US Trends

how to clear tiktok cache

Here’s how to clear your TikTok cache step by step so the app runs smoother and frees up some storage.

How to Clear TikTok Cache

Quick Scoop

Clearing the TikTok cache removes temporary files the app saves to load videos and pages faster, but it does not delete your account, followers, or posted videos. It’s a quick fix if TikTok feels laggy, glitches, or is taking up too much space on your phone.

Think of it like cleaning out a “downloads” folder the app secretly uses in the background: safe to wipe, and often worth doing every now and then.

On iPhone (in the TikTok app)

Use this when TikTok is slow, buggy, or taking a lot of storage on iOS.

  1. Open TikTok and log in if needed.
  1. Tap Profile at the bottom right.
  1. Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top right.
  1. Choose Settings and privacy.
  1. Scroll to Cache & mobile or Cache & cellular and tap Free up space.
  1. Next to Cache , tap Clear , then confirm when asked.

What happens after:

  • You may notice videos load a bit slower right after, as TikTok rebuilds its cache while you scroll.
  • Your drafts, downloads, and posted videos should remain untouched if you only clear “Cache,” not drafts.

On Android (in the TikTok app)

The in-app method is almost the same on Android.

  1. Open TikTok.
  1. Tap Profile in the bottom right.
  1. Tap the three-line menu (☰ or ⋮) in the top right.
  1. Select Settings and privacy.
  1. Go to Cache & Cellular (or Cache & mobile) → Free up space.
  1. Tap Clear next to Cache , then confirm.

If TikTok is still acting up, Android gives you a deeper system-level clear:

  1. Open your phone Settings.
  1. Go to Apps or Applications and find TikTok.
  1. Tap Storage.
  1. Tap Clear cache (avoid “Clear data” unless you’re okay re-logging in and resetting app settings).

This “Clear cache” in system settings wipes more of TikTok’s temporary data and can fix stubborn glitches.

On Desktop / Browser (TikTok website)

If you’re using TikTok in a browser and it keeps showing old or weird recommendations, clearing the browser cache can help.

Typical shortcut for most browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, etc.):

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac) to open the clear-browsing-data menu.
  • Select a time range (for a full reset, choose All time).
  • Make sure Cached images and files (or similar) is checked.
  • Click Delete data / Clear.

This removes stored TikTok site files, which can refresh what you see and fix some playback issues.

Why People Clear TikTok Cache (and What It Doesn’t Do)

Many forum posts and guides describe the same pattern: TikTok starts lagging, freezing, or endlessly repeating old videos, and clearing the cache is one of the first “quick fixes” people try. Over the last year or two, this has become a routine “maintenance” move, especially for heavy TikTok users or creators.

What clearing cache helps with :

  • Frees storage used by temporary video data and thumbnails.
  • Can reduce app crashes, stutters, and random glitches.
  • Sometimes refreshes your For You page behavior if things feel “stuck,” though the algorithm still uses your account activity, not just cache.

What it does not do:

  • Does not delete your account, followers, or posted videos.
  • Does not permanently reset TikTok’s recommendation algorithm; it mainly clears local files.
  • Does not remove your login on the app if you only clear cache (not data).

A simple way to think about it: you’re deleting TikTok’s “temporary shortcuts,” not your actual content.

Extra Fixes If Cache Clearing Isn’t Enough

If TikTok still misbehaves after clearing cache, guides and help articles often suggest a few more steps.

Other things you can try:

  • Update TikTok in the App Store or Play Store to the latest version.
  • Restart your phone to clean up system memory and background processes.
  • Reinstall TikTok : uninstall, then download it again from your app store (this forces a full app reset and a fresh cache).
  • Check your network : switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data or restart your router if videos won’t load.

For browser users, if TikTok’s website still feels off even after clearing cache, some users report that logging out and back in or trying a different browser can help reset behavior.

Simple HTML Table Version (for quick reference)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Platform</th>
      <th>Where to go</th>
      <th>Key steps</th>
      <th>What it affects</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>iPhone app</td>
      <td>Profile → Menu → Settings and privacy → Cache & mobile / Cache & cellular → Free up space</td>
      <td>Tap Clear next to Cache and confirm.</td>
      <td>Deletes temporary TikTok files, keeps account, posts, and drafts. [web:1][web:5][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Android app (in-app)</td>
      <td>Profile → Menu → Settings and privacy → Cache & Cellular → Free up space</td>
      <td>Tap Clear next to Cache and confirm.</td>
      <td>Removes in-app cache only, often fixes lag and frees storage. [web:1][web:3][web:7][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Android app (system)</td>
      <td>Phone Settings → Apps → TikTok → Storage</td>
      <td>Tap Clear cache (not Clear data).</td>
      <td>Wipes deeper cache, may resolve stubborn glitches; keeps login and app data if you avoid Clear data. [web:7][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Browser / desktop</td>
      <td>Browser settings → Clear browsing data</td>
      <td>Use Ctrl/Command + Shift + Delete, select Cached images and files, then clear.</td>
      <td>Refreshes TikTok website files, can fix loading and recommendation issues. [web:5][web:8][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

TL;DR:
Open TikTok → go to Profile → menu → Settings and privacy → Free up space → hit Clear next to Cache and confirm. This safely removes temporary files, helps performance, and doesn’t delete your account or posted videos.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.