Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps, with over a billion monthly active users. Yet as versatile and user-friendly as Instagram aims to be, it is still susceptible to technical issues now and then. One common problem that crops up is a slow, glitchy user experience, even on high-performing phones. Often, this lagginess and choppy performance comes down to a bloated Instagram cache.
Clearing out this cache serves as a handy troubleshooting step for fixing performance problems and speeding Instagram back up. Beyond that, it also frees up precious storage space on your device and protects sensitive personal data from potential security risks.
This guide will provide readers with a complete walkthrough on how to clear the cache on Instagram. It applies to both iPhones and Android devices. You’ll learn what the cache actually is, the telltale signs you should clear it, step-by-step instructions for deleting it, and expert tips to optimize your Instagram performance.
What is the Instagram Cache?
The Instagram cache refers to all the temporary app data and files stored locally on your smartphone. This data consists of images, videos, messages, searches, stories, and other content you’ve interacted with in the app. Instagram caches this information to expedite loading times the next time you go to access something.
For example, say you view your friend’s Instagram Story. Instagram will download this video to your device and keep it in the cache so if you watch it again shortly after, it loads instantly rather than re-downloading. This makes your experience much faster.
However, there are a few problems that stem from accumulating too much cached data:
- It hogs storage space on your phone
- It can cause Instagram to lag, freeze, or crash
- It poses privacy risks if the data gets accessed
That’s why clearing the cache every so often is highly recommended. It wipes the slate clean, allowing Instagram to run faster while protecting your personal information.
When Should You Clear the Instagram Cache?
There‘s no definitive rule for when users need to clear their Instagram cache, as ideal timing can vary significantly depending on usage habits and device specs. However, here are some general guidelines:
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Monthly – Clearing the cache around once a month is good basic device maintenance for most everyday Instagram users. This prevents gradual storage buildup and keeps things running smoothly.
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When Experiencing Problems – If Instagram begins freezing, crashing frequently, or has major lag/buffering issues, start troubleshooting by clearing the cache. The bloated temporary data is likely contributing to the poor performance.
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After Major Instagram Updates – Major app updates often rework Instagram‘s internal coding and infrastructure. Clearing the cache essentially gives the freshly updated app a clean slate to work with, preventing conflicts with old cache data.
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When Storage Space Runs Low – Phones with very little free memory and storage left can benefit from removing the Instagram cache to open up more room for essential functions and operating system files.
Of course there are other factors like your Instagram usage frequency, device specs, number of photos/videos saved, etc. But this covers some broad guidelines on when clearing the cache becomes necessary for most users. Next up, let‘s get into the step-by-step process!
How to Clear Cache on Instagram – iPhone
Things You‘ll Need:
- iPhone or iPad Running iOS 10.0 or Newer
- Instagram App Already Installed From App Store
- WiFi or Cellular Data Connection
Follow these instructions to successfully clear the Instagram cache on your iPhone or iPad:
Step 1 – Open iPhone Settings
Open your Settings app, which contains all controls and options for customizing your iOS device experience.
You can access Settings quickly by swiping right from your home screen and tapping the gear icon.
Step 2 – Tap General
From Settings, choose General. The General page houses important administrative settings for managing your iPhone‘s functionality.
Step 3 – Select iPhone Storage
Next, scroll down and select iPhone Storage. This displays a visualization of used/available storage on your device.
Step 4 – Locate Instagram App
You‘ll now see storage usage broken down by apps, photos, system data and more. Locate the Instagram app in the apps list.
This shows you how much total space Instagram and its cached data occupy.
Step 5 – Tap Instagram, Then Offload App
Expand the Instagram entry, then tap Offload App. This keeps your account/data intact but deletes the local cache & frees up space.
Step 6 – Reinstall Instagram From App Store
Finally, finish clearing the cache by reinstalling Instagram from the App Store. Then log back in – Instagram will be fresh and the cache erased!
How to Clear Cache on Instagram – Android
Clearing the Instagram cache works a bit differently on Android devices, but still only takes a few quick steps:
Things You‘ll Need:
- Android Phone or Tablet (Android 5.0+)
- Instagram App Already Installed
- WiFi or Cellular Data Connection
Step 1 – Open Device Settings
Just like iPhone, start by opening your Settings app (located in your apps menu).
Step 2 – Select Storage
Next choose Storage from the Settings menu. On some Samsung/LG phones it may be listed as Storage & USB.
Step 3 – Tap Cached Data
In Storage settings, tap Cached Data to view all apps with cached temporary files.
Step 4 – Clear Instagram‘s Cache
Locate Instagram on this list, then tap Clear Cache next to its name/icon to empty cached data.
That‘s all there is to it! The cache is now cleared and Instagram will run fresh as new.
5 Expert Tips for Optimal Instagram Performance
Beyond just clearing cache, there are additional useful tricks for keeping Instagram running as smooth and fast as possible:
1. Close Extra Apps – If Instagram is slow or glitchy, check that other apps aren‘t running in the background hogging needed RAM and processor capacity. Close out any unused apps.
2. Restart Your Phone – Similarly, a quick restart of your iPhone or Android device can work wonders, releasing tied-up RAM that may slow Instagram and other apps down substantially.
3. Update Instagram – Make sure to keep Instagram updated regularly via the App Store/Google Play Store. Updates often include crucial bug fixes and performance patches.
4. Update iOS/Android – Using outdated operating system versions can also prevent apps like Instagram from working their best if they aren‘t optimized for older platforms.
5. Free Up Storage Space – Phones low on storage and memory start to lag across all apps. Setbacks like choppy videos and constant buffering become more prominent. Follow storage-clearing tips to resolve such problems.
So there you have it – a complete walkthrough on precisely how to clear the cache on Instagram for both iPhone and Android! By periodically wiping this temporary storage data and following other optimization tips above, you can enjoy consistently smooth and fast Instagram performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some lingering questions about clearing Instagram‘s cache and improving its performance? Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
Does clearing Instagram‘s cache delete any of my posts/videos/photos?
- No, clearing the cache only deletes temporary files stored locally on your device. Your actual Instagram account and content stored on Instagram‘s external servers remain completely intact.
Is it okay to clear cache with Instagram open in the background?
- It‘s best to fully close the Instagram app before clearing the cache. Having it still running risks corrupting or recongesting the cache mid-clear. Force quit the app first for best results.
Will clearing the cache fix an account that‘s been hacked/disabled?
- Unfortunately no – compromises to your actual account lie beyond just cached data. Clearing the cache relates to your app‘s performance. Account security issues need to be handled directly with Instagram to regain access.
Does Instagram‘s cache take up a large amount of space?
- It depends on usage, but the cache can easily occupy 100+ MBs in some cases. For phone storage now measured in GBs, this alone might not seem like much. But when combined with all other apps caches, this unused data in aggregate consumes substantial device storage.
What exactly causes Instagram‘s cache to build up over time?
- Frequent scrolling feeds endless new images/videos that get temporarily saved in cache for quick reloading. Messaging media back and forth bloats cache too. Simply running the app daily floods storage-consuming data that requires occasional clearing.
Why does my Instagram keep lagging/glitching/crashing even AFTER I clear cache?
- If serious performance issues persist post-clearing cache, there are likely other technical culprits at play. Troubleshoot connectivity problems, check for Instagram or iOS/Android app updates, restart your device, uninstall/reinstall as needed.
And there you have it – a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to clearing cache on Instagram, understanding what cache data consists of, and optimizing app performance! Let us know if you have any other Instagram-related questions.
