"Have you tried turning it off and on again?"
When that doesn't work, the next step in mobile troubleshooting is usually clearing the cache. Beta apps, by nature, are buggy. They might corrupt their local database or get stuck in a weird login state. Here is how to wipe the slate clean without uninstalling the app.
How to Clear Cache on Android
Android gives you granular control.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps or Application Manager.
- Find the app in the list and tap it.
- Tap Storage & Cache.
- You will see two buttons:
- Clear Cache: Safe. Deletes temporary images and files. Does not log you out.
- Clear Storage (or Clear Data): Drastic. Resets the app completely. You will lose unsaved data and be logged out.
How to Clear Cache on iOS (iPhone/iPad)
iOS is more restrictive. It generally manages cache automatically.
Method 1: The App's Settings
Some well-behaved apps (like TikTok or Snapchat) include a "Clear Cache" button inside their own settings menu. Always check there first.
Method 2: Offloading (Keeps Data)
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll to the app and tap it.
- Tap Offload App.
- Wait a moment, then tap Reinstall App.
This clears the binary cache but keeps your login and settings.
Method 3: The Nuclear Option (Uninstall)
If the app is truly stuck, the only way to fully clear all data on iOS is to delete the app and redownload it from the App Store or TestFlight.
Why Clear Cache?
- Fix Crashes: Corrupted temp files often cause startup crashes.
- Free Up Space: Social media apps can hoard gigabytes of image cache.
- Force Update Content: Sometimes an app doesn't realize there is new data on the server; clearing logs forces a re-fetch.
