You may need to clear the Outlook mobile app cache if the app is slow, crashes, or shows outdated information. This cache stores temporary data to speed up the app but can become corrupted. This guide explains how to clear this cache on both Android and iOS devices. You will learn the specific steps that remove only temporary files while keeping your email accounts and settings intact.
Key Takeaways: Clearing Cache in Outlook Mobile
- Android App Info > Storage > Clear Cache: Deletes temporary app data without affecting your logged-in accounts or personal settings.
- iOS Offload App / Delete & Reinstall: Removes app documents and data while preserving account information stored in iCloud or device settings.
- Outlook Settings > Reset Account: Refreshes the connection to your mail server without clearing the entire app cache, useful for sync issues.
Understanding the Outlook Mobile App Cache
The Outlook mobile app uses a local cache to store temporary files. This includes preview images, parts of your message history, and other non-essential data to make the app load faster. Your account credentials, server settings, and mailbox rules are stored separately in a secure system area. Clearing the cache targets only the temporary files, not your account configuration. This process can resolve performance problems and display errors without requiring you to set up your email again.
Steps to Clear Cache on Android and iOS
The method differs between operating systems. On Android, you can clear the cache directly from the device settings. iOS does not offer a direct cache clearing option for individual apps, so a different approach is needed.
For Android Devices
- Open Device Settings
Navigate to your phone’s main Settings app from the home screen or app drawer. - Go to Apps & Notifications
Tap on Apps or Apps & notifications. You may need to tap See all apps to view the full list. - Select the Outlook App
Scroll through the list and tap on Microsoft Outlook. Do not tap on Outlook Calendar or Outlook Contacts. - Tap Storage & Cache
On the app info screen, select the Storage option. This screen shows the amount of cache and user data. - Clear the Cache
Tap the Clear Cache button. Confirm the action if prompted. Do not tap Clear Storage or Clear Data, as this will remove your accounts.
For iOS Devices (iPhone and iPad)
- Use the Offload App Feature
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Find and select the Outlook app from the list. Tap Offload App. This removes the app but keeps its documents and data. Then, tap Reinstall App. - Alternative: Delete and Reinstall
If offloading does not work, press and hold the Outlook app icon on the home screen. Tap Remove App, then tap Delete App. Visit the App Store, search for Microsoft Outlook, and install it again. Your accounts should automatically reappear as they are linked to your Apple ID or device mail settings.
Common Mistakes and Limitations
Clearing Data Instead of Cache on Android
On the Android Storage screen, tapping Clear Storage or Clear Data will delete all app information. This includes your email accounts, settings, and offline content. You would need to add your accounts again from scratch. Always double-check that you are selecting the Clear Cache button, which is typically smaller and located below the Clear Storage option.
Expecting a Direct Cache Option on iOS
iOS does not provide a user-accessible cache clearing function for individual apps like Android does. The offload or reinstall process is the standard method. This can take more time and requires a stable internet connection to re-download the app. Your account passwords may need to be re-entered if they are not saved in your device’s keychain.
Cache Fills Up Again Quickly
The app will rebuild its cache as you use it. This is normal behavior. If the cache becomes excessively large again within a very short time, it might indicate a problem with a specific mailbox or a stuck sync process. In this case, try resetting the account within the Outlook app by going to Settings > the account name > Reset Account.
Cache Clearing vs. Account Reset: A Comparison
| Item | Clear App Cache | Reset Account in Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Fix app slowness, crashes, or display glitches | Fix email sync, sending, or receiving errors |
| Data Affected | Temporary files and images | Local mailbox copy and sync settings |
| Account Setup Required | No, accounts remain logged in | No, but the mailbox re-downloads from server |
| Time Required | A few seconds | Several minutes, depending on mailbox size |
| Best For | General app performance issues | Specific email flow problems |
You can now clear the Outlook mobile app cache to improve performance without losing your email setup. For persistent sync issues, use the Reset Account function within the app’s settings. An advanced tip is to schedule regular cache clearing if you use multiple large accounts, as this can prevent gradual slowdowns over time.