On iPhone, you clear app data by deleting the app, offloading it, or using in-app reset; Safari data clears in Settings.
If your iPhone feels crowded or slow, the quickest wins come from removing leftover files and temporary data. This guide shows proven ways to clear app data on iPhone, when to use each method, and how to avoid losing files you care about.
How To Clear App Data On iPhone: The Fast Overview
iOS doesn’t ship a single “clear all app cache” button. You use a few targeted tools instead. Pick the path that matches your goal, then walk through the steps below.
| Method | What It Clears | Where To Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Delete App | App + all app data on device | Settings > General > iPhone Storage > [App] > Delete App |
| Offload App | App itself; keeps documents/data for quick restore | Settings > General > iPhone Storage > [App] > Offload App |
| Auto Offload | Removes unused apps as needed; keeps app data | Settings > App Store > Offload Unused Apps |
| In-App Reset | App-specific cache, history, or downloads | [App] > Settings menu (Storage/Cache/Downloads) |
| Safari Website Data | History, cookies, cache, site data | Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data |
| Message Attachments | Photos, videos, large files in threads | Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages > Review Large Attachments |
| Media Downloads | Offline songs, podcasts, shows, maps | In the app’s Downloads/Storage section |
When To Delete Vs Offload An App
Both actions free space, but the outcome differs. Delete wipes the app and its local data. Offload removes the app binary while keeping your documents and settings so you can reinstall and keep going.
Delete App (Removes App Data)
Use this when you want a clean slate or you no longer use the app. Deleting clears local databases, cached media, and settings saved on the device. If the app syncs to a cloud account, server data may return after reinstall and sign-in; that’s up to the app’s design.
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Wait for the list to load, then tap the app.
- Tap Delete App and confirm.
Tip: Deleting a built-in app can also remove related data. If you only want to hide an app tile, use Screen Time limits or the App Library instead of deleting.
Offload App (Keep Documents And Data)
Pick this when you want space back yet plan to return later. Offloading keeps your app’s icon and a cloud symbol. Tap it anytime to download the app again with your saved data still on the device.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Choose an app > tap Offload App > confirm.
Set it to run on its own: Settings > App Store > toggle Offload Unused Apps on.
Clear Safari Website Data
Safari can occupy a lot of space through cached files and cookies. Clear them from Settings to reclaim storage and fix odd loading behavior.
- Open Settings > Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data > confirm.
- For site-level control, go to Advanced > Website Data and remove specific entries.
Clearing App Data On Your iPhone: Step-By-Step
This walkthrough strings the whole process together so you know where to start and what to check next. It uses the same paths across current iOS versions. Menu wording can vary by region or update, but the flow stays the same.
Step 1: Check Storage Hotspots
Head to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. The chart at the top shows what’s eating space, and the list below ranks apps by size. Tap an app name to see how much space is the app itself versus documents and data.
Step 2: Decide—Delete, Offload, Or In-App Reset
- Delete if the app is expendable or you want a true reset.
- Offload if you’ll return to the app and want to keep documents and settings.
- In-App Reset if the app offers a Clear Cache, Reset Downloads, or Storage menu.
Step 3: Clear The Obvious Heavy Files
Some apps store large offline content: streaming downloads, podcast episodes, map packs, or project files. Open the app, visit its Downloads or Storage area, and remove items you no longer need. That trims data without touching your sign-in or preferences.
Step 4: Clean Up Messages And Mail
Big threads can carry gigabytes of photos and videos. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages to review large attachments. In Mail, open a bloated mailbox and remove big messages, then empty Trash. If you sync with a mail server, the server copy controls what returns.
Step 5: Clear Safari Data Where It Counts
Browser caches grow fast. Use the Safari steps above to clear everything or prune specific sites that misbehave.
Step 6: Reboot
After a big cleanup, restart your iPhone. Storage readouts refresh and background tasks settle, which helps you see the true space you reclaimed.
Smart Ways To Save Space Without Losing Data
Once you’ve cleared the worst of it, set up a simple system that keeps space free over time.
Enable Auto Offload For Apps You Rarely Use
Turn on Offload Unused Apps so iOS trims apps you haven’t opened in a while, while keeping your documents and settings ready for a fast return.
Right-Size Your Media
- Streaming apps: keep downloads to what you’ll use this week; remove finished items.
