How to clear Instagram cache and free up space on your phone

Any app that displays images probably has its own data cache. The cache stores data about the images so that they can load faster in the future.

So, as you might expect, Instagram’s cache can become incredibly large over time and take up precious space on your phone’s memory. And if you’re low on space on your phone, this can make Instagram a data hog.

Luckily, you can clear your Instagram cache on both iPhone and Android. Below you will learn how to do this.

How to Clear Instagram Cache on iPhone

The only way to clear Instagram cache on iPhone is to uninstall and reinstall the app.

1. Find the Instagram app icon on your home screen or in your app library.
2. Press and hold your finger on the Instagram icon until a menu appears or all apps start to jiggle.
3. Tap "Delete App" or the minus icon in the upper left corner of the icon.
4. Confirm that you want to delete the app.

You can then reinstall Instagram for free from the App Store and log back into your account.

How to Clear Instagram Cache on Android

On an Android phone, you don't need to uninstall the Instagram app or even log out of your account. The Settings app has a built-in way to clear the cache.

1. Open the Settings app and tap Storage.
   The Settings menu on your Android phone. The Storage option is highlighted.
   Open the Storage menu.

2. Select More Apps, then find Instagram in the list of apps and tap it.
   The Android app list. Instagram is highlighted.
   Your apps will be sorted by how much space they are taking up.

3. Tap the Clear Cache option.
   You should see the Clear Cache button turn gray and the Cache section under Used Space drop to 0 B.