How to clear Instagram cache: on Android, open Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage & cache and tap Clear cache. On iPhone, Instagram has no clear cache button, so go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Instagram and use Offload App, or delete the app and reinstall it for a fuller reset. You can also clear the cookies and cache of Instagram’s in-app browser from its browser settings. Clearing the cache removes temporary files only. It does not delete your posts, messages or account. This guide covers every method on Android, iPhone and computer, what happens afterward, and how to fix an Instagram app that is slow, frozen or not loading.
Last updated: October 2026. Menu names change with app and phone updates. If a label looks different, use the search bar in your phone’s Settings or check the Instagram Help Center.
Quick Answer: How Do You Clear Instagram Cache?
On Android
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Tap Apps (or Apps & notifications), then find Instagram.
- Tap Storage (or Storage & cache).
- Tap Clear cache. Do not tap Clear data or Clear storage unless you want to reset the app.
On iPhone
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll to Instagram and tap it.
- Tap Offload App and confirm, then tap Reinstall App. For a more thorough reset, delete the app and install it again from the App Store.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Android: has a built-in Clear cache button for each app.
- iPhone: has no one-tap cache clear for Instagram. Offload or reinstall instead.
- Data safety: clearing cache does not delete your photos, Reels, messages or followers.
- Login: clearing cache on Android usually keeps you logged in. Deleting the app on iPhone will log you out.
- Best time to do it: when Instagram is slow, crashing, stuck loading or your storage is low.
- Not needed often: the cache rebuilds automatically as you use the app.
What Is Instagram Cache?
Instagram cache is temporary data the app saves on your phone, such as thumbnails, photos, video snippets and profile information, so the app can load faster next time. Over time it can grow large or become outdated, which may cause lag, loading problems or glitches. The cache is different from your account data. Your account, posts and messages are stored on Instagram’s servers, not just on your phone.
Should You Clear Your Instagram Cache?
Clear it if:
- Instagram is slow, laggy or freezing.
- Photos, Stories or Reels will not load or look blurry.
- The app keeps crashing after an update.
- Your phone is running low on storage.
- Old images or profile details keep showing.
You do not need to clear it every day. The first time you open Instagram afterward it may load a little slower, because it has to download images again.
How to Clear Instagram Cache on Android
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then See all apps if you do not see Instagram.
- Select Instagram.
- Tap Storage & cache (on Samsung and some phones, just Storage).
- Tap Clear cache.
You will not be logged out when you clear the cache. Clear storage or Clear data is different: it resets the app, signs you out and removes saved settings, so avoid it unless you are troubleshooting a serious problem. For other apps and for Chrome, see our guide to how to clear cache on Android. You can also find the option by long-pressing the Instagram icon, tapping App info and then Storage.
How to Clear Instagram Cache on iPhone
iOS does not let you clear one app’s cache directly. You have two options.
Method 1: Offload the app
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll down and tap Instagram.
- Tap Offload App and confirm.
- Tap Reinstall App to download Instagram again.
According to Apple, offloading frees up the space used by the app but keeps its documents and data, so it may not remove every cached file. It is a gentler option that usually keeps you logged in. See Apple Support for current iPhone storage steps.
Method 2: Delete and reinstall
- Press and hold the Instagram icon on your Home Screen.
- Tap Remove App, then Delete App and confirm.
- Open the App Store, search for Instagram and install it again.
- Log in with your username and password.
This is the most thorough way to clear stored temporary data on iPhone. Before you do it, make sure you know your password and that two-step login codes will reach you. Unposted drafts that are saved only on your device may be lost. If you cannot remember your login, see our guide to how to create a strong password and keep it safe in a password manager.
How to Clear Instagram’s In-App Browser Cache
When you tap a link in a Story, bio, ad or message, Instagram opens it in its own in-app browser. That browser stores cookies and website data too.
- Open any link inside the Instagram app.
- Tap the three dots or menu in the browser.
- Select Browser settings.
- Tap Clear cookies and cache (or Clear browsing data) and confirm.
Menu names vary by app version. This clears web browsing data used inside Instagram and does not affect your posts or messages. To clean up your main browser as well, read our guide to how to delete browsing history.
How to Clear Instagram Search History
Search history is not the same as cache, but many people want to clear both.
- Open Instagram and tap the Search (magnifying glass) tab.
- Tap the search bar to see your Recent searches.
- Tap See all, then Clear all, or remove single searches with the X.
