Instagram is eating 3GB of storage. How do I clear the cache without losing my drafts or DMs?

My phone has been nagging me about storage for a week and I finally checked which app is the culprit. It is Instagram. Three whole gigabytes. I have maybe forty saved posts and I barely post, so where is all of that even coming from. I want to clear it out but I am nervous. I have a couple of unposted drafts I actually care about, and years of DMs I do not want to lose. Last time I "cleared data" on a different app it logged me out and nuked everything local, so I have trust issues now. What is actually safe to clear here? Is cache separate from my drafts and messages, or is it all lumped together? And is there a way to stop it ballooning back to 3GB a month from now?

RRavi Meyer5d ago279 views

4 answers

Best answer

On Android: Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > 'Clear cache' (NOT 'Clear data', that one logs you out and can wipe drafts). Cache is just temporary files, your DMs live on Instagram's servers so they're safe. On iPhone there's no cache button, so 'Offload App' or a reinstall is the only way, DMs are safe but unposted drafts are stored locally, so post or screenshot those first.

LLiam Hansen4d ago

Honestly wish the app made this more obvious. Thanks for the walkthrough.

OOtto Gill3d ago

Went through this last month, you are not alone with it.

YYara Devi3d ago

iPhone 'Offload App' instead of Delete keeps your login and settings while dumping the cache. Genuinely underrated button.

DDesmond Boone4d ago

Instagram is eating 3GB of storage. How do I clear the cache without losing my drafts or DMs?

4 answers

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