Snapchat is one of the most popular messaging apps on the planet right now. The app has features revolving around privacy, such as disappearing messages, notifications of screenshots or when someone replays your snap.
Like all apps, Snapchat maintains a cache which helps the app run faster. Caches basically store files that the app thinks you frequently use so that it doesn’t have to download resources every time you use them. This is what allows you to use your favourite filters even when you’re offline.
In this article, we talk about the Snapchat cache, delete it and what happens when you do.
Also read: How to see someone’s Snapchat friends?
What is stored in the Snapchat cache?
Aforementioned, the cache saves files that the app thinks you’ll frequently use. If you haven’t cleared the cache in a long time, there’s a good chance that it’s eating up a significant amount of space in your device’s memory.
For example, if you save a snap, Snapchat saves a cache of that snap as well so that you can load it up later without having to rely on your internet connection. The same thing happens with lenses. If you use a particular lens a lot, Snapchat will save it in the cache so you can use it later, even without an active internet connection.
Memories, stickers, stories all of these items get saved in the cache. While the Android app lets you clear the entire cache all at once, you can choose what cache you want to delete on the iOS app.
So if you’re running out of space on your device and don’t mind waiting a few seconds for your snaps or filters to load the next time you start Snapchat, clearing your cache is actually a great way to free up some space.
Here’s a list of all the items Snapchat saves in its cache.
- Stories: Contains story thumbnails, recently watched stories and other stories-related data.
- Lens: Saves all your lenses and filters.
- Discover: Saves recently loaded or viewed Discover data.
- Memories: Saves recently watched memories and related data.
- Browser: Saves any webpages you recently visited within the app.
Also read: 10 ways to fix the ‘Snapchat Camera Not Working’ error
What happens when you clear the cache?
For starters, any snaps or chats that you’ve saved won’t be deleted. However, if you delete the entire cache, the app will have to fetch resources from the internet repeatedly, and you might have to experience extended loading times.
If you’re on the iOS app, depending upon what cache you delete, the app will fetch the same data when you request it again, and you’ll have to wait but only for that particular item.
For example, if you clear your lenses cache, You’re going to have to wait for your lenses to be downloaded again before you’re able to use them. This means that you’ll also need an active internet connection the next time you’re looking to use that particular resource.
Also read: How to fix the ‘Snapchat Stuck on Sending’ error?
How to delete the Snapchat cache?
The Snapchat app lets users delete the cache from the app itself; follow these methods to clear your cache depending on you’re using Android or iOS.
Clearing Snapchat cache on Android
Open Snapchat on your Android device and follow the steps mentioned below.
- Tap on the Bitmoji icon in the top left.
- Tap on the Settings gear icon in the top right.
- Scroll down to find the Clear Cache option under Account Actions. Tap it to clear out your entire cache.
Alternatively, you can also tap on Clear Lens Data to only remove saved lenses and filters.
Clearing Snapchat cache on iOS
Open Snapchat on your iPhone and follow the steps mentioned below to clear its cache.
- Tap on the Bitmoji icon in the top left.
- Tap on the Settings gear icon in the top right.
- Select Clear Cache under Account Actions.
- Tap on Clear to delete the entire cache or select the feature cache that you want to remove.
The Snapchat app will restart and you’ll have a bit more storage to play around with.
Also read: How to fix ‘Snapchat black loading screen stuck on tap to load’ issue?
