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Telegram cache: where the folder is, how to clear it, and what gets deleted
Telegram's cache is the copies of photos, videos, voice messages and files the app has downloaded to your device so it doesn't have to fetch them again. Your chats live in Telegram's cloud, so clearing the cache doesn't delete messages — files simply download again when you open them.
The easiest place to clear and limit the cache is inside the app: Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage. You don't need to find the folder for that.
How to clear the cache
- Open Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage.
- Tap Clear Cache — you can pick the types: photos, videos, files, voice messages.
- On the same screen, set how long to keep media (for example a week or a month) and a maximum cache size — Telegram will then clean up on its own.
It works the same on Android and iPhone. In Telegram Desktop: Settings → Advanced → Manage local storage.
Where the cache folder is
| Device | Location |
|---|---|
| Android | In internal storage, usually Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/files/Telegram, with Telegram Images, Video, Documents and Audio subfolders. On Android 11 and newer most file managers can't open this folder |
| iPhone | Inside the app's sandbox — no folder access; clear it from Telegram's settings |
| Windows / Mac (Telegram Desktop) | App data sits in the tdata folder of the Telegram Desktop profile, in its own format that isn't readable as normal files. Files you save go to Downloads → Telegram Desktop |
Photos and videos Telegram saves to your gallery (with “Save to Gallery” on) are stored separately, in a Telegram album — not in the cache.
What clearing the cache deletes
- Deleted: downloaded copies of media and files on this device.
- Not deleted: messages, chats, files in Telegram's cloud, photos in your gallery, Saved Messages.
- Exception — secret chats: their media exists only on the device and can be lost for good when you clear the cache.
Can deleted messages be found in the cache?
No. Message text isn't stored as files in the cache, and when someone deletes a message, Telegram also wipes it and its data from the app's local database. Tools that promise to “recover deleted chats from the Telegram cache” work with what you can already see — or ask for access to your account. More on seeing deleted messages.
If you want to see what gets deleted, a copy has to be made beforehand. A bot connected through Telegram's chatbot section (“Edit” → “Chatbots” in your profile; Premium not needed) saves the messages of the private chats you choose as they arrