How to Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on Phone and PC 2024

The Facebook Messenger app stores data on your device to improve loading speeds. This data includes items like emojis, images, and media from past chats. Known as “cache,” these files make accessing previously loaded elements faster. Over time, however, this cache can accumulate, occupying storage space and sometimes slowing the app down.

Clearing cache does not delete your messages or personal data, which are saved on Facebook’s servers. Instead, it removes local copies, allowing the app to start fresh with new cache as you use it. Let’s go over how to clear cache on different devices.

How to Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on Android

On Android devices, clearing cache is straightforward and can be done directly from the settings menu:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Apps or Apps & notifications > See all apps.
3. Locate and tap on Messenger.
4. Select Storage & cache.
5. Tap Clear cache.

This will remove the cache for the Messenger app on Android, potentially speeding up performance.

How to Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on iPhone

iOS devices handle app storage differently and don’t offer a direct cache-clearing option. Instead, try these methods:

Method 1: Uninstall and Reinstall Messenger

1. Long-press the Messenger app icon.

1. Tap Remove App > Delete App.
2. Reinstall Messenger from the App Store.

Method 2: Offload Messenger App

If you want to keep Messenger’s data but clear storage, you can offload the app:

1. Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
2. Select Messenger.
3. Tap Offload App.

Reinstalling the offloaded app will restore your data without the old cache.

How to Clear Facebook Messenger Cache From Browsers

Clearing Messenger’s cache from a web browser removes cached data on your computer while keeping your messages intact. Here’s how for Chrome and Safari.

Chrome

1. Open Messenger’s site on Chrome.
2. Click the padlock or Settings icon next to the address bar.

1. Select Site Settings > Clear Data > Delete.

Safari

1. Open Safari and go to Safari > Settings.

1. Navigate to Privacy > Manage Website Data.

1. Find Messenger, select it, and click Remove.

This clears only the browser cache and not the cache within the Messenger app on other devices.

How to Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on Mac

For the Messenger app on macOS, clearing cache is also possible by uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

Uninstall and Reinstall Messenger

1. Quit Messenger. Open Finder > Applications.
2. Right-click on Messenger and select Move to Trash.

1. Empty the Trash, then reinstall Messenger from the official site.

Use a Third-Party App (CleanMyMac X)

Apps like CleanMyMac X can help clear cache:

1. Open CleanMyMac X and select System Junk.
2. Run a scan and review User Cache Files.
3. Check Messenger.app Cache and click Clean.

How to Clear Facebook Messenger Cache on Windows

On Windows, clearing cache involves either uninstalling Messenger or deleting cached files manually.

Uninstall and Reinstall Messenger

1. Open the Start menu > All apps.
2. Find and right-click Messenger, then select Uninstall.

1. Reinstall Messenger from the Microsoft Store.

Delete Cache Files Manually

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Enter %localappdata%\Packages\.

1. Open Facebook.[random string of letters and numbers].

1. Navigate to LocalCache and delete all files within.

Clearing these files might log you out of Messenger.

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Conclusion: Declutter Your Facebook Messenger

By clearing the cache, you can maintain a smooth and efficient experience on Facebook Messenger. Removing unnecessary files not only frees up storage but can also improve performance. Whether you’re using Messenger on a phone, tablet, or computer, regularly clearing cache is an easy fix to ensure your conversations stay fast and glitch-free.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does clearing cache delete Messenger conversations?

No, clearing the cache only removes temporary files stored on your device. Your conversations are saved on Meta’s servers and will remain intact.

2. Can I clear Messenger cache directly on iPhone?

iOS doesn’t have a direct cache-clearing option. However, uninstalling and reinstalling Messenger or offloading the app can achieve similar results.

3. Is it safe to use third-party apps to clear cache on Mac?

Yes, reputable apps like CleanMyMac X are designed to safely clear cache. Always ensure any third-party app is downloaded from a trusted source.

4. Will clearing Messenger’s cache affect other apps?

No, clearing Messenger’s cache only impacts that app. Other apps remain unaffected.

5. How often should I clear the Messenger cache?

It depends on usage. Clear it whenever you notice slower performance or if Messenger consumes too much storage.