sodcalculator

10 Tech How-To

Clear Snapchat Cache on iPhone & Android

Guide 10-8067 · Updated · Step by step

Clearing your Snapchat cache frees up storage space on your phone and can fix issues like the app crashing, loading slowly, or showing blank screens. The cache stores temporary data like snaps you’ve viewed, stickers, and filters. You can clear it without losing your chats, memories, or friends. Here’s how to do it on both iPhone and Android.

What You’ll Need

  • Your iPhone or Android phone with Snapchat installed
  • Your Snapchat login credentials (you may need to log back in after clearing)
  • Enough battery or a charger (clearing a large cache can take a few minutes)

Step-by-Step

On iPhone

  1. Open the Snapchat app.
  2. Tap your profile icon (Bitmoji or ghost) in the top-left corner.
  3. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
  4. Scroll down to the “Account Actions” section.
  5. Tap “Clear Cache.”
  6. A confirmation popup will show the amount of cache to be cleared. Tap “Continue” (or “Clear” on some versions).
  7. Wait for the progress bar to finish. You’ll return to the Settings screen when done.

On Android

  1. Open the Snapchat app.
  2. Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
  3. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
  4. Scroll down to “Account Actions.”
  5. Tap “Clear Cache.”
  6. Tap “Continue” on the confirmation dialog.
  7. Wait for the process to complete. The app may restart automatically.

After clearing, you’ll stay logged in, but you may need to re-enter your password the next time you open the app. Your saved Memories, chats, and friends are not affected.

Common Mistakes

  • Clearing the wrong thing: Tapping “Clear Conversations” or “Clear All” (in settings) will delete chats. Only use “Clear Cache.”
  • Expecting storage to drop dramatically: The cache may be small (a few MB) if you haven’t used Snapchat much. If it’s large, you’ll see a bigger difference.
  • Not restarting the app: After clearing, force-close Snapchat (swipe it away from recent apps) and reopen it to fully refresh.
  • Clearing cache while offline: The app may not complete the process correctly if you have a poor connection. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.

Tips

  • Clear cache regularly: If you use Snapchat daily, the cache can grow quickly. Clearing it once a month helps keep the app snappy.
  • Check your storage first: Go to your phone’s Settings > Storage to see how much space Snapchat is using. If it’s over 1 GB, clearing the cache will help.
  • Use the “Clear All” option cautiously: In Settings > Account Actions, there’s “Clear All” which clears cache AND deletes all conversations. Avoid it unless you want to wipe chats.
  • Log out and back in: If the app is still slow after clearing cache, log out and log back in to refresh your session.

Troubleshooting

If the cache won’t clear:

  • Force-close Snapchat (swipe it away) and reopen it, then try again.
  • Restart your phone. This often resolves temporary glitches.
  • Update Snapchat to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store.

If the app crashes after clearing:

  • Reopen Snapchat. If it crashes again, restart your phone.
  • If the issue persists, uninstall and reinstall the app. This will clear all cached data and reset the app, but your Memories and chats (if backed up) will be restored when you log in.

If you’re logged out unexpectedly:

  • This can happen if the cache clearing process interrupts a session. Simply log back in with your username and password.
  • If you don’t remember your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the login screen.

If storage space isn’t freed:

  • Check your phone’s storage settings to confirm the cache was actually cleared. Sometimes the OS reports cached data separately.
  • Clear the cache from your phone’s system settings as well: On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Snapchat, then tap “Offload App” (this removes the app but keeps data) or “Delete App” (removes everything). On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage > Clear Cache.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my chats?
No, clearing cache only removes temporary files like viewed snaps and filters. Your chats and conversations are stored on Snapchat’s servers and remain intact.

Will I lose my Memories?
No, Memories are saved to your Snapchat account (and optionally to your device). Clearing cache does not delete them.

How often should I clear the cache?
It depends on usage. If you notice the app slowing down or running out of storage, clear it. A monthly clear is a good habit for heavy users.

Does clearing cache log me out?
Usually not. You’ll stay logged in, but the app may ask you to re-enter your password on the next launch for security. That’s normal.

Why is my cache so large?
Snapchat stores every snap you view, plus stickers, filters, and lenses, to load them faster. Over time, this adds up, especially if you watch many stories or use many lenses.

Is there a way to clear cache without opening Snapchat?
On Android, you can go to Settings > Apps > Snapchat > Storage > Clear Cache. On iPhone, you can offload the app (Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Snapchat > Offload App), which frees the cache but keeps your data. Then reinstall Snapchat from the App Store.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →