The App Store keeps a cache that can glitch (stuck downloads, blank pages) and a failed app/iOS update can leave a partial file using storage. The quick fix for App Store glitches is the hidden refresh: tap any of the bottom tabs 10 times to force a cache reload. For storage, delete a stuck iOS update in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Neither affects your purchased apps.
TL;DR
- App Store glitch? Tap a bottom tab (e.g. Today) 10 times to force-refresh its cache.
- Stuck app download: press and hold the app icon and choose Cancel/Delete, then retry.
- A failed iOS update file can sit in storage — delete it in iPhone Storage.
- Sign out/in of the App Store (Settings > [name] > Media & Purchases) clears account-cache glitches.
- None of this removes your purchased apps or data.
Why does the App Store glitch or use storage?
The App Store caches its pages and your download queue for speed. That cache can get stuck — showing blank tabs, frozen "Loading," or a download that will not progress. Separately, an interrupted app or iOS update can leave a partial file on the device using space.
How to clear the App Store cache (the 10-tap trick)
- Open the App Store.
- Tap one of the bottom tabs (Today, Games, Apps, or Search) 10 times quickly. The page goes blank for a moment and reloads with a fresh cache. This is Apple's built-in refresh and fixes most App Store glitches instantly.
Clear a stuck download or update
- Stuck app: on the Home Screen, press and hold the downloading app and tap Cancel Download or Delete App, then re-download.
- Stuck iOS update: Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find the update in the list, tap it and choose Delete Update — it can be several gigabytes.
What iOS does natively, and where it stops
The 10-tap refresh and the iPhone Storage update-deletion are both built in. What iOS will not do is expose an App Store cache size or clear it from Settings — the 10-tap trick is the only manual refresh. And clearing the App Store does nothing for the media (videos, photos) that actually fills a phone.
What this cannot do
Clearing the App Store cache fixes glitches but frees little space by itself — the real space is a stuck update file or your media. None of these steps remove purchased apps; re-downloading is always free.
FAQ
How do I clear the App Store cache on iPhone?
Open the App Store and tap any bottom tab 10 times to force a cache refresh. There is no cache button in Settings — this is Apple's built-in reload.
Why is my App Store stuck or showing blank pages?
A stuck cache. Tap a bottom tab 10 times to refresh it, or sign out and back in under Settings > [your name] > Media & Purchases.
How do I delete a stuck iOS update?
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the iOS update in the list, and choose Delete Update. iOS re-downloads it cleanly when you are ready.
Will clearing the App Store cache delete my apps?
No. It only refreshes the store's cache. Your installed apps, purchases, and data are untouched.
Next: iPhone storage full warning won't go away and how to clear app cache on iPhone without deleting apps. For the real space hogs, get Cleanor for iPhone.