How to Clear YouTube Cache on Any Device

Have you ever noticed how apps load quickly in the beginning but, over time, become slow to respond and, in some cases, even end up crashing? Moreover, the app size increases, too. That’s the app cache for you. If you have noticed this issue with your YouTube app, keep reading as we look at how to clear the YouTube cache on any device.

While app cache helps load the apps faster by retaining specific app data from your last few visits, it accumulates over time and slows down the app. This is also one of the reasons why your YouTube app takes up so much storage. And while you can quickly clear YouTube cache on Android, what about iPhone and desktop users? Can you still clear the app cache? Let’s find out. But first things first.

What Happens When You Clear Cache on YouTube

Before we start, let us briefly examine what happens when you clear the cache on the YouTube app.

App Data

Most of your app data will stay intact when using the clear cache option on Android devices. However, uninstalling the app on your iPhone or clearing all browser cache might result in some or all data being deleted. In this case, you might also be asked to sign in again to YouTube.

App Loading Speed

Because the app cache is a collection of temporary data designed to help apps when loading, you might notice longer than normal loading times when you initially clear YouTube cache. This will get better once you have used the app a few times.

App Size

Over time, the cache will multiply and increase in size. So, once you clear the cache, it will also reduce the YouTube app size. The overall size of your browser will also reduce on your device once you clear the browser cache.

App Issues

Clearing the app cache is an excellent way to resolve most app issues. So, if you have been facing any frequent issues when using YouTube on your mobile or desktop, they might also be resolved once the cache is cleared.

Now, let us look at how you can clear the cache on the YouTube desktop and mobile app.

Clear Cache on the YouTube App for Android

Clearing the cache for most apps is easier for Android users as the Android Settings menu has the necessary provisions available. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: Here, scroll down and tap on Apps.

Step 3: Once the list of apps opens, tap on YouTube.

Step 4: Then, tap on Storage.

Step 5: Tap on Clear cache.

This will instantly clear the cache for the YouTube Android app.

How to Clear Cache on the YouTube App for iPhone

It becomes complicated to clear the cache if you’re using an iPhone. This is due to the absence of native options. So, you can uninstall and reinstall the YouTube app instead. This will remove all the app data, including the app cache.

Step 1: Long-press the YouTube app.

Step 2: Here, tap on Remove App.

Step 3: Then, tap on Delete App.

Step 4: If prompted, tap on Delete to confirm. This will uninstall the YouTube app from your iPhone. Once the uninstallation process finishes, go to the App Store and reinstall the YouTube iOS app.

Note: You must sign in to YouTube again to access your previous app data.

Download YouTube on iPhone

How to Clear Cache for YouTube Using Desktop

When using YouTube on your desktop, you don’t get a separate option for clearing the cache. In this case, you can open your browser’s settings and use the clear cache option. This will allow you to clear the cache specifically for the YouTube desktop app. Here’s how to do it.

Tip: You can also check out our explainers on clearing all browser cache for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

On Firefox

Step 1: Go to the Search bar, type Firefox, and open the browser from the search results.

Step 2: Now, open Firefox’s Privacy and Security settings page.

Open Firefox Privacy and Security Settings

Step 3: Then, scroll down to the ‘Cookies and Site Data’ section and click on Manage Data.

Step 4: From this list, click on YouTube.

Step 5: Click on Remove Selected. Repeat this process for any other site cache you would like to delete.

Step 6: Once done, click on Save Changes.

This will close the dialogue box and delete the cache for YouTube on Firefox.

On Edge

Step 1: Click on the Search bar, type Edge, and open the app from the search results.

Step 2: Open Edge’s Site Data page.

Open Edge Site Data Page

Step 3: Scroll through the page and click on YouTube.

Step 4: Once the options expand, go to the cache files and click on the bin icon.

You can also repeat these steps to clear the cache for any other specific site on Edge. Additionally, you can also check our guide to learn how to clear cache for a single site on Google Chrome.

FAQs for Clearing YouTube Cache

Get Rid of Access App Data

While caches are undoubtedly helpful, they can become a burden over time. This is one of the reasons why it is always recommended to clear it occasionally. So, we hope this article helped you better understand how to clear YouTube cache on your mobile and desktop.