avoid these issues.
Step-by-Step Guide
A. Clearing Cache on Different Versions of iPhones and iOS Versions
The steps to clear cache may vary slightly depending on the model of your iPhone and the version of iOS it is running on. Here are the steps:
1. iPhone 11 and below running on iOS 14 and later:
- Go to Settings and tap General.
- Tap iPhone Storage.
- Scroll down to the app you want to clear the cache for and tap it.
- Tap “Offload App”.
This will clear the app’s cache and free up space on your iPhone. To re-install the app, simply tap it in the App Store and click “Re-install”.
2. iPhone X and below running on iOS 12 and 13:
- Go to Settings and tap General.
- Tap iPhone Storage.
- Scroll down to the app you want to clear the cache for and tap it.
- Tap “Delete App” and confirm.
- Reinstall the app from the App Store.
3. iPhone 8 and below running on iOS 11:
- Go to Settings and tap General.
- Tap Storage & iCloud Usage.
- Tap Manage Storage.
- Find the app you want to clear the cache for and tap it.
- Tap “Delete App” and confirm.
- Reinstall the app from the App Store.
B. Visual Aids
If you’re a visual learner, check out the screenshots and videos available on the Apple Support website to guide you through the process. These can be a valuable resource, especially if you’re clearing cache for the first time.
III. Different Clearing Methods
A. Manual ways
You can clear cache manually for different components of your iPhone, including:
1. Safari Cache:
- Go to Settings and tap Safari.
- Tap “Clear History and Website Data”.
- Confirm the selection by tapping “Clear History and Data”.
This will clear the cache for Safari data such as history, website data, and cookies. This method of clearing cache may reduce the loading time of your web pages and free up storage space on your device.
2. App Cache:
- Go to Settings and tap General.
- Tap iPhone/iPad Storage.
- Select any app you want to clear the cache for.
- Tap “Delete App”.
- Reinstall the app from the App Store.
Clearing cache for individual apps can minimize the potential conflict that the cache may create for the app functions and leave you with a fresh restart.
B. Apps
There are various iPhone cache cleaner apps available on the App Store, including:
1. PhoneClean:
PhoneClean is a free utility tool that provides cleaning on both Windows and Mac. PhoneClean can clear app caches, cookies, media junk, and other unnecessary files to improve your iPhone’s performance.
2. Battery Doctor:
Battery Doctor is a free app that’s available on the app store. It offers multiple functions, including cache clearing, battery-saving tips, and more. Its unique way of identifying junk files enables Battery Doctor to boost your iPhone’s performance.
C. Third-party Tools
There are numerous third-party software tools available, which can be downloaded from the Internet and used to clear cache data on your iPhone. Some of these tools are:
1. iMyFone Umate Pro:
This tool can clear cache and junk files with one click. It can also delete temporary files, clear app cache, wipe private data, and speed up your iPhone’s performance.
2. Tenorshare iCareFone:
With Tenorshare iCareFone, you can clear iPhone cache, optimize your iPhone, backup and restore data, and block ads in apps.
IV. Why Clear Cache
A. Explanation of Cache
Cache is a type of memory based on your device that stores information about previously accessed data or apps. When you revisit the same website or app, your iPhone can quickly retrieve the data from the cache memory instead of loading it again from the internet.
B. Problems That Cache Buildup Can Cause
When the cache exceeds its intended size, it can cause the following problems:
1. Slower iPhone:
When the cache memory is too large, it requires more memory and may cause your iPhone to run slower, especially when multitasking or running apps that demand higher hardware resources.
2. Battery Drain:
A buildup of cache data and junk files consume lots of power, thus depleting your battery life quicker than necessary.
3. App Crashes:
Large cache memory can cause app crashes, leading to frequent restarts of the app.
C. How Clearing Cache Can Speed Up iPhone Performance
Clearing the cache memory removes the unnecessary junk files, which often consume your iPhone’s memory causing it to run slow. It, therefore, increases the speed of the device and frees up the storage space on your iPhone. Regular clearing of cache memory manages your device’s performance, keeping it in better shape over time.
V. How Often to Clear Cache
A. Recommendation
It’s advisable to clear cache memory at least monthly, especially older devices. You can do this manually or using any of the automated tools listed above. If your iPhone experiences performance issues, clear your cache memory bi-annually or more frequently as needed.
VI. Troubleshooting
A. Common Issues Encountered
When clearing cache data, two common issues that may occur are:
1. Cache Not Clearing:
At times, clearing cache data does not remove the files entirely from your device. The most likely cause of this issue is a software glitch.
2. iPhone Restarting:
Clearing cache can cause the device to heat up, possibly leading to restarting for safety.
B. Solutions
If you experience either of these problems, try the following:
1. Further Steps to Take if Common Issues Arise:
– Switch off and restart your iPhone.
– Go through the process of clearing cache data again.
– Uninstall and reinstall the application that you were troubleshooting.
– Seek expert help from an authorized Apple repair center.
2. Seeking Professional Help:
If the above options do not work, consider seeking help from Apple’s customer service.
VII. Conclusion
A. Recap of the importance of clearing iPhone Cache:
Clearing cache data can free up space on your device, speed up your iPhone’s performance, and reduce potential application conflicts.
