Ensuring that every app functions smoothly is necessary. It includes updating them regularly, making them run in the background to save battery, and knowing when to force quit. But there is one thing almost everyone overlooks, and that is cleaning the cache.
Facebook, like any other app, stores cache to make your content load faster. However, it might start lagging once the cache accumulates over time and consumes the storage space. In this guide, we will talk about how to clear Facebook cache, both on your phones (iPhone and Android) and your desktop.
30-Second Summary
Are you noticing your Facebook app lagging or low storage issues? This may be the result of accumulated cached data.
Learn how to clear Facebook cache on iPhone, Android phone, and browsers through step-by-step guides. Explore the role of OG and meta tags in cache, privacy considerations, and how often you should clear cache to optimize the app’s performance.
What is Facebook Cache and Why Does it Matter?
In simple terms, cache is temporary storage that apps, browsers, and devices use to save files, so they load faster next time you open them.
When you use Facebook, the cache saves little bits of information, like the images you liked or the pages you scrolled. It helps Facebook load faster, and you do not have to wait for everything to load from scratch.
This means that the app or browser saves
Cached images and files: Copies of images, videos, and scripts for quick loading.
Browsing data and cookies: Logins, website visits, and preferences.
Temporary files: Data stored for smooth performance.
However, if the cache saves too much data, it can lead to many problems, such as
Takes Storage Space: Cached data accumulates over time and can take up a lot of storage on your device.
Glitchy App: If the cache gets overloaded, it can cause Facebook to slow down, malfunction, or cause other display issues.
Outdated Content: Not clearing the cache results in old images and files showing instead of the updated ones.
Preparing Before You Clear Cache
Before clearing your Facebook cache, you need to keep in mind some points.
- Remember your login details, as clearing app data may log you out.
- Check how much Facebook is occupying your storage on your phone and PC.
- Know the difference: Clear cache means you are deleting temporary files. Clear data means you are resetting the app completely and removing the settings that will log you out.
How to Clear Facebook Cache on iPhone
You can clear the cache on your iPhone either through the app or by uninstalling and reinstalling it. Have a look at both of these methods.
On the Facebook App
- To begin, launch the Facebook application on your phone.
- Click on your profile picture to go to the profile page.
- Click on the settings button, which is in the upper-right corner.
- Select “browser.”
- Tap on “clear” right next to “cookies and cache.”
- Click on “clear” again to confirm the action.
By Deleting the App
- On your iPhone, find the Facebook app and long-press on it.
- Click on “Remove App.”
- Now, click on “Delete App.”
- Go to the App Store and download Facebook again.
- Reinstalling it will fix the bugs and clear the cache.
How to Clear Facebook Cache on Android
There are two straightforward ways to clear Facebook cache.
Via App Settings
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone and scroll to Apps or App Management.
- Scroll through all the apps to locate Facebook.
- Inside the app’s settings, you will see Storage or Storage Cache.
- Select “Clear Cache” to remove temporary files without impacting your data.
Via Facebook App
- Open the Facebook app on your phone or through a web browser. Log in to it before proceeding.
- In the top-right corner, you will see three horizontal lines. These are called a hamburger menu. Click on them to go to the main navigation menu.
- Navigate down to find the “Settings & Privacy” option. Click on it and select “Settings” to go to the main settings page.
- Locate the “Browser” section, as it contains Facebook’s in-app browser, including cookies and cache.
- Find the “Cookies & Cache” section and select the “Clear” option.
- Tap on “Confirm” when the confirmation prompt appears.
- Once the cache is clear, a confirmation message appears verifying the action.
How to Clear Facebook Cache on Browsers
Even if you use Facebook on a web browser, you need to clear it to avoid any issues.
Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome on your device.
- Click on “Tools” in the browser window.
- Choose the “Options” button and click on the “Under the Hood” tab.
- A dropdown menu will appear from which you have to select Everything.
- Lastly, click on “Clear Browsing Data” to clear cookies and cache of Facebook.
Firefox
- Open Firefox on your PC and press the Alt key on your keyboard.
- Click on “Tools” and select “Clear Recent History.”
- For “Time Range to Clear,” select “Everything.”
- Click the arrow beside “Details” and select cache and cookies.
- Tap “Clear Now” to complete the action.
Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer on your PC and select “Tools.”
- Select “Internet Options.”
- Then, click on the “Browsing History” button.
- Choose “Delete.”
- After this, unmark the box next to “Preserve Favorite.”
- Lastly, click on “Delete” to clear Facebook cache and cookies.
The Role of Meta Tags/ OG Tags/ Open Graph
When you share a link on Facebook, it does not just guess what to show. It finds meta tags in the page’s code, particularly OG tags. These tags indicate what description, title, or image to display in the preview card.
For instance
- og:title is the headline of the preview.
- og:description is the summarized text under the title.
- og:image is the thumbnail of the preview.
- og:url is the main page URL.
Facebook fetches these tags and stores (caches) them. Even if you update any of the elements (image, URL, or content), Facebook may still show you the old version, unless you refresh it manually.
How to Force Refresh Facebook Link Previews
For this purpose, Facebook offers a free tool called “ Share Debugger.” Let’s see how to use it.
- Copy the URL of the page you want to refresh.
- Go to the Share Debugger and paste the link in the empty field.
- Click “Debug”. Facebook will show you the cache’s OG tags it has stored.
- Tap on “Scrape Again” or “Fetch New Information” to force Facebook to re-check your page’s meta tags.
- This will instantly clear Facebook cache and update the preview with a new image, title, or description.
Fixed Issues After Clearing Cache
Display issues fixed: You will no longer see any broken layouts or outdated thumbnails.
App speed instantly: After the temporary files are deleted, many resources are free.
Free up storage space: Clearing cache is particularly important for iPhones, where “Documents & Data” gets very large.
Better browsing experience: The browsing gets smoother and faster as cookies and old sessions are removed from your device.
How Often Should You Clear Facebook Cache?
Many people either ignore cache or don’t have enough knowledge about it. It can cause accumulation, which then leads to problems.
It is necessary to know when and how often you should clear your Facebook cache for better performance of the app. Consider it if
- The app starts lagging or feels buggy.
- Your storage is low.
- Previews or images are outdated.
- You manage content with meta and OG tags regularly.
You do not have to clear it daily. Usually, once a month is enough to keep your app and device working properly.
Privacy and Safety Considerations
Many people have confusion or concerns about clearing the cache. Let’s discuss them one by one.
Clearing the cache won’t affect your account or content
Clearing Facebook cache does not delete your account, images, messages, or posts. It just removes temporary files saved on your device, so that your personal information and activity remain intact.
Cookies and login sessions reset
When you clear cookies, your account can get logged out. You need to sign back into Facebook. This is normal and ensures that nobody can access your account except you.
Extra security on shared or public devices
If you use Facebook on devices that others also use, it leaves traces, such as your login credentials, saved posts, and search history. By clearing cookies and cache, you can remove these traces and protect your privacy.
Protects sensitive information
Old cached data means that your personal information (login tokens, site preferences, and saved forms) is accessible. Clear the cache to reduce the risk of someone accessing your information if the device gets lost, stolen, or if someone borrows it.
Best practice
It is a good habit to clean the cache regularly, particularly if you frequently log in from more than one device. It not only enhances the performance of the app but also protects your digital footprint.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clear Facebook cache on mobile phones and PC can fix many problems, such as slow loading, low storage, and display issues.
Whether you use an Android phone, an iPhone, or a browser, removing cached data can significantly improve an app’s performance.
If you are a website owner, refreshing meta and OG tags ensures that your audience always sees updated previews. Clear the cache monthly and enjoy a smooth Facebook experience.
For more exciting updates and interesting information about the digital world, feel free to explore The Digital Advice.
FAQs
Does Clearing Facebook Cache Delete Saved Logins and Passwords?
No, clearing Facebook cache only deletes temporary files. However, if you clear cookies and Facebook app data, it can log you out, and you will need to re-enter your password.
Why does Facebook still show Outdated Previews?
This happens because Facebook stores Open Graph (OG) tags. To fix this issue, use the Sharing Debugger tool (a free tool by Facebook) and click Scrape Again to refresh the previews.
Can clearing Facebook Cache free up Storage on my Device?
Yes, cached images, videos, and scripts accumulate to create hundreds of MBs. Clearing it on your Android, iPhone, and PC can free significant storage space.
How often should I clear the Cache on my Android mobile and iPhone?
Most users only need to clear cache once a month or when they start noticing storage and loading issues. Heavy users should clear it more frequently.
