If you downloaded Instagram servers and recently started to face issues with the app, it might be because of the cache that grew extremely large over the past few months.
So we’ve discussed why it’s critical to clear cache on your iPhone or Android and how you can do it.
What Is An Instagram Cache?
Generally, a cache refers to temporary data that is stored to speed up the loading of websites, browsers, and apps.
The Instagram app, like other apps, stores login information, images, videos, Instagram search history from Search & Explore, frequently visited profiles, and lite version of user data in local cache.
This way, Instagram aims to improve user experience and increase the performance of the app.
With the cache data relating to user interest, Instagram shows images, reels, and stories on the explore page. This entertains the user and increases the time spent on the Instagram app.
Benefits Of Cache Data
From the perspective of the Instagram app developers, cache memory improves app performance and leads to better human-computer interaction.
From the perspective of an Instagram user, app cache data:
- Enhances the app performance.
Faster app performance makes it easier to log in to Instagram account and navigate through the posts.
- Enables the app to work offline.
While users can browse previously-loaded posts and comments without an internet connection, they cannot interact with them.
- Efficiency in downloaded files.
Using cache data, Instagram saves time and battery power by only downloading recently published posts and not already downloaded images.
Why Is It Important To Clear Instagram Cache?
There are some disadvantages associated with Instagram cache, although it is primarily designed to increase app performance and reduce data consumption.
- Limiting the storage space.
In some cases, an Instagram cache can grow extremely large, limiting the amount of storage available on devices.
- Bug or error in the app.
The Instagram app can display data incorrectly, glitch, or even crash if there’s something wrong with one of the files in the cache.
- Delay or error in updating the latest version of the app.
Since the Instagram cache stores information, it can cause delays or errors in updating the latest posts or app versions.
Does Instagram Cache Data Slow Down An iOS or Android Device?
We see Instagram cache slow down the device performance when it grows excessively large or causes the Instagram app to crash.
What Happens If I Clear Instagram Cache Data?
Most users are confused by the functionality difference between cache and data, so they hesitate to clear Instagram cache on their device.
When you clear Instagram cache, you delete the temporary files stored on your device, such as login information, Instagram search history, and frequently visited Instagram pages.
Clearing cache opens up storage space and protects your personal information. Yet, it might cause Instagram to slow down a bit when you return to the app.
Does clearing Instagram cache delete Instagram posts?
Clearing Instagram cache deletes the temporary files that the app stores on your device, not your Instagram data.
The action doesn’t remove the content you posted on your Instagram account as they remain intact on the company’s servers and on your Instagram profile.
How To Clear Cache on Instagram?
Although Instagram allows users to clear search history, that doesn’t solve the problems cache causes on the app or device.
Fortunately, it’s possible to clear Instagram’s cache both on Android and iOS devices.
Do I Need To Delete Instagram App To Clear Cache?
If you are on an iPhone, you can clear your Instagram cache by deleting the app.
If you are on an Android device, you can do so in the Settings menu.
How To Clear Instagram Cache On a Mobile Device?
There are different steps to follow on Android and iOS devices to clear Instagram cache.
How to clear the Instagram cache on Android devices?
To clear Instagram cache, either delete app and reinstall it or clear app cache from phone settings.
- Open Settings on your device and navigate to Apps.
- Choose Instagram and tap Storage.
- Tap Clear Cache at the bottom of the screen to clear IG cache and locally stored data.
How to clear the Instagram cache on iOS devices?
To clear Instagram’s cache on iPhone storage, you need to delete and reinstall the app or offload Instagram.
- Unlock your iPhone’s home screen and find the Instagram app icon.
- Or, navigate to phone settings and locate Instagram from App Library.
- On your iPhone home screen, long press the Instagram app icon until the menu appears.
- Select Remove from the menu or tap on the minus sign.
- Tap “Remove App” and then, tap “Delete App” to confirm and clear cache on iPhone.
- Reinstall Instagram from App Store.
Account settings remain the same, so you can access your profile using your login details.
If you prefer the Offload App option, you can clear iPhone Storage and delete app data.
How To Clear The Instagram Cache On a Browser?
You can clear Instagram cache on your desktop or mobile browser by clearing cache of the browser:
- On Google Chrome:
Navigate to More Tools and select Clear Browsing Data to delete cache.
- On Firefox:
Go To Application Menu and select Settings. Then, click on, Privacy and Security, Cookies and Site Data, and then lastly, click Clear Data.
By clearing data, you’ll also clear Instagram cache.
How to clear the Instagram cache on Windows?
If you own Windows 10, you can follow the same steps of how to clear Instagram cache on Android.
How to clear the Instagram cache on Mac?
You can check your Instagram account via your browser as there is no native Instagram App for Apple Mac.
Clearing your browser cache will remove all Instagram cache from your device.
Wrap Up
Cache on Instagram is useful, but it can lead to glitches, app crashes, and other issues with Instagram data.
While cache clearing might sound complicated, you can easily do it by following the steps we listed above.