In order to ensure optimal performance of your Instagram account and to protect your online privacy, it is important to periodically delete your cache. Cache is a collection of data stored on a device that is used to speed up the process of accessing webpages and applications. In this article, we will discuss how to delete the cache for Instagram, so that you can keep your app running smoothly and securely.
1. What is Cache and Why Should I Delete It?
Cache is a temporary storage area in your computer that allows programs or websites to store parts of the content they need to load in the future, so that they can access it quickly and easily instead of downloading it again.
Your device regularly stores what are called “cache files” as you browse websites. On a web page, these can include HTML (the actual webpage content), images, CSS stylesheets, Javascript files, and other multimedia content. This cache data can become large over time and slow down your device.
It is recommended to clear cache periodically so that your device and computer can run faster. Unnecessary cache files that are left on your computer can take up a ridiculous amount of storage space. Clearing the cache can free up memory on your device so that it can operate more efficiently. Additionally, deleting cached files will prevent errors on certain websites like troubleshooting browser issues.
2. Where to Find and Delete Instagram Cache
Clearing the Cache on the Instagram App
The Instagram app includes a cache, which refers to a temporary folder that stores locally-created data while using the app. To delete Instagram cache on your phone, you should follow these steps:
- Open Instagram app
- Go to your profile
- Tap three lines in the upper-right corner
- Tap “Settings”
- Tap “Security”
- Tap “Clear search history”
- Confirm that you want to clear the cache
Clearing your search history will advise the app to immediately remove the related cache data. This can be useful for dealing with problems related to the Instagram search.
Clearing the Cache Using Settings
You can also clear the Instagram cache using the settings of your phone. To do that, you should open the phone’s settings and go to “Apps” or “Applications”, and then to “Instagram”. Once you open the app settings, you should find an option such as “Storage & cache” or “Application data”, and tap on “Clear cache” or “Clear data”.
Clearing the Cache Using File Management Apps
You can also clear the Instagram cache by downloading and using a file management app. You should first download an app like ES File Explorer, which is available for free on the Google Play Store. After launching the app, you should go to “data > com.instagram.android > cache”, then you will be able to delete Instagram’s cache files.
3. How to Delete Unwanted Photos from Instagram Cache
In order to delete unwanted photos from your Instagram Cache, you need to follow a few simple steps:
- Open the Instagram application on your device
- Access the Settings menu
- Find and select the Storage Settings tab in the app
Once you have opened the Storage Settings tab, you will be able to find a list of all the cached photos and videos associated with Instagram. From here, you can select the photos and videos that you would like to delete. Once you select a file, it will be marked as ‘deleted’ and removed from your Instagram cache.
It is recommended that you use this method to delete photos and videos only when necessary, as it may take up valuable system resources to do so. It is also important to note that even after you have deleted the files from your Instagram Cache, they may still be stored in other areas of your device. Therefore, it is recommended that you regularly review and delete your cached files in order to ensure that your device is not storing any unwanted files.
4. Tips for Keeping Instagram Cache Size to a Minimum
Crop Images
Cropping your images will lower their size overall, saving space in your Instagram cache. While doing this, try to stay at the original aspect ratio to avoid distorting the image.
Reduce Image Resolution
Before posting, you can reduce the resolution of your images to shrink the size of them. Properly resizing images will maintain the same look while minimizing the file size.
Be Selective When Giving Access
Every app you allow access to your photos increases the size of Instagram’s cache. If you don’t need to share with any additional apps, deny access to them to prevent them from cluttering your cache.
- Crop images to reduce overall size
- Reduce image resolution when posting
- Limit access to other apps
5. Benefits of Deleting Instagram Cache Regularly
Keeping your Instagram app free from cache is important if you want to keep it running smoothly. Here are several benefits of deleting your Instagram cache regularly:
1. Reduce App Crashing or Freezing
Cache builds up over time and as your smartphone runs out of its processing power, the app shuts down or crashes. By getting rid of the cache, you will reduce the risk of the app crashing.
2. Keep your Smartphone’s Performance Up
Your Instagram app can slow down the performance of your other apps and your smartphone as a whole. When the cache accumulates, it increases the load on the memory and processor of your device slowing down its performance. Deleting it regularly can help you keep its performance high.
3. Free up Valuable Memory
The Instagram cache files can end up taking a significant amount of space which your device could otherwise use for better purposes. Clearing the cache regularly can help free up some of the storage space resulting in improved performance.
Deleting your cache data in Instagram can help to speed things up by reducing your loading time and allowing your device to multi-task better. By now, you should have a better knowledge of how to delete your cache within Instagram and achieve a smoother experience within the app.
