Safari, like all modern web browsers, caches data locally not only to speed up access to frequently visited sites, but to let data persist for web apps - including sites like gmail.com - so they can perform more like native apps. However, not only can the stored data build up over time, it can contain private information, or even reveal the names of websites you visit, that you might not want found on your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad (hey, we don't judge!). Luckily, iOS lets you quickly and easily delete this information - once you know where to look!
How to clear Safari website data on your iPhone or iPad
- Launch the Settings app from the Home screen of your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap on Safari.
- Now scroll all the way to the bottom and tap on Advanced.
- Tap on Website Data. Notice here you can see how much space on your iPhone or iPad website data is taking up.
- Scroll to the bottom again and tap on Remove All Website Data.
- Confirm one more time you'd like to delete all data.
That's it. All Safari data should be deleted now. If you're more worried about site tracking than anything, make sure you block website tracking as well!
Note: Clearing website data will also clear any saved logins or passwords you have stored inside Safari itself. If you've got it saved in iCloud Keychain however, that's stored separate and will remain.
How to get more help with iOS 7 Safari
If you have specific questions about Safari or iOS 7 in general, check out our iOS 7 help and discussion forum. For more on Safari in specific, check out our ultimate guide:
- How to find web pages, bookmarks, history, and 'on this page' with smart search in iOS 7 Safari
- How to use private browsing in iOS 7 Safari
- How to quickly close all iOS 7 Safari tabs in just a few taps
- How to access iCloud Tabs in iOS 7 Safari for iPhone
- How to set up and use Reading Lists in iOS 7 Safari
- How to use the Shared Links in iOS 7 Safari
- How to block adult websites and other pages from iOS 7 Safari
- How to block cookies and stop websites from tracking you in iOS 7 Safari
- How to clear history and cookies in iOS 7 Safari
- How to clear stored website data in iOS 7 Safari
Reader comments
How to clear stored website data in Safari for iPhone and iPad
Another simple, informative article. iMore is the best!
Question: is there a similar way to clear stored data from the Messages app? Mine is currently eating up almost 3GB on my iPad mini.
I've been asking Apple for a means to clear the Documents & Data cache(s) for over a year, if not longer. A few apps handle it themselves in their settings, but very sadly, there's no iOS feature for that other than deleting and reinstalling the app. Too many apps bloat.
I'd love to be able to set up certain apps to clear their cache automatically on a weekly basis like the Mail app can do.
Sent from the iMore App
To clear stored data from the Messages app you just delete the conversations. Just back out to the main Messages screen and swipe to your left to delete, just like in email.
I think this gets so big when you end up sharing photos and video because I, along with you, wound up looking at two gig of data in that program.
That's what I was afraid of, I was hoping to still be able to keep my messages, but oh well, guess it's time to bite the bullet. Thanks for the info!
Sent from the iMore App
Wow! I didn't know the website data stored could take up a lot of space. I have to definitely use this tip and clean out my website data. Great information and thanks for the tip!
Sent from the iMore App
Thank you for the tip!
ThX for the tip. Hope this helps with the Safari low memory crashes. I didn't know about this and just try to do regular cleanups of history and clear cookies and data.
Although I'm. It worried about storage I prefer to clean the gutters on the browsers I use. I wonder if there is a ccleaner for iOS.
Sent from the iMore App
Yep - done all of the above - unfortunately, Safari still insists on showing a cached version of my website (under development). Very frustrating. Any ideas anyone?
Cheers,
Mike
I find it verry helpful quick and easy,i would like you to clean a google **** site for me thank you.