How to Clear Instagram Cache on a Computer
If you use Instagram.com in a browser, the cache is stored by the browser.
- Open your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari).
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (or Cmd + Shift + Delete on a Mac).
- Choose Cached images and files and, if you want, Cookies and site data.
- Select a time range and click Clear data.
Clearing cookies can sign you out of websites. For step-by-step browser help, see Google’s Chrome Help page on clearing cookies and site data.
What Happens When You Clear Instagram Cache?
| Item | Deleted? |
|---|---|
| Your posts, Reels and Stories | No |
| Your messages | No |
| Followers and following | No |
| Saved posts | No, they are tied to your account |
| Temporary images and video files | Yes |
| Login (on Android, clear cache only) | No, you usually stay logged in |
| Login (if you delete the app) | Yes, you need to log in again |
Clear Cache vs Clear Data: What Is the Difference?
Clear cache removes temporary files only and is safe. Clear data (or Clear storage) resets the whole app on your device, including your login and local settings. Use clear cache first. Only use clear data if the app still does not work. If you are thinking of leaving Instagram completely, see how to delete an Instagram account instead.
Instagram Still Slow or Not Loading After Clearing Cache?
Update Instagram
Open the Play Store or App Store and install any available update.
Restart your phone
A restart clears many temporary glitches.
Check your internet connection
Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or restart your router. Our router reset guide and Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide can help.
Free up phone storage
If your phone is almost full, apps can lag. Delete unused apps and large files. Our Android phone tips include storage tricks.
Turn off data saver or battery saver
These modes can limit how Instagram loads media.
Reinstall the app
If nothing works, delete and reinstall Instagram.
Check for account security problems
If Instagram logs you out or behaves strangely, change your password and review login activity. Learn the warning signs in our guide to how to spot a phishing email.
For more fixes, see our tech troubleshooting guide.
Other Ways to Keep Instagram Running Smoothly
- Keep the app and your phone’s software up to date.
- Review your account protection with our Instagram privacy settings guide.
- Back up photos you want to keep. Learn more in what is cloud storage.
- Update your social profiles too, such as how to change your Facebook name or how to delete a YouTube channel.
- Check the wider account privacy settings checklist.
Browse more step-by-step help in our technology tutorials. For official help with the app, visit the Instagram Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing Instagram Cache
How do I clear Instagram cache?
On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage & cache > Clear cache. On iPhone, offload or delete and reinstall the app, because iOS has no direct clear cache button.
How do I clear Instagram cache on iPhone?
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Instagram and tap Offload App, then reinstall. For a more thorough reset, delete the app and install it again.
How do I clear Instagram cache on Android?
Open Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage & cache and tap Clear cache.
Will clearing Instagram cache delete my photos or messages?
No. Your photos, posts and messages are stored on your account, not in the cache.
Will I get logged out if I clear the Instagram cache?
On Android, clearing the cache usually keeps you logged in. Deleting the app on iPhone logs you out.
What is the difference between clear cache and clear data?
Clear cache removes temporary files only. Clear data resets the app and signs you out.
Does clearing Instagram cache free up storage?
Yes. It removes temporary files, which can free space, especially if you watch many Reels.
How often should I clear my Instagram cache?
Only when the app is slow, glitchy or storage is low. The cache rebuilds on its own.
Does clearing the cache fix Instagram not loading?
It often helps. If not, update the app, restart your phone and check your internet connection.
How do I clear Instagram’s in-app browser data?
Open a link in Instagram, tap the menu, choose Browser settings and clear cookies and cache.
How do I clear Instagram search history?
Tap Search, tap the search bar, choose See all under Recent and tap Clear all.
Is clearing Instagram cache safe?
Yes. Clearing cache is safe. Just avoid Clear data unless you are prepared to log in again.
Can I clear Instagram cache without deleting the app?
Yes, on Android. On iPhone you can offload the app instead of deleting it.
Will I lose Instagram drafts if I clear cache?
Clearing cache on Android should not remove drafts, but deleting and reinstalling the app can, because drafts may be saved only on your device.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clear Instagram cache is a quick fix for lag, loading errors and low storage. On Android, use Clear cache in the app’s storage settings. On iPhone, offload or reinstall the app. Clear the in-app browser data and your search history too if you want a fuller clean-up. Start with the gentlest option, avoid Clear data unless you need it, and keep your login details handy before you delete or reinstall anything.
Tip: If Instagram is still slow after clearing the cache, update the app and restart your phone before you try anything more drastic.