Instagram, like many other apps, uses a cache to store temporary data on your device. A cache is a storage place that keeps copies of data or files you use often. The purpose of caching is to make it quicker and easier to get information for users. But is clearing Instagram caches easy enough to do and is it worth it?
We’ve all been in a place where we need to know how to clear Instagram caches. Whether it be for ourselves or our clients, the know-how is quickly becoming a necessity.
In the blog you’ll learn:
- How to clear cache on Instagram
- How to clear Instagram cache without deleting the app
- What does clearing Instagram caches do
- How to clear the cache on Instagram on iPhone & Android vs. in the app itself
If you would like to know the answers to these questions, plus how to free up space on Instagram, read on!
How Instagram’s Cache Works 🎦
Instagram is a media-rich app with lots of images, videos, and stories. When you view these, Instagram saves them in the cache on your device. This means that if you look at the same content again, it loads faster because the app can retrieve it from the cache instead of downloading it from scratch.
Instagram might also save certain user preferences or settings, like how you like your feed sorted or the last account you logged into. Sometimes, Instagram might even start loading content before you view it, like images in a carousel, so they show up almost instantly when you scroll through your feed. Additionally, some cached content can be accessed even when you’re offline, like posts or stories you recently viewed.
What’s the value of having clear Instagram data?
What’s The Value of Clearing Instagram Caches? 🎯
Clearing an Instagram cache is helpful to users for several reasons. Primarily, it frees up storage space on your device. Deleting an Instagram cache gets rid of files Instagram stores, like images and videos, which can take up a lot of room over time.
Here’s a breakdown of why doing this is valuable:
- Over time, the cache can grow significantly, taking up a lot of space on your device. This is especially true with Instagram, where images and videos are the primary content. Clearing the cache frees up this space, which can be especially valuable if your device has limited storage.
- Sometimes, the cache can become corrupted or outdated, leading to glitches, crashes, or other performance issues within the app. Clearing the cache can help resolve these issues by forcing Instagram to fetch fresh data.
- If the app is showing outdated content or isn’t reflecting recent changes (like updated profiles or the latest posts), clearing the cache can ensure that Instagram pulls in the most current data.
- Regularly clearing your cache can be a good practice from a privacy standpoint. Cached data may include personal information or browsing history that you may not want stored on your device indefinitely.
If the app is running slowly, crashing, or not showing the latest posts, clearing the cache can help fix these issues by making the app load fresh data. Regularly clearing the Instagram cache can also keep the app working smoothly.
What’s more, a clear cache on Instagram can remove your browsing history, which is useful if maintaining privacy is a priority.
How To Clear Instagram Cache on iPhone or Android 📱
Clearing the Instagram cache is generally easier on Android than on an iPhone because Android provides a built-in option to clear the cache directly from the settings. On iPhones, however, the process is a bit different since there’s no direct option to clear the cache from the settings. Here’s the breakdown of how to clear the IG cache on each:
Clearing Cache on Android
- On Android, you can clear the Instagram cache directly by going to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clear Cache. This is a quick and straightforward process that doesn’t affect other data on your app, like your account information or saved settings.
- You can clear just the cache without deleting the app or any of its data, making it a convenient way to free up space or solve performance issues.
Clearing an Instagram Cache on an iPhone
- iPhones don’t have a direct way to clear the cache for individual apps from the settings. To clear the Instagram cache, you usually need to delete the app entirely and then reinstall it. This process removes all cached data but also means you’ll need to log back into your account and reconfigure any settings after reinstalling.
- Since you have to delete and reinstall the app, it’s a bit more involved compared to Android. However, this method still effectively clears the cache and can help resolve any issues caused by cached data.
The truth of this is that it’s generally easier to clear the Instagram cache on Android due to the built-in option. On iPhone, while still possible, it requires a more involved process of deleting and reinstalling the app.
How To Clear The Cache on the Instagram App (tips) 🔍
As it stands, the only way to clear data on Instagram is to delete the app. When you do this, all of your data is wiped clean from the app. If you choose to reinstall Instagram, you can do so easily, but the app will likely load slower than before as a result of the wipe.
Here’s a tip or two for those interested in regularly clearing IG cache data:
Offload the App on iPhone: This option removes the app but keeps your data intact. Here’s a step-by-step to show you how to do this:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Find and tap on Instagram
- Select Offload App
- Reinstall Instagram via the same menu or the App Store
Log Out and Back In: Logging out and back in can clear some temporary files without disrupting your app setup. Here’s how you do this:
- Go to your profile on Instagram
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the top right corner
- Select Settings > Log Out
- Log back in after a few minutes
Use Third-Party Cache Clearing Apps: On Android, there are apps like CCleaner or Files by Google that can help clear the cache of multiple apps, including Instagram, in one go.
Regular Maintenance: Check and clear the cache to maintain optimal app performance, especially if you use Instagram frequently.
Be Cautious with Instagram Data: Clearing cache does not delete your account or media, but avoid clearing “data” unless necessary, as it can log you out and reset some settings.
Clearing your Instagram cache is a simple way to keep the app running smoothly. For more tips on optimizing your social media experience, check out our other blogs on managing app performance and smartphone storage.
