How to Clear Instagram Cache (Ultimate Guide)

Do you want to clear Instagram cache from your device?

But don’t know how to do it?

You’re in the right place.

When surfing through Instagram, have you noticed some reels are loading faster? This happens because every time you use the app, it collects cache data and stores them on your device. 

Now undoubtedly, these cache files make your app experience smooth. But too much of anything is good for nothing! 

Excessive Instagram cache can slow down your phone, and often the app ends up crashing. That’s why it’s crucial to delete the cache files when needed. 

But how to clear the cache on Instagram?

In this post, we’ll show you, how to clear Instagram cache easily on your iPhone or Android device.

Along with that, we’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions related to Instagram cache that you might have.

So, without further ado, let’s dig in!

What Is Instagram Cache?

Instagram cache is a collection of data or files (login information, images, search results, explored pages, videos) that grows over time to make the app’s performance faster and better. 

Instagram cache helps the app recall all the necessary information quickly when you open or use the app. 

Instagram stores almost every image, search, or feature information as cache files. For example, if you search and check out someone’s profile on the app, Instagram will store the information. 

So, the next time when you visit the profile, Instagram doesn’t have to reload the photos and videos on that profile from the servers. It will use the cache files to load the photos and videos instantly from your local device. 

The main goal of Instagram cache is to enhance your in-app experience. But it can also reduce your device’s space and make it slower. So, the best option is to clear it regularly.

How to Clear Instagram Cache on iPhone

There are two different ways you can use to clear Instagram cache on your iPhone. Either you can uninstall the app and install it later. Or, you can simply delete the search history within the app to get rid of unnecessary cache.

To learn how you can directly uninstall the Instagram app to remove cache, follow these steps:

Step 1: Head to the Settings on your iOS device. 

Step 2: Now tap General.

Step 3: And then select iPhone Storage and click on Instagram.

Step 4: Tap the Delete App option.

Or you can even long-press the Instagram app icon and click on remove app and then delete app.

That’s all. These steps will permanently delete the Instagram app and its stored caches from your iPhone device. 

This will also clear the storage space on your device. You can later reinstall the Instagram app from the App Store.

Here’s another way you can try to delete the cache on Instagram without uninstalling the app: 

Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your iPhone device and log into your profile. 

Step 2: Tap on your profile icon and click on the three lines from right side corner of the screen.

Step 3: Now, click on Your activity and tap on Recent Searches.

Step 4: Then click on Clear all to clear your search history.

But remember, this won’t clear the Instagram app completely.

How to Clear Instagram Cache on Android

Clearing Instagram cache on Android is relatively easy and direct compared to iPhone. 

On Android, there’s no need to uninstall the app to get rid of the cache. All you have to do is follow the steps below: 

Step 1: Go to Settings on your Android device. 

Step 2: Now look for the Apps list. You can find the app list option under Apps & Notification or App Management section. 

Step 3: Under the App list, find Instagram.

Step 4: Next, tap Storage & cache.

Step 5: Now tap Clear cache or Delete cache to complete the process.

What Does Clearing The Instagram Cache Do?

Clearing the Instagram cache will delete all the files Instagram automatically stores on your phone. These files are mostly the content (photos, videos, & reels) you saw while surfing the app. 

However, deleting Instagram cache won’t affect your own Instagram posts or reels. They will remain the same on your Instagram profile.  

Also, clearing the Instagram cache won’t log you out of the app or uninstall it. There will be no major changes to worry about. 

Does Clearing The Cache Delete Anything Important?

Clearing the caches only deletes the files Instagram stored on your mobile device. 

It doesn’t delete anything important such as uploaded posts, reels, stories, or videos. Also, your Instagram DMs or conversations will stay intact even after clearing all the Instagram cache. 

Will Clearing The Instagram Cache Affect The Performance of The App or My Device?

To improve your app experience, Instagram automatically builds and stores cache on your phone again and again. This speeds up Instagram’s performance.

So, once you delete all the stored Instagram cache from your device, the app may take a longer time to load. After all, Instagram will start to build new caches from scratch once again. 

And when it comes to your device, clearing the Instagram cache will free up more space, save battery and improve speed. Also, it will help the device run more smoothly and securely. 

But remember, this is a temporary solution to improve your device’s performance, as fresh cache files are built as you use Instagram over time. 

Is There a Way to Prevent The Instagram App From Storing Cache on My Device in The Future?

The only way you can prevent the Instagram app from storing cache on your device is by deleting it. However, you can’t clear the cache permanently. Instagram will start to gather it eventually all over again. 

Because the Instagram cache is useful for the app, it improves the app’s overall performance. 

And every app you run on your device has some sort of cache stored to provide you with faster and better performance. 

So, you shouldn’t stress when Instagram builds up cached files over time. You can delete it whenever you want. 

Wrapping Up

So that’s how you can clear Instagram cache on your iPhone or android device.

As Instagram repeatedly gathers cache on your device, you have to clean it often to help the app run better. 

But make sure not to delete the app cache every now and then. Because if you clean the Instagram cache every day or week, eventually, the app will become extremely slow or might crash sometime. That’s why only clear the cache when necessary.  

Lastly, before cleaning the cache, you don’t have to worry about losing your account’s posts or reels. Since your posts or story data stays safe on Instagram servers.