The iPhone storage full message doesn't always mean it's time to buy more cloud space or delete important photos and videos. Part of the device's memory may be occupied by temporary files accumulated by the system, applications and the browser.
iPhone out of space? See how to clear your cache and gain more storage
The iPhone storage full message doesn't always mean it's time to buy more cloud space or delete important photos and videos. Part of the device's memory may be occupied by temporary files accumulated by the system, applications and the...
They are stored to speed up certain tasks, preventing the cell phone from having to download or process some information again every time an application is opened. In isolation, the cache usually takes up little space.
- The problem appears with the use of multiple applications over time, as different services maintain their own temporary files.
- Safari and iOS itself also accumulate this type of data.
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This data forms the so-called cache. They are stored to speed up certain tasks, preventing the cell phone from having to download or process some information again every time an application is opened.
In isolation, the cache usually takes up little space. The problem appears with the use of multiple applications over time, as different services maintain their own temporary files. Safari and iOS itself also accumulate this type of data.
Therefore, clearing the cache can be an alternative for those who need to recover some space on their iPhone. The procedures below consider the options available in iOS 26.
How to clear app cache on iPhone
Some applications offer a specific option to delete the cache within their settings. When this feature does not exist, you can resort to iPhone storage management.
The path is as follows:
Open Settings;Tap General;Enter iPhone Storage;Choose the desired application;Select Remove App;Then, choose the option to reinstall the application.The procedure can help eliminate temporary data accumulated by the service.
How to clear Safari cache
Apple's browser also stores information about websites accessed. To erase this data in iOS 26, open Safari and follow these steps:
Tap the three-dot icon next to the address bar;Enter Bookmarks;Select the button represented by a clock;Tap the three-dot icon again;Choose Clear;Set the period you want to delete;To delete all information, select All history;Confirm Clear History.
What about the system cache?
The iPhone does not offer a specific button to directly erase the entire system cache. One of the ways to remove temporary files is to restart the device periodically.
To quickly turn it off, press the side button and one of the volume buttons at the same time. Then, slide the switch to off.
It is also possible to do this through the device's own menus. Just go to Settings, go to General and select Turn Off.
Doing this type of cleaning from time to time can help recover some of the storage occupied by temporary files, especially on devices that have been used for a long time or with many applications installed.
Apple will leave these devices without updating in 2026; see list
With the arrival of iPadOS 27, watchOS 27, macOS 27 and tvOS 27, some older Apple devices will be left out of the major updates. Devices will continue to work, but will no longer receive new system resources