We use social networks every day, and sometimes their performance slows down, errors occur, or there's simply not enough memory on the device. In such cases, it's important to clear the cache. But what is it, and why is it needed?
Cache is temporary files that are stored on the device to speed up the loading of applications and websites.
When you open social networks, they save some data (photos, videos, stickers) on the device. The next time, this data is loaded not from the internet but from the phone or computer, saving time and traffic.
What happens if you don't clear the cache?
- Slow application performance.
- Lack of memory on the device.
- Errors in social networks.
Why remove temporary files?
- Free up memory.
- Fix errors.
- Restore speed to social networks.
How to clear cache in popular social networks
In this article, we'll explain how to clear cache in popular social networks (Instagram*, VKontakte, Telegram) on different devices.
Instagram*
Every story you watched and every reel you sent to a friend adds weight to the app. Therefore, over time, Instagram* starts taking up a lot of space on the device.
How to clear Instagram cache on Android
- Open your phone's settings.
- Go to the "Apps" section.
- Select Instagram.
- Go to "Storage usage."
- Clear the cache.
How to clear Instagram cache on iOS
On Apple devices (iPhone, iPad), there is no built-in function to clear Instagram's cache. However, you can reinstall the app to free up space and speed up its performance.
- Press and hold the Instagram* icon on the home screen.
- Select "Delete App."
- Go to the App Store and download it again.
VKontakte
To delete temporary files in VKontakte, you can use the same methods as for Instagram.
- On Android.
Go to your phone's settings → "Apps" → VKontakte → "Storage" → "Clear Cache." - On iOS.
Reinstall the app by deleting it and downloading it again from the App Store.
You can also clear the cache within the VKontakte app.
- Open the app and go to the menu (three dots in the upper right corner).
- Tap the gear icon (settings).
- Choose "App" → "Clear Cache."
Telegram
For clearing files in Telegram, the same methods as for VKontakte apply.
- On Android.
Go to your phone's settings → "Apps" → Telegram → "Storage" → "Clear Cache." - On iOS.
Reinstall the app by deleting it and downloading it again from the App Store.
You can also clear the cache within the Telegram app.
- Open Telegram and go to "Settings."
- Select "Data and Storage."
- Tap "Storage Usage."
- Tap "Clear Cache."
This method will help free up memory and speed up the messenger!
Will data be deleted if you clear the cache?
Many users worry that deleting files might lead to the loss of important information, such as passwords, photos, or chats.
The cache is temporary data that applications save to speed up performance. Passwords and logins remain safe as they are stored separately from the cache.
If you clear the cache in a messenger or social network, photos from chats will not be deleted. They are stored on the app's servers, not in the cache. However, thumbnails (previews) of photos might temporarily disappear and reload when you next open the chat.
Deleting the cache is a safe procedure that helps to speed up the performance of applications and free up memory on the device. It does not delete data such as passwords, chats, or saved photos.
How often should you clear the cache?
- Every 1-2 months.
If you actively use social networks, regularly clear the cache to prevent the accumulation of temporary files. - As needed.
If you notice slow performance or errors, clear the cache immediately.
Clearing the cache is a simple and safe procedure that should be performed every 1-2 months or as needed. This will help maintain high device performance and prevent issues with social network functionality.
*Instagram belongs to Meta, which is recognized as an extremist organization in Russia
