Here’s a simple, up-to-date guide on how to clear cache on TikTok and what it actually does for your app experience.

Quick Scoop

If TikTok feels laggy, videos glitch, or your storage is mysteriously full, clearing the cache is one of the fastest fixes. It removes temporary files TikTok saves to make the app feel faster, without deleting your account, followers, drafts, or posted videos.

What “cache” on TikTok actually is

TikTok stores temporary data like:

  • Thumbnails and video snippets you’ve already watched.
  • Images, small media files, and bits of in‑app content to load things quicker next time.
  • Local app data that helps it open and scroll more smoothly.

Clearing the cache:

  • Frees up storage space on your phone.
  • Can fix glitches (stuck feed, videos not loading, random lag).
  • Does not delete your TikTok account, followers, likes, or posted videos.

Your app may feel slightly slower right after clearing while it rebuilds fresh cache as you use it again.

How to clear cache on TikTok (in‑app)

These steps are similar on both iPhone and Android in 2025–2026.

  1. Open TikTok and go to your Profile (bottom right).
  1. Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the top right.
  1. Choose Settings and privacy.
  1. Scroll down to Cache & cellular or Cache & mobile and tap Free up space.
  1. Find Cache in the list, then tap Clear next to it and confirm.

That’s the main, built‑in way TikTok expects you to clear cache today.

Extra: Clear TikTok cache from your phone settings (Android)

On Android, you can also clear app cache at the system level for a “deeper” cleanup.

  • Open your phone’s Settings.
  • Go to Apps or Apps & notifications, then find TikTok.
  • Tap Storage.
  • Tap Clear cache (not “Clear data” if you only want temporary files gone).

This targets Android’s app cache, which can help if TikTok is badly bugging out or using a lot of storage.

Using TikTok in a browser? Clear that cache too

If you use TikTok on desktop in Chrome, Edge, Brave, or similar, your browser stores its own cached files.

Quick shortcut method:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac to open the clear‑data menu.
  • Choose a time range (for example, “All time” if you want everything).
  • Make sure Cached images and files is selected.
  • Confirm to delete.

This clears cached TikTok data in the browser, not your TikTok profile or videos.

Does clearing TikTok cache delete drafts or data?

This is one of the biggest worries, so here’s the rundown.

Clearing cache:

  • Keeps your account, followers, and posted videos.
  • Keeps your drafts stored on the device (they are not cache, but local files).
  • Removes temporary files TikTok can recreate later.

What you should still be careful about:

  • If you uninstall TikTok, you may lose drafts saved only on that device.
  • If you clear app data (not just cache) in Android settings, you’ll likely be logged out and may lose local preferences.

Why people are talking about clearing cache now

In 2024–2025, there’s been more chatter on blogs and help guides about “TikTok bloat” and slow feeds, especially as the app keeps adding new features, effects, and longer videos.

Trends you’ll see in recent discussions:

  • Creators complaining that TikTok feels sluggish after long scrolling sessions, then reporting that a quick cache clear restores smooth scrolling.
  • Tech and privacy blogs framing cache clearing as part of “digital hygiene,” alongside regular app cleanups and browser data controls.
  • Guides reminding users that while cache clearing helps speed and storage, it’s not a magic fix for algorithm issues or shadowbans.

So when “how to clear cache on TikTok” spikes as a trending search or forum topic, it usually rides alongside concerns about app performance, storage pressure, and general phone cleanup habits.

When should you clear cache on TikTok?

You don’t need to do it every day. Think of it like cleaning out your downloads folder once in a while.

Good times to clear cache:

  • TikTok feels slow, stutters, or fails to load videos reliably.
  • Your phone is low on storage and TikTok is using a lot of space.
  • Thumbnails or pages won’t refresh properly, even with good internet.

If everything is running smoothly and you’re not pressed for storage, you can leave the cache alone; it’s there to make things faster.

Tiny example “routine” you can follow

Here’s a simple routine you might use once every few weeks if you’re a heavy TikTok user:

  1. Check your phone storage and see how much space TikTok uses.
  1. Clear TikTok’s in‑app cache via Settings and privacy → Cache & cellular → Free up space → Clear cache.
  1. If TikTok still misbehaves on Android, clear app cache from system Settings → Apps → TikTok → Storage → Clear cache.

This keeps the app snappy without touching your account or content.

SEO bits (for your post structure)

If you’re turning this into a blog or forum post, here are some heading ideas and focus keyword usage:

  • H1: How to Clear Cache on TikTok (Step‑by‑Step Guide)
  • H2: What Happens When You Clear TikTok Cache?
  • H2: How to Clear Cache on TikTok on iPhone and Android
  • H2: Is Clearing TikTok Cache Safe for Drafts and Videos?
  • H2: Why “Clear Cache” Is a Trending Topic Right Now

You can naturally sprinkle phrases like “how to clear cache on TikTok” , “latest news on TikTok performance” , and “forum discussion about TikTok lag” into short, readable paragraphs and bullet sections to keep it search‑friendly and easy to skim.

TL;DR: Go to Profile → Menu → Settings and privacy → Cache & cellular / Cache & mobile → Free up space → Clear next to Cache. It frees space and can fix glitches, without deleting your account or posted content.

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