What is cache on TikTok?
Cache is temporary data. Each video you watch leaves a small copy on your phone. So do thumbnails, sounds and profile pictures. TikTok keeps them so the next load is faster.
The problem is size. After a few weeks the cache can pass a gigabyte. Old or broken cache files also cause lag, blank feeds and the “something went wrong” error. Clearing it is the fix.
How to clear TikTok cache in the app
This works the same on iPhone and Android.
- Open TikTok and tap Profile in the bottom right.
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the top right.
- Tap Settings and privacy.
- Scroll down and tap Free up space.
- Tap Clear next to Cache.
The number next to Cache shows how much space you get back. On the same screen you can also clear Downloads. Those are videos you saved to watch offline. Clear them only if you do not need them.
We clear the cache on our test phones about once a week. It is the first thing we try when a feed stops loading. It fixes the problem more often than any other step.
How to clear TikTok cache on Android
Android gives you a second way. It works even when TikTok will not open.
- Open your phone Settings.
- Tap Apps, then find TikTok.
- Tap Storage.
- Tap Clear cache.
Do not tap Clear data or Clear storage. That logs you out and deletes drafts. Google explains the difference in its Android storage help page.
How to clear TikTok cache on iPhone
iPhone has no system cache button for single apps. Use the in-app steps above. If TikTok still takes too much space, you have two options.
Offload the app. Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage → TikTok → Offload App. This removes the app but keeps its documents and data. Reinstall it from the same screen. Apple describes this in its offload apps guide. Drafts usually survive an offload, but back them up first to be safe.
Delete and reinstall. This gives you a clean app. It also deletes every draft on the phone. Post or save drafts before you do it.
What gets deleted and what stays
Clearing the cache removes:
- Cached video clips and thumbnails
- Cached images, sounds and profile data
- Search and feed data stored on the phone
It does not remove:
- Your account, followers or settings
- Posted videos, likes and favorites
- Drafts
- Downloaded videos (those are under Downloads, not Cache)
Your first scroll after clearing may load a bit slower. That is normal. The cache refills as you use the app.
Drafts: the one thing to protect
Drafts live only on your phone. TikTok does not store them on its servers. Clearing the cache is safe. Deleting the app is not. If you delete TikTok, your drafts are gone for good. Post them or save them to your camera roll first.
How often should you clear it?
Once a month is enough for most people. Clear it sooner if:
- TikTok lags or freezes
- Videos stop loading
- Your phone warns you about storage
- You see “something went wrong” again and again
If clearing the cache does not fix your problem, check our TikTok not working guide. Start with the live TikTok status check. If TikTok itself is down, no cache fix will help.