How to Clear iMessage Cache: A Step-by-Step Guide
A popular messaging platform is iMessage in the times of technology, widely used by Apple device users. However, over time, iMessage can accumulate cache data, leading to sluggish performance and various issues.
In this post, we'll discuss the importance of routinely cleaning your iMessage cache and provide you detailed instructions on how to accomplish so.
Why clear cache on iPhone?
Everything has its limitations, as we all know, and iPhone memory is no exception. You may eventually run out of memory on your device, even if all 64GB or 128GB of it is available.
When attempting to download a new application from the App Store, you may get the notice “Cannot Download.” This could occur at the most inconvenient time, and let's be honest, it usually does. “Storage almost full” or “There is not enough storage available…”
The cache of the various apps you use on your mobile device is one of the most frequent causes of the “not enough storage” notification.
This may be the case since frequently used apps, including iMessage, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and others, can accumulate and use seven to ten times more space in their cache files than the actual program.
How to Clear iMessage Cache: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start you need to be ready: Download iBackupbot, and PC/Mac running the latest version of iTunes.
Take these actions:
Make a backup of your iPad or iPhone using iTunes. (If your iPhone is connected to the PC or Mac, you can use iTunes to backup your device by right-clicking on it and selecting Backup Now. Alternatively, you can utilize the Summary tab's Back-Up feature.)
- Open iBackupbot.
- Go to System Files → Mediadomain → Library → SMS → Attachments from the sidepane.
- Every folder in Attachments is your message cache, which includes every image, video, and file you've sent or received. Remove them. Ideally, remove every folder.
- To restore your iPhone to this backup, click “Restore.”
- Naturally, this is not the end of it. You may need to flush any existing iCloud backups as well. Proceed to Settings → iCloud → Storage & Backup, then remove any existing backup. One can make a fresh backup.
How to clear the cache on an iPhone
You can clear the cache on your iPhone by erasing your browsing history and data using the Safari app. This clears your iPhone's history of websites you've visited and recent searches.
The cookies and permissions you gave websites to access your location or send you notifications are also deleted during this process.
It should be noted that wiping your browsing history in Safari does not erase your browsing history from other apps or from independently-stored websites you have visited.
So, How to clear cache on iPhone?
- Open the Safari app on your iPhone.
- Tap the bookmark button, tap the History button, then tap Clear.
- Below Clear Timeframe, choose how much of your browsing history to clear.
- Tap Clear History.

Note: If you have Safari profiles set up, select a profile to clear only the history of that profile, or select All Profiles.
Best Practices for Maintaining a Clean iMessage Cache
Regular maintenance and adopting best practices can help prevent iMessage cache from bloating and ensure optimal performance. Here are some tips to maintain a clean iMessage cache:
- Clear cache periodically: Set a schedule to clear iMessage cache at regular intervals, such as once a month, to prevent it from accumulating unnecessary data.
- Manage media attachments: Delete unnecessary media attachments, such as photos, videos, or GIFs, to free up storage space and reduce cache size.
- Update iOS and macOS: Keeping your operating system up to date ensures you have the latest bug fixes and optimizations, which can contribute to a smoother iMessage experience.
- Avoid unnecessary message threads: Delete old, irrelevant message threads to minimize the storage usage and potential cache buildup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues After Clearing iMessage Cache
While clearing iMessage cache can resolve many performance issues, some users might encounter specific problems even after following the steps. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:
- Restoring lost data or messages: If you accidentally deleted important messages during the cache clearing process, refer to Apple's official guide on restoring deleted messages from iCloud or device backups.
- Check for software updates: Ensure your device has the latest iOS or macOS update, as outdated software can cause compatibility issues and impact iMessage functionality.
- Contact Apple Support: If you've tried all troubleshooting steps and still experience persistent issues, reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. They can provide specialized guidance based on your specific situation.
In conclusion, clearing iMessage cache is crucial to maintain optimal performance and avoid potential issues. Remember to periodically clear cache, manage media attachments, and stay updated with the latest software releases.

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”