New iOS App Available!
Even easier and more private than our web appUpdated January 2026
Free up storage, fix glitches, and speed up the app. Complete guide for iPhone and Android.
Quick Answer
iPhone: Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Instagram → Offload App.
Android: Settings → Apps → Instagram → Storage → Clear Cache.
Free up storage
Speed up the app
Fix glitches
Fresh start
Go to your iPhone's Settings app (not Instagram settings)
Scroll down and tap 'General'
Tap 'iPhone Storage' and wait for it to load
Scroll down and tap on Instagram in the app list
Tap 'Offload App' → This deletes cache but keeps your data
Tap 'Reinstall App' to get a fresh, cache-free version
Note: "Offload App" removes the app but keeps your data. After offloading, tap "Reinstall App" to get Instagram back. You'll stay logged in.
Optimizing your Instagram?
A faster app is great. Knowing who follows and unfollows helps you grow smarter.
Check your followersNo! Clearing cache only deletes temporary files like thumbnails, search history previews, and cached content. Your photos, messages, followers, and account data are stored on Instagram's servers and won't be affected.
On Android, clearing cache (not data) keeps you logged in. On iPhone, the 'Offload App' method keeps your login. However, if you 'Delete App' instead of 'Offload', or tap 'Clear Data' on Android, you'll need to log in again.
Instagram cache can range from 500MB to 5GB+ depending on how much you use the app. Heavy users who watch lots of Reels and Stories tend to have larger caches. Check your phone's storage settings to see the exact amount.
There's no strict rule, but every 1-3 months is reasonable for most users. Clear it sooner if you notice the app slowing down, experiencing glitches, or if you're running low on storage space.
Instagram caches content you view (photos, videos, Reels, Stories) so they load faster next time. It also stores search suggestions, explore feed data, and downloaded content. This cache grows continuously as you use the app.
No, your algorithm and recommendations are tied to your account, not your device cache. Instagram's servers track your interests and engagement. Clearing cache won't reset your For You page or Explore feed.
On Android, yes—there's a direct 'Clear Cache' option. On iPhone, there's no built-in cache clearing, so you need to offload or reinstall the app. The 'Offload' option is the cleanest method for iPhone users.
Cache is temporary files that speed up the app (safe to delete). Data includes your login info, settings, and downloaded content (deleting this logs you out). Always clear cache, not data, unless you want to fully reset the app.