Like any other app, Instagram can accumulate a lot of cache data on your device over time, and you may wonder how to clear the Instagram cache for better performance.
While cache data can be helpful, it can also take up a lot of storage space on your device. If your Instagram app is lagging, crashing, or not loading properly, you should clear the cache to free up some space and fix the issues.
We will show you how to clear the Instagram cache on Android, iPhone, and website. Clearing the cache can also help you protect your privacy and security, as it may contain sensitive information you don’t want others to access.
Table of Contents
How to Clear the Instagram Cache on Android?
If you own an Android device, here are the steps to clear the Instagram cache:
- Go to your device’s Settings app and tap on Apps or Applications.
- Find and tap on Instagram from the list of apps.
- Tap on Storage or Storage & Cache.
- Tap on Clear Cache to delete the cache data for Instagram.
Note: You can also tap Clear Data or Manage Space to delete all the app data, including your login information and preferences. However, this will reset your app settings and log you out of your account. But none of your in-app data, like chat, posts or stories, etc, will be lost. So there’s no need for backup.
How to Clear the Instagram Cache on iPhone/iPad?
When using an iPhone or iPad, regardless of the operating system version, the only way to delete the cache is by deleting the app.
- Go to your device’s Settings app and tap on General.
- Tap on iPhone Storage or iPad Storage.
- Find and tap on Instagram from the list of apps.
- Now tap on Delete App to delete both the app and its data.
The alternative or the easy way:
- Search the Instagram app on your iPhone’s home screen.
- Long press the Instagram icon.
- A few options will pop up, and you need to click on “Remove App,” written in red font, to delete the app.
Note: Deleting the Instagram app from your iPhone/iPad means you must enter your credentials to log in again. However, whatever data you may have stored in the app, like saved music, reels, or posts, will remain as is.
How to Clear the Instagram Cache on Website? (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave Browser)
If you use Instagram on a web browser, here are the steps to clear the Instagram cache:
- Open whichever web browser you use and go to instagram.com.
- Click on the three horizontal lines icon at the top right corner of the screen and select Settings.
- Go to Privacy and Security from the menu on the left side of the screen.
- Now keep scrolling till the bottom of the page and click “Clear Browsing History” to remove your browsing history.
- There will be an option to delete Cache for the website; click on it.
- Click on Clear Data.
Alternatively, you can also clear the cache for your entire web browser by following these steps:
- Open your web browser and go to its settings or options menu.
- Find and click on Clear Browsing Data or History.
- From the drop-down menu, select the duration of data and the types of data you want to delete, such as cookies, cache, history, etc.
- Click on Clear Data or Delete to confirm.
Why Would You Need to Clear the Instagram Cache?
The cache can be pretty helpful in several different situations. For example, it can store frequently accessed data to retrieve it quickly and easily.
Additionally, it can be used to reduce network traffic and improve overall system performance. In general, the cache is a valuable tool for any company looking to optimize its system or application performance.
Therefore, Instagram is also using it to make our user experience smooth. But there are a few instances when cache can break the experience, and you may need to clear the Instagram cache.
- Performance Issues: Instagram stores caches for better performance, but the data is only valuable when updated. If the cache data becomes outdated or corrupted, it can cause a laggy app experience.
- Trouble Logging In: The majority of cache data is related to login credentials and temporary files on Instagram. If you have trouble logging in on Instagram, try clearing the cache data and restarting the app.
- Low Storage: Cache data can take up gigabytes of space on your device. If you think your phone’s storage is getting low, you can clear the cache using any of the above-given methods.
- Instagram Camera Not Working: The app has an inbuilt camera UI, which sometimes crashes. If you face such an issue, clear the app’s cache data and relaunch the app.
- Unable to Post Content: If you face issues related to posting content on the app, it may be due to outdated cache data. So, before you try other troubleshooting methods like clearing data, deleting the app, or restarting your device, clear the cache and see if the issue gets resolved.
- App Crashing: If the Instagram app crashes repeatedly, one cause can be outdated or corrupted cache data.
Caching Out
The conclusion is simple – now you know how to clear the Instagram cache on different devices. Also, it’s considered safe to clear the cache, and no data has ever vanished due to the deletion of the cache. So you are good to go. Now, chop-chop, grab your phone, and do the necessary if your Instagram is throwing tantrums.
FAQs Related to How to Clear the Instagram Cache
How often should I clear the Instagram cache?
A general rule of thumb is to clear the cache once every few months or whenever you notice any problems with your app performance or storage space. However, there is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on how much you use Instagram and how much storage space you have on your device.
Will clearing the Instagram cache delete my photos and videos?
No. If you clear the cache, the app will not delete any photos and videos you have posted or saved on Instagram. However, it may cause some slow loading of pictures and videos for a while after you delete the cache.
Will clearing the Instagram cache affect my followers or likes?
No, clearing the cache will not affect your followers or likes you have received or given on Instagram.
How can I check how much storage space Instagram uses on my device?
You can check how much storage space Instagram is using on your device by following these steps:
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage or Storage & Cache.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage > Instagram.
