If Instagram feels slow to you, takes time to load posts, stories, or reels, it may be because of stored cache data. Clearing the cache can help the Instagram app run smoothly again. Here, we’ll understand what cache data is, why clearing it helps, and most importantly, how to do it on your iPhone and Android device.
What is Instagram Cache Data?
Instagram cache is temporary data files saved on your phone. This helps the app open and run faster and reduces the need to download the same files again.
But over a period of time, the stored data becomes too large and takes up phone storage, and that may start slowing down the app.
When you clear the Instagram cache, all the saved temporary files are removed from your phone. Your messages, posts, reels, and profile data stay safe because they are on Instagram’s servers, not on your phone.
Is It Important to Clear Instagram Cache?
Yes, clearing the cache once in a while is helpful and important. Here’s why it helps:
- Cache keeps growing and can slow down the app.
- A large cache uses extra storage space.
- Old cache may cause loading issues or app crashes.
- Clearing it helps Instagram run faster and more smoothly.
If you use Instagram daily or all day, clearing the cache every 1–2 months is a good practice.
How to Clear Instagram Cache on Android
Most of you users may know how to clear your Instagram cache on an Android because it’s very simple to do so. If you don’t know, here’s how you can delete the temporary files.
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Apps, then App management (on some devices, you may see Apps & notifications, tap on it).
- From the list of all the installed apps, choose Instagram to open the app info page.
- Alternatively, you can open the Instagram app info from the home screen. To do so, long-press the Instagram app icon and tap the ‘i’ icon.
- Tap Storage Usage or Storage & cache, depending on the options available on your Android phone.
- Finally, you’ll see the Clear Cache option; tap it.
As soon as you do this, the Instagram app cache data will be removed.
How to Clear Instagram Cache on iPhone
iPhones don’t have an option to clear cache directly like Android devices. Instead, we need to offload the app. This removes temporary data but keeps your login and account info preserved. Here’s how you can do this.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Go to General, then tap iPhone Storage.
- Now, you will see all the installed apps on the next screen. Choose Instagram.
- Next, tap the Offload App.
- A pop-up confirmation will appear; tap Offload App to confirm it.
- Once done, tap Reinstall.
As soon as you reinstall the app, the latest version of the app will be downloaded.
Wrapping Up
Clearing Instagram cache data is easy and helpful when the app feels slow, stuck, or takes too long to load photos, stories, or reels. It helps free up extra storage on your phone, removes old temporary files, and improves the overall performance of the Instagram app.
No, you don’t need to do it very often. Clearing the cache once every 1-2 months is usually enough, especially if you use Instagram daily or notice the app becoming slow, laggy, or taking too much storage space.
No. Clearing the cache will not log you out of your Instagram account. It only removes temporary files. Your login details, messages, posts, and profile data remain as usual.
Yes. When you uninstall and then reinstall Instagram, the app’s cached data is completely removed. After reinstalling, Instagram downloads fresh files, which can help fix bugs and improve performance.
No, in most cases, it won’t. Offloading the app on iPhone removes the app itself but keeps your documents and data stored locally. However, since drafts may depend on local storage, there is a small chance they could be lost, so it’s safer to save important drafts before offloading or reinstalling.
