Clearing the Facebook cache on your iPhone is a simple process that can help free up storage space and improve performance. The Facebook app stores cached data like images, videos, and other media which can build up over time. Clearing this data forces the Facebook app to re-download content and can act as a reset for any glitches or issues you may be experiencing.
Why Clear the Facebook Cache on iPhone?
Here are some of the main reasons you may want to clear the Facebook cache on your iPhone:
- Free up storage space – The Facebook cache can take up a considerable amount of storage space on your device over time. Clearing it out can free up room for other apps and media.
- Fix performance issues – If Facebook is running slowly or glitchy on your device, clearing the cache forces the app to re-download all its content and acts as a reset.
- Resolve login issues – Sometimes logging out and back into Facebook does not fix problems you may have logging in. Clearing the cache gives the app a fresh start.
- Refresh old content – Clearing the cache makes Facebook re-download your feed, profile, videos and other content. This can fix issues with old, outdated info.
While not usually necessary, clearing the Facebook cache now and then is good device maintenance and can keep the app running smoothly.
How to Clear Cache on iPhone Facebook App
Here are the steps to clear stored cache data for the Facebook app on your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Scroll down and tap on the Facebook option.
- On the Facebook settings screen, tap on the Storage & Data option.
- On the next screen tap on Clear Cache.
- Confirm that you want to clear the Facebook cache by tapping Clear.
That’s all there is to it! The Facebook app will close and quickly re-open. The cache has now been cleared out and the app will re-download all its data and content fresh.
How to Force Close Facebook App
Force closing the Facebook app prior to clearing the cache can help ensure all cached data is completely cleared out. Here is how to force close Facebook on iPhone:
- Double click the Home button to open the App Switcher.
- Swipe up on the Facebook app preview to force close it.
- Now follow the steps above to clear cache.
The Facebook app will have to completely restart itself after being force closed. Then clearing the cache ensures no old data is left over.
How to Log Out Then Back Into Facebook
Logging out of Facebook and then logging back in is another technique that can act as a reset for the app. Here are the steps involved:
- Open Facebook and tap the Menu icon (three horizontal lines).
- Scroll down and choose Log Out.
- Tap Log Out again on the confirmation prompt.
- Close the Facebook app from the App Switcher.
- Re-open Facebook and log in using your username and password.
This forces Facebook to re-authenticate your account from scratch. Combined with a cache clear, logging out and in is an effective reset for many Facebook issues.
Does Clearing Cache Delete Facebook Messages?
No, clearing the Facebook cache does not delete or remove any of your conversations/messages. Messages are stored separately and will not be affected. The Facebook cache refers mainly to temporary files, images, videos and other media.
How to Clear Facebook Search History
To clear your Facebook search history:
- Tap the Search bar at the top of the Facebook app.
- Tap on the X icon next to recent searches to delete them.
- Then tap Clear All to delete your complete search history.
This provides a clean slate for Facebook search. Your search history will begin rebuilt as you search on Facebook again.
How to Delete Facebook Account
If you wish to delete your Facebook account entirely, here are the steps:
- Go to the Delete Account page on Facebook’s website.
- Select Delete Account then Continue to Account Deletion.
- Enter your password when prompted to confirm your identity.
- Click Delete Account to permanently delete your Facebook account.
It can take up to 90 days for Facebook to complete deletion. You can log back in during that time to cancel deletion if desired.
Conclusion
Clearing the Facebook cache on your iPhone is simple to do and offers benefits like freeing up storage space, fixing performance issues, and resetting login problems. Navigate to the app’s Storage & Data settings then tap Clear Cache. Force closing the app beforehand ensures a complete cache clear. Logging out then logging back in also acts as an effective reset.
Clearing the cache will not affect your messages or account details in any way. It simply provides Facebook a fresh start by erasing temporary files and forcing it to re-download all its content. Use cache clearing regularly to keep Facebook running smoothly on your iPhone.