Fix Telegram Cache Not Clearing or Still Taking Space

• 27 October
• 136 Views

Telegram is known for storing large amounts of media — photos, videos, and files — in its cache so that chats load faster. But sometimes, even after clearing the cache, the app still takes up gigabytes of space. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry — there are clear reasons and fixes for it.

1. Understand What Telegram Cache Really Is

Telegram cache includes temporary files like:

• Chat media (images, videos, voice notes)
• Thumbnails and previews
• Temporarily stored downloads

When you “Clear Cache” in the app, Telegram removes these — but it may leave behind other files like saved downloads or app data.

2. Clear Cache Properly Inside Telegram

Make sure you’re using the built-in cache management feature, not your phone’s general app cleaner.

For Android:

1. Open Telegram → Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage.
2. Tap Clear Telegram Cache.
3. Select all file types (photos, videos, voice messages, documents).

For iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage.
2. Tap Clear Cache.
3. Confirm the cleanup.

3. Delete Downloaded Files Manually

Clearing cache does not delete files you’ve downloaded to your device manually — for example, images saved to your gallery or videos saved in the “Downloads” folder.

Fix:

• On Android, check /Telegram/Telegram Documents and /Telegram/Telegram Images folders in your file manager.
• On iPhone, open the Files app and look for Telegram’s saved media in iCloud Drive or local storage.

4. Use “Delete Local Database” (Advanced Fix)

Sometimes Telegram’s local message database becomes bloated — even after clearing cache. You can reset it safely without losing chats (they’re cloud-based).

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage.
2. Scroll down and tap Delete Local Database.
3. Restart Telegram.

5. Check System App Cache (Android Only)

If Telegram still takes up space, your phone’s OS may be caching additional data separately.

Fix:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Telegram → Storage.
2. Tap Clear Cache and, if needed, Clear Data (don’t worry — your messages will re-sync from Telegram’s cloud).

6. Clear Telegram Desktop Cache

If you use Telegram Desktop, old media files can accumulate locally even after clearing cache on mobile.

Fix:

1. Open Telegram Desktop → Settings → Advanced → Data and Storage.
2. Click Manage Local Storage.
3. Click Clear All.

7. Reinstall Telegram (Last Resort)

If none of the above works, uninstalling and reinstalling Telegram will completely clear leftover data files.

Final Thoughts

Telegram cache issues usually happen because old downloads, thumbnails, or local databases remain after cleanup. Using Telegram’s built-in cache tool and occasionally resetting local data ensures your storage stays lean and efficient.

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