My iPhone has been running slow recently, and I think it’s because of built-up app cache. I’m not sure how to clear it out. Any tips or instructions would be really helpful!
Clearing app cache on an iPhone is a bit different than on Android, but there are a few tricks to get that speed back.
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Offload Unused Apps: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. You’ll see a list of all your apps and the storage they use. Tap on an app and select ‘Offload App.’ This removes the app but keeps its data, freeing up space and cache storage.
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Reinstall Apps: The next step is to delete and reinstall apps. Hold the app icon, tap ‘Remove App,’ then ‘Delete App.’ Afterward, you can reinstall it from the App Store, which clears the old cache.
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Clear Safari Cache: If Safari’s bogging you down, go to Settings > Safari and tap ‘Clear History and Website Data.’ It frees up some space and might speed things up.
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Restart Your iPhone: Sometimes, a simple restart can clear out temporary files and cache. Hold down the power button and either of the volume buttons until the slider appears, then slide to power off.
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Third-Party Apps: Use third-party apps like PhoneClean or others that help clear cache from iPhones. Just be cautious and read reviews to ensure they’re trustworthy.
Your iPhone should feel lighter and quicker after these steps. Stay vigilant about app sizes and do routine cleanups to keep it running smoothly.
Looking for a step-by-step guide? Check out this how to clear cache on iPhone Reddit tutorial!
You’ve got some solid advice over there, but let me throw in a few more options you might not have considered:
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Disable and Re-enable Background App Refresh: Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and turn it off. Leave it off for a few minutes and then turn it back on. This can sometimes eliminate unnecessary background data that’s contributing to cache build-up.
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Update iOS and Apps: Make sure your iOS and all apps are up-to-date. Sometimes, updates come with bug fixes and optimizations that can reduce cache usage. Go to Settings > General > Software Update for iOS updates, and open the App Store to update your apps.
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Check Battery Health: Slow performance might sometimes be linked to battery health. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If it’s below 80%, it might be affecting your phone’s performance, and you may need to consider a battery replacement.
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Turn on Low Power Mode: This isn’t about cache per se, but sometimes reducing the strain on your iPhone can improve overall performance. Go to Settings > Battery > Low Power Mode.
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Review Notifications: Too many push notifications can also slow down your phone. Head over to Settings > Notifications and manage which apps are allowed to send notifications. This reduces background activity, easing the burden on your phone.
If none of these work, you might be looking at a different issue beyond just cache. Sometimes a factory reset (make sure to back up your data first!) is what’s needed to return your iPhone to its former glory. And if that feels too drastic, consider a visit to the Apple Store or an authorized service provider for a check-up.
One method not mentioned by @cacadordeestrelas and @espritlibre is to periodically check and clear out your iMessage attachments. Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, then scroll down to find the Messages app.
- Tap on Messages and you’ll see categories like Photos, Videos, GIFs and Stickers.
- Select each category and you’ll be able to delete unnecessary files.
Pros:
- Effective for Messaging Apps: Clears a significant chunk of space if you exchange a lot of media.
- User Control: You decide what to delete or keep.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Could be laborious if you have a lot of files.
- Manual Process: No automatic cleanup.
For a step-by-step guide tailored to texts, this could be a super useful additional method. Competitors like PhoneClean also offer more comprehensive features including cleaning iMessage attachments, but they may offer mixed results and come with risks like advertising or in-app purchases.
Also, consider iCloud Optimization. If you’re using iCloud, head to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Backups. Review what’s being backed up, and remove unnecessary apps. It’s super simple and can significantly help in managing space.
In contrast to @cacadordeestrelas and @espritlibre, these steps don’t require app reinstallation or external tools, making them a faster and safer approach. Less hassle, more simplicity!