Clearing the cache and cookies on your iPad device frees up space and makes things run smoother, especially if things are a bit sluggish.
The cache is a bunch of temporary files that speed up loading when you open up an app or visit a website you’ve been to before. But over time, these cached files pile up and clutter your device. Instead of speeding things up, they start to slow things down.
Clearing out the cache is like giving your iPad a “spring clean” to get it running faster.
How often should you clear your iPad cache?
There’s no hard and fast rule. If you notice your iPad slowing down or running low on storage, it’s a good time to clear the cache. Some people do it habitually every few months, while others just do it when they notice things are slowing down.
If your iPad is customer-facing, in a self-service kiosk or at a reception desk for example, then it’s best to proactively clear the cache to stop things slowing down while a customer is using it.
Is there anything you should be careful about?
Clearing the cache is pretty safe overall and shouldn’t cause too many problems. But be aware that cached data includes login details, so once cleared, you might find yourself logged out of websites or apps you’re usually signed into. Bear this in mind if you don’t want to go through the rigmarole of signing back into everything.
1. Clearing Cache and Cookies in Safari (the default browser)
If you mostly use Safari on your iPad, clearing the cache and cookies is pretty straightforward:
- Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Step 2: Scroll and tap on Safari in the menu on the left-hand side.
- Step 3: Scroll further down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Step 4: Confirm the action when prompted.
2. Clearing Cache and Cookies in Chrome
If you’re using Chrome instead of the default Safari browser, the process is a bit different.
- Step 1: Open the Chrome app on your iPad.
- Step 2: Tap on the three dots you see in the bottom-right corner.
- Step 3: Choose Settings from the menu.
- Step 4: Scroll down until you find Privacy and tap on it.
- Step 5: Select Clear Browsing Data.
- Step 6: Make sure that Cookies, Site Data and Cached Images and Files are selected.
- Step 7: Tap on Clear Browsing Data.
3. Clearing Cache and Cookies in Firefox
For those who prefer the Firefox browser, here’s what you do:
- Step 1: Open the Firefox app.
- Step 2: Tap the three lines (menu) in the bottom-right corner.
- Step 3: Go to Settings in the menu.
- Step 4: Scroll down to Privacy & Security.
- Step 5: Under History, tap on the option that says Clear Private Data.
- Step 6: Make sure Cookies and Cache are checked.
- Step 7: Tap on the Clear Private Data option near the bottom.
4. Clearing Cache and Cookies for Other iPad Apps
While Safari, Chrome, and Firefox have clear steps for clearing cache and cookies, other apps on your iPad might store cached data too.
Unfortunately, not all apps offer a straightforward way to clear their cache directly within the app. But don’t worry, there are a few workarounds you can try.
a) Check App Settings for a Cache Clearing Option
Some apps, especially social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter, may have a built-in option to clear cache within their settings. Try the steps below, but if these don’t work, then move onto b).
- Step 1: Open the app you want to clear the cache for.
- Step 2: Go to the app’s settings, usually found by tapping your profile icon or the three-line menu.
- Step 3: Look for an option related to Storage, Data Usage, or Cache.
- Step 4: If you find an option to clear the cache, tap it.
If an app doesn’t provide an option to clear the cache, and you don’t use the app often, you can offload it to free up space without losing the app’s data.
Step 1: Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.
Step 2: Scroll down to find the app in the list.
Step 3: Tap on the app and then tap Offload App.
Offloading an app removes the app itself but keeps its documents and data intact. When you reinstall the app, it should clear its cache but retain your important data.
c) Delete and Reinstall the App
If all else fails, or you need a more thorough clean, you can delete the app entirely and then reinstall it to remove the cache.
- Step 1: Press and hold the app icon on your home screen until it starts to wiggle.
- Step 2: Tap the small "X" on the app to delete it.
- Step 3: Go to the App Store, search for the app, and reinstall it.
This will clear all the cached data associated with that app, but you might also lose some app-specific settings or data that isn’t backed up to your account.
Make Your iPad Even More User-Friendly
If you’re using your iPad for customer-facing use cases, then a Bouncepad iPad stand helps to keep everything neat, tidy, and secure. All charging cables are kept out of sight and your iPad is locked into a secure enclosure, making it perfect for self-service kiosks, events, or offices.
