Clear YouTube Cache in Just 2 Minutes – Quick & Easy Guide

October 2, 2025 By Christine Margret No Comments 6 minutes

Do you mind the slow loading speed while streaming YouTube videos? It is likely happening due to the accumulation of temporary YouTube files. These files are designed to improve performance and run more efficiently; however, over time, you may lose a significant amount of storage space to YouTube. Clearing the cache in the YouTube app or your web browser will help boost app performance and free up space on your devices. This guide shows you how to clear the YouTube cache on Android, iPhone, and PC to boost app performance. Let’s dive into the art of clearing your YouTube cache!

Key Points: Why Bother Clearing Your YouTube Cache?

Clearing the YouTube app’s cache or your browser’s cache isn’t some random task; it’s a lifesaver for users like us. That’s the brief rundown of how it benefits us:

• Resolves Glitches: Removes corrupted files that are responsible for video load failures, thumbnail issues, or crashing.
• Returns Storage Space: Clears cached thumbnails and preview, freeing gigabytes without jeopardizing watch history.
• Enhances Performance: Accelerates loading and playback for seamless YouTube use.
• Solves Login/Recommendation Problems: Reverts stale information to solve login issues or recurring recommendations.
• Saves Battery: Eliminates junk data, reducing your phone’s workload and prolonging battery life.

How to Clear the YouTube App Cache on Android

This is how to clean the YouTube app cache on Android in seconds:

• Open Settings: Swipe down, touch the gear icon, or locate Settings in your app drawer.
• Go to Apps: Touch “Apps” or “App management” (may be different for your phone).
• Find YouTube: Scroll or search for the YouTube application with the red play icon.

• Tap Storage & Cache: Hit “Storage & cache” (or just “Storage” on older Androids).
• Clear Cache: Tap “Clear cache,” confirm, and you’re done! (Skip “Clear data” to avoid logging back in.)

Takes under a minute, keeps your app smooth. Do it every few months for a happy phone!

How to Clear the YouTube App Cache on iPhone

iPhone users, clearing the YouTube app cache is a bit trickier, but here’s the quick fix:

• Open Settings: Tap the gray gear on your home screen.
• Go to General > iPhone Storage: Find it in Settings, then wait for apps to load.
• Pick YouTube: Scroll to YouTube in the list and tap it.
• Offload App: Tap “Offload App” to zap the cache but keep your logins. Confirm it.
• Reinstall: Hit the App Store, search “YouTube,” and tap the cloud icon to get it back.

Or, fully delete and reinstall from the App Store if you want a clean slate. Either way, you’re set with a fresh app on iOS 18 or 19!

How to Clear the YouTube Cache on Desktop

Desktop folks, here’s how to clear YouTube’s cache fast, whether you’re on Windows or Mac in 2025:

• Using YouTube as a PWA (Progressive Web App):
  • Right-click the YouTube icon (or Control-click on Mac) on your taskbar/desktop.
  • Choose “App settings” or “Manage app.”
  • Go to “Storage,” hit “Clear site data” or “Clear cache,” confirm, and refresh.
• No PWA? Clear Browser Cache:
  • In Chrome/Edge: Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear browsing data > Select “Cached images and files” > Clear.
  • Firefox: Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data.
• Rare Case (YouTube via Microsoft Store):
  • Windows: Settings > Apps > YouTube > Advanced options > Reset.
  • Mac: Quit YouTube in Activity Monitor, then clear browser cache.

Quick and easy—your YouTube should run smoother for those late-night video binges!

How to Clear the YouTube Cache in a Web Browser

Most of us hit YouTube in a browser anyway, right? Whether Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, clearing the cache is your best bet for “how do I clear my YouTube cache” moments. We’ll cover the big two—it’s quick and covers 90% of users. Do this weekly if you’re a power-watcher.

For Google Chrome (Windows/Mac/Android Desktop Mode):

1. Open Chrome and YouTube: Fire up your browser and head to youtube.com.
2. Access More Tools: Click the three dots in the top-right corner > “More tools” > “Clear browsing data.” Or shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac).
3. Pick Your Poison: Choose “All time” for a deep clean, check “Cached images and files,” and uncheck other stuff like history if you want to keep it.
4. Clear Data: Hit “Clear data.” Restart Chrome, and test a video—smoother sailing!

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Open Firefox: Navigate to YouTube as usual.
2. Settings Time: Click the three lines (hamburger menu) top-right > “Settings” > “Privacy & Security.”
3. Cookies and Site Data: Scroll to “Cookies and Site Data” > “Clear Data.”
4. Cache Only: Check “Cached Web Content” (uncheck cookies to keep logins), then “Clear.”

Firefox has a cool auto-clear option too: In the same menu, set it to wipe cache on close. For Edge or Safari, it’s almost identical—search “clear cache [browser name]” if needed. Post-clear, you might need to sign in again, but that’s it. No more “clear cache YouTube” headaches!

How FastestVPN Improves YouTube Streaming Anywhere

Alright, cache clears fix local glitches, but for ISP throttling, geo-restrictions, or sketchy travel Wi-Fi, FastestVPN’s got your back for YouTube in 2025. Here’s why it rocks:

• Super Speeds: 10 Gbps+ servers for lag-free 4K streaming—20% faster than free VPNs.
• Unlocks Content: 800+ servers across 49 countries to access exclusive YouTube vids or YouTube TV anywhere.
• Private & Secure: AES-256 encryption, audited no-logs policy—your watch history stays secret.
• Ad-Free Vibes: Built-in ad blocker skips YouTube ads, plus unblocks Netflix/Hulu and supports P2P downloads.
• Budget & Flexible: Unlimited devices, ~$5/month (or lifetime deals)—perfect for families or travel.

Download the app, pick a US server, clear your cache, and enjoy smooth, unrestricted YouTube. Total win!

Conclusion

Alright, you’ve got the full scoop on clearing your YouTube cache—whether on phone, PC, or tablet. It’s a quick fix to free up space, stop crashes, and keep videos zipping along smoothly. Do it monthly to keep the vibes flawless. Traveling or stuck with slow Wi-Fi? FastestVPN’s your sidekick for buffer-free streaming and unlocking geo-blocked content anywhere.