Your device uses temporary data stored in cache files to quickly recall information when you open an app. For example, music apps like Spotify and Apple Music might cache your most frequently used playlists, so it doesn't have to load your songs each time you open them. Browsers like Safari or Chrome will cache large images on websites that you visit on a regular basis, so it doesn't have to download the image every time you open the page.
Over time, your device may collect many files you don't need, which can cause many problems while using the apps. You can clear out these files to free up storage space on your device.
Clearing your app cache and app data is a quick and easy process.
How to clear app data on iOS
Clearing the cache on your iPhone or iPad is a simple process that only takes a few minutes.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll until you find the appropriate app, then tap it.
- Look for the option Clear cache. Tap the toggle next to the app to clear the app's cache.
If you can't find the clear cache option, you will have to delete the app and reinstall it via the App Store.
How to clear the app data and cache on Android
Clearing the cache on your Android phone or tablet is an easy way to solve problems with apps. You can choose between clearing the cache or deleting app data, which we will explain below.
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the Apps menu.
- Select Installed Applications from the drop-down menu.
- Locate the application for which you want to clear the cache.
- Select the app and navigate to the Storage tab.
- Select Clear App Cache to clear the cache.
If this didn't solve your problem, you will have to delete the app data as well. Note: This will delete all saved data of the app, including saved games and more.
- Open the Settings app and navigate to the Apps menu.
- Select Installed Applications from the drop-down menu.
- Locate the application for which you want to clear the cache.
- Select the app and navigate to the Storage tab.
- Select Clear Storage/Clear App Data to remove the app data.
How to clear the app data in Windows 10
More and more Windows applications are now coming in the form of apps that you can install via the Microsoft Store instead of desktop applications that you have to install using an executable file.
- To clear the app data, open the Settings app from your Start menu.
- Head to System > Apps & Features and locate the app.
- Select the app you want to reset in the list and click Advanced Options under the application's name.
- Click Reset to reset an app's settings.
- Confirm that you want to clear the app data by clicking Reset again.
At this point, the cache and app data of the app should be empty, allowing your app to function normally.
Note: Unfortunately, there is no option to reset the settings of a Windows desktop application. When you select a desktop application from the Apps & Features list, the Advanced Options link is not visible.
How to clear the cache of a PlayStation
To improve the performance of a game or app, temporary files and data are stored in the console. These temporary files can become corrupt over time, resulting in freezes, game loading errors, and connectivity issues.
You can solve these problems by clearing the cache of your PlayStation.
- Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller.
- Select Turn Off PS4.
- Let your PlayStation fully power down.
- Unplug the power cord and wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the power cord back in and start your PlayStation by pressing the on/off button.
At this point, your cache should be empty, allowing your PlayStation to function normally.
How to clear the cache of an Xbox
Clearing the cache on your Xbox is a simple process that only takes a few minutes. It's similar to turning off your Xbox, but with a few additional steps.
- Hold down the Power button on the front of your Xbox One until it turns off.
- Unplug your Xbox's power cord from the back.
- Press and hold the Power button on the front of your Xbox.
- Wait at least 30 seconds before plugging in the power cord again.
- Restart your Xbox One by pressing the Power button.
At this point, your cache should be empty, allowing your Xbox to function normally.