- Camera roll: shoot in HEIF/HEVC, and move long clips to cloud or a computer when done editing.
- Music and podcasts: set download limits and delete old episodes automatically.
Use The Storage Recommendations Page
On the iPhone Storage screen, look for automatic suggestions such as reviewing large attachments or offloading unused apps. Knock those out every month. It takes minutes and keeps your phone feeling snappy.
Key Differences: Clearing App Data Vs Clearing Safari Data
Clearing app data targets a single app. Clearing Safari data targets web history, cookies, and cached pages. Both reclaim space, but they solve different problems. If site logins or forms act up, clearing website data helps. If one app swells to gigabytes, delete or offload that app.
Need Apple’s official steps? See manage storage on iPhone for the full storage panel walkthrough, and Apple’s guide to clearing Safari history and website data for browser cleanup.
Troubleshooting And Safety Notes
If An App Doesn’t Offer A Clear Cache Button
Many iOS apps don’t expose a cache toggle. That’s by design. Your choices are offload or delete. Offload keeps your local documents and settings; delete removes them. If the app syncs to an account, server content may return after sign-in.
If Clear History Is Grayed Out In Safari
Screen Time limits, profiles, or device management can block clearing history. Remove those limits, or ask the admin if it’s a managed device. After you lift the block, the button becomes available.
If Storage Numbers Don’t Update Right Away
iOS recalculates storage in the background. Give it a moment, or reboot, and recheck the Storage screen.
Reset Settings Without Erasing Content
When a single app keeps misbehaving after a cleanup, a settings reset can help. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This restores system settings to defaults but leaves apps and data in place. Use it for odd behavior, not as a storage tool.
Goal-Based Cleanup Cheatsheet
| Goal | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reclaim space fast | Delete one or two largest apps | Settings > General > iPhone Storage shows size ranking |
| Free space without losing documents | Offload the app | Icon shows a cloud; tap to restore the app later |
| Fix a glitchy website | Clear Safari website data | Settings > Safari; remove single sites under Advanced |
| Cut down chat bloat | Review large attachments in Messages | Delete videos, stickers, voice notes you no longer need |
| Trim offline media | Remove downloads in media apps | Open app > Downloads; delete watched/listened items |
| Prevent future space crunch | Enable Offload Unused Apps | Settings > App Store toggle |
| Start fresh with one app | Delete app, then reinstall | Great for corrupted caches or endless loading screens |
Real-World Scenarios And The Best Move
Maps App Stores Large Regions Offline
Delete old map areas inside the app’s Downloads panel. If space is still tight, offload the app to keep favorites and settings.
Streaming App Holds Gigs Of Episodes
Open the app, visit Downloads, and remove watched seasons. Keep just the next few episodes for the week.
Social App Feels Sluggish
Try an in-app cache clear if available. If not, delete and reinstall. This wipes local caches that the app rebuilds as you scroll.
Browser Loads Outdated Pages
Clear Safari history and website data. If only a single site acts up, remove that one entry under Advanced > Website Data.
Safety First: What Deletion Does Not Touch
Deleting an app removes its local files, not the data stored on the service’s servers. Photos backed up to iCloud Photos stay in iCloud. Notes synced to your account stay in your account. If you plan to stop using a service, export or close the account through the service’s website to remove server copies.
Make Cleanup Part Of Your Monthly Routine
Set a reminder. Open iPhone Storage, skim the top five space hogs, clear downloads you’ve finished, and review large attachments in Messages. Turn on Offload Unused Apps if you keep running low. Small, regular sweeps keep you ready for updates and trips without last-minute panic.
Where The Exact Keyword Fits In Naturally
You’ve seen how to clear app data on iPhone through delete, offload, in-app reset, and Safari cleanup. Use the method that meets your goal and you’ll free space with minimal fuss. If you need a refresher later, revisit the tables above and the Storage screen.
Quick Reference: Paths You’ll Use Most
- Delete App: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > [App] > Delete App
- Offload App: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > [App] > Offload App
- Auto Offload: Settings > App Store > Offload Unused Apps
- Safari Cleanup: Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
- Messages Attachments: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages
Final Take
Clearing app data on iPhone is a mix of quick deletes, smart offloads, and a few app-specific buttons. Start with the Storage screen, act on the biggest wins, and let auto offload handle the quiet upkeep. Your phone stays light, responsive, and ready for anything.