How to Clear Facebook Messenger Cache and Improve App Performance

ByJim Miller

Most users have transitioned from traditional text messages to instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, and Signal to stay connected with friends and family. However, these feature-rich apps, like Messenger, collect cache to load frequently visited chats quickly. But when Messenger collects corrupt cache, issues like chat heads not working or videos not sending can arise. To address these problems, it is essential to clear the Facebook Messenger cache on your phone and desktop.

When Should You Clear Messenger Cache?

An excess amount of cache can lead to glitches and errors in any app, and Messenger is no exception. While Facebook has done a solid job with Messenger, frequent issues like the app not loading or problems with sending or receiving messages can disrupt your ideal social media setup. If you're experiencing persistent issues, clearing the Messenger cache is a troubleshooting step worth trying. It can also help free up space on your Android or iPhone without uninstalling relevant apps.

Facebook Messenger Cache Explained

Like every other mobile app, Facebook Messenger collects cache in the background to improve performance. This cache allows the app to load frequently used chats more quickly. However, sometimes Messenger collects corrupt cache on your mobile, causing issues. To address this, you need to clear the Messenger cache.

Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on Android

To clear the Messenger cache on Android, follow these steps:

  1. Long-press the Messenger app icon and open the app info menu.
  2. Select “Storage & cache.”
  3. Tap “Clear cache” from the menu.

You can also access this option from the Settings menu. Swipe up from the Android home screen to open the app drawer menu. Find the Settings app and select “Apps” > “See all apps.” Locate Messenger from the list and open the app info menu to clear the cache.

Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on iPhone

Unlike Android, you can't directly check the Messenger cache on your iPhone. However, you have two options:

  1. Offload Messenger: This option frees up storage used by the app but keeps its documents and data. When you reinstall the app, it will reinstate the app data.
  2. Delete App: This option deletes the app and all related data from your iPhone.

To offload Messenger, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Scroll down and select Messenger. You can offload the app from there. To delete the app, follow the same steps and tap “Delete App.”

Once you've offloaded or deleted the app, open the App Store on your iPhone, search for Messenger, and reinstall the app.

What Happens When You Clear Messenger Cache?

Clearing the Facebook Messenger cache doesn't affect your personal data. It only deletes the local files stored by Messenger on your phone. When you reinstall or open the app, Messenger loads everything from the company servers. Your messages, photos, and shared videos remain intact. However, you may need to log in again with your Facebook credentials. Keep them handy when using Messenger after clearing the cache.

Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on the Web

If you use the Messenger web version on desktop, you can clear the cache using the following steps:

  1. Launch Chrome on your desktop and head to Messenger. Click the lock icon in the address bar.
  2. Open “site settings” and clear Messenger data.

If you use Messenger on Safari, follow these steps:

  1. Launch Safari and click Safari in the menu bar. Open “Settings.”
  2. Go to the Privacy menu and select “Manage Website Data.”
  3. Search for Messenger and click “Remove.”

Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on Mac

Messenger offers a native Mac app. If you encounter problems with Messenger on Mac, you can clear the app cache using third-party apps like CleanMyMac X. Here's how:

  1. Download CleanMyMac X on your Mac and go to the System Junk menu.
  2. Scan your Mac and review the details.
  3. Select the checkmark beside Messenger and click “Clean.”

By following these steps, you can clear the Messenger cache on your phone, desktop, and Mac, improving app performance and resolving any related issues. Clearing the cache is a simple way to optimize your Messenger experience and troubleshoot any misbehaviors.