How to Clear Cookies from the Safari App on Your iPhone & iPad

Clear your cache to save storage space and protect your privacy while browsing.

By Dig Om Updated 11/06/2021

* This post is part of iPhone Life's Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

When you delete cookies from Safari on your iPhone or iPad, you free up storage space and improve your device's performance speeds. Clearing the cache and deleting cookies can also help safeguard your online privacy! We'll show you how to clear your cache and cookies, plus how to disable cookies for future browsing if you choose to do so.

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Related: How to Hide Apps on iPhone (& How to Find Them Later on)

What Are Cookies on the iPhone or iPad?

Cookies are pieces of data placed on your iPhone or iPad (or any other device on which you browse the internet) by the websites you visit in order to enhance your browsing experience. From helping you retain login information to tracking what sites you typically visit or what items you are interested in on Amazon, cookies and their associated data can make your web experience quicker, smoother, and more intuitive. After a while though, cookies and their saved data can take up valuable storage space on your iPhone or iPad and diminish overall performance. To learn other ways to improve your Apple devices' performance, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

Keep in mind, though, that clearing cookies on your iPhone will delete saved logins and other website information.

How to Clear Cache on iPhone or iPad & Delete Cookies

If you're ready to free up storage space on your iPhone by deleting cookies and clearing your cache, here's how to go about it:

  1. Open the Settings app.


     
  2. Scroll down and tap Safari.

    Tap Safari
     
  3. Tap Clear History and Website Data.


     
  4. A confirmation window will pop up.
  5. Tap Clear History and Data.

    Confirm delete cookies

And that's it! Remember that after you delete cookies on your iPhone or iPad, you will be logged out of any accounts you were signed into.

How to Disable Cookies on iPhone or iPad

You can also permanently disable cookies on iPhone or iPad if you wish. Keep in mind that this may prevent websites from working properly. A good alternative to permanently disabling cookies on iPhone or iPad, if you want to prevent cookies from accumulating, is to turn on Private Browsing from within your Safari browser. But if you'd like to try disabling all cookie collection, here's how:

  1. Open the Settings app.


     
  2. Scroll down and tap on Safari.

    Tap Safari
     
  3. Tap the Block All Cookies toggle to enable this feature. The toggle will be green when the feature is enabled.

    Block all cookies

Now you know why cookies matter, and how to clear storage space by deleting saved cookie and cache data!

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Topics

How-To
Apps
Apple Apps
Safari
Settings
Storage
Web Browsers
Privacy & Security

Author Details

Dig Om's picture

Author Details

Dig Om

As Senior Gear Editor at iPhone Life, Dig reports on the latest and greatest accessories built for the iOS ecosystem. From rugged gear and Bluetooth speakers, to headphones, unique iDevice cases, and iOS remote controlled vehicles, Dig's articles cover a wide range of great gear for the iPhone and iPad. A core gamer for over three decades, Dig also writes iPhone Life's Game Centered column, which focuses on the best iOS games and game related news. Additionally, Dig's company, iDoc Tech Support, offers web design and administration services as well as iPhone and iPad repairs. When not at his work desk, Dig loves spending time with family and enjoying the wonders of nature. You can follow him on Twitter @idoctech