How to Clear Cache, Cookies and History on iPhone 17 Air

If web pages on an iPhone 17 Air are loading slowly, or if privacy is a priority, it might be time for a quick digital tune-up. Clearing the cache, cookies, and browsing history not only speeds up browsing but also helps protect personal information. Today we will guide you on how to clear the cache on the iPhone 17 Air.

Steps to Clearing Safari Cache, Cookies, and History on your iPhone Air

Safari is the default browser on the iPhone 17 Air, and its cache and cookies can accumulate over time. Here’s how to clear them:

Go to the Home screen and choose Settings.
Scroll down and choose Apps.
Scroll down then find Safari.

Tap on Clear History and Website Data.
Choose a timeframe (Last hour, Today, Today and Yesterday, or All history).
If Safari Profiles are used, select a profile or choose All Profiles.

Optionally, toggle Close All Tabs if needed.
Tap Clear History to confirm.

This process removes browsing history, cookies, and cached data. It’s to know that clearing this will sign you out from most websites, but passwords and AutoFill information are preserved.

Clearing Cache Without Affecting History

For those wanting to clear just the cache and cookies while keeping browsing history:

Go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data.
Tap Remove All Website Data.

This deletes website cookies and cached files but leaves browsing history intact—handy for privacy-conscious users who want to retain their web activity log.

Removing Individual Website Data

To clear data from specific sites:

In Settings > Safari > Advanced > Website Data, scroll or search for the desired site.
Swipe left on it and tap Delete.

This action is excellent for troubleshooting issues on particular websites without affecting others.

Clearing App Cache

iOS doesn’t offer system-wide cache clearing, but there’s a workaround:

In Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap any app.
If available, choose Offload App to remove the app but keep its documents/data.
Reinstalling the app will restore most data but clear its cache. Some apps (like Whatsapp or Amazon) include their own in-app clear cache buttons.

Why and When to Clear Cache

Regularly clearing cache and cookies frees up storage, helps pages load faster, corrects broken websites, and strengthens privacy. It’s especially important before selling, trading, or upgrading a device.

Differences between clearing history vs removing website data

Clearing history and removing website data on an iPhone serve different purposes, each affecting stored information in distinct ways. Understanding their differences helps maintain privacy and troubleshoot browser issues more effectively.

Clearing History

Removes records of websites visited from Safari’s history list—this includes the URLs seen in the address bar and the History section, as well as shortcuts or suggestions forpreviously visited sites.
Does not remove cookies, login status, cached files, or website preferences; it only deletes the record of places browsed.
Useful for simply hiding which websites have been visited without impacting saved site data or sign-ins.

Removing Website Data

Deletes website-specific data stored by Safari or another browser, which includes cookies (used for logins and preferences), caches (temporary files/images to speed up repeat visits), and other locally stored website data.
Removes login sessions and site preferences, meaning sign-ins and custom settings on websites may be lost.
Helpful for resolving website loading issues, freeing up space, or ensuring sites do not retain personal data.
Choosing between them depends on whether the goal is to hide browsing activity, solve site problems, or clear personal data. For privacy, clear both; for troubleshooting or freeing space, removing website data is more thorough.

With just a few taps, the iPhone 17 Air can become faster, safer, and more private by clearing old cache, cookies, and browsing history. Whether troubleshooting a website or preparing for an upgrade, these steps keep everything running smoothly. Regular digital cleanups make for a happier, more responsive iPhone experience now and in the future.

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