Having performance issues or bugs when using TikTok? Clearing the TikTok cache can help optimize the app and fix various problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to clearing the cache on both iOS and Android.
Why Clear the TikTok Cache?
Over time, the TikTok cache builds up from images, videos and data from the app. This can slow things down, cause the app to freeze or crash, or lead to other performance problems. Clearing the cache removes this temporary data and gives the app a fresh start, which typically resolves many common issues. It also frees up valuable storage space on your device.
Some examples of problems that can potentially be fixed by clearing the TikTok cache include:
- The app freezing or crashing
- Videos not loading or buffering slowly
- lagging when scrolling through feeds
- Problems logging in or accessing your profile/settings
- Glitches when posting videos or going live
- Strange notifications or other bugs
If you’re experiencing any of these types of issues, clearing the cache should be one of the first troubleshooting steps to try.
Clearing the Cache on iPhone/iPad
Here are the steps to clear the TikTok cache on iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad:
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Open the Settings app
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Scroll down and tap on ‘TikTok’
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Tap on ‘Clear Cache’
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Confirm that you want to delete the cache by tapping ‘Delete’
That’s all there is to it! The TikTok cache will now be deleted and the app reset. You may need to restart the app and/or your device for the changes to fully take effect.
Alternate Ways to Clear Cache on iOS
If simply tapping ‘Clear Cache’ doesn’t work or you want to take extra steps to delete the data, here are a couple other options:
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Offload App – In the Settings > TikTok screen, choose ‘Offload App’ to temporarily delete it and clear all cache/data. You can then reinstall TikTok from the App Store.
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Delete and Reinstall – Delete the TikTok app from your home screen/app drawer, then redownload it fresh from the App Store. This will completely wipe the app data.
Clearing Cache on Android
Android devices require a few extra steps to clear the TikTok cache, but it’s still easy to do:
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Open your device’s Settings app
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Tap on ‘Apps’ or ‘Application Manager’
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Tap on ‘TikTok’ in the apps list
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Tap on ‘Storage’
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Tap on ‘Clear Cache’
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Confirm that you want to delete the cache
The TikTok cache will now be removed. You may need to force stop the app and restart your device for the changes to fully take effect.
Other Ways to Clear Cache on Android
Here are some other cache clearing options for Android users:
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Clear Data – In the TikTok app info screen, tap ‘Clear Data’ instead of ‘Clear Cache’ to delete all app data.
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Uninstall Updates – Tap ‘Uninstall Updates’ to revert TikTok to the original factory version, wiping all updates and caches.
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Delete App – Uninstall TikTok completely from your device, then reinstall it fresh from the Google Play Store.
When to Clear Cache
You don’t need to clear the TikTok cache on a regular basis. Only do it if you’re experiencing performance problems or bugs. As a general rule of thumb:
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Clear cache if TikTok is freezing, crashing or has other issues.
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Clear cache after major TikTok app updates.
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Clear cache if your device storage space is low.
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Clear cache if you haven’t done it in awhile and want a performance boost.
Otherwise, the TikTok cache can be left alone. It will automatically be deleted over time as new data replaces old data.
What Clearing Cache Does NOT Do
While clearing the cache can solve many common TikTok problems, there are a few things it does NOT do:
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It does not delete your TikTok account or any of your in-app data, such as videos, messages, effects, etc. Your TikTok account and content will remain intact.
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It does not affect your privacy settings, notifications, parental controls or anything else in your account settings. Settings remain unchanged.
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It does not delete the app itself. TikTok will still be installed on your device.
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It does not necessarily boost TikTok’s performance or speed in the long-term. Effects are temporary.
In summary, clearing the cache removes temporary files to give TikTok a fresh start. But it does not change any account details or delete the app itself. Your videos, followers, messages and all other TikTok data will still be there after the cache is cleared.
Fix Other TikTok Issues
While clearing the cache fixes many problems, it doesn’t solve all TikTok issues. If you’re still having trouble, here are some other things to try:
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Update the App – Make sure you have the latest version of TikTok installed.
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Update Your Device Software – Install the newest iOS or Android OS updates.
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Free Up Space – Delete unused apps and files to free up storage space.
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Reinstall TikTok – Delete and reinstall TikTok as a last resort if issues persist.
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Contact Support – Reach out to TikTok’s customer service if you need further help.
Following general troubleshooting best practices for mobile apps can prevent and fix many common problems with TikTok.
The Bottom Line
Clearing the TikTok cache is an easy first step to take if you’re experiencing app freezing, crashing, lagging, buffering, or other performance issues. It removes built-up temporary data so TikTok has a clean slate. Just navigate to the TikTok app settings on your iPhone or Android device and tap “Clear Cache” or “Clear Data” to wipe the cache. Make sure to also keep the app updated, free up device storage, reinstall TikTok if needed, and contact support for further issues. With this handy guide, you’ll have the TikTok cache cleared in no time and can get back to scrolling For You feeds and creating viral videos.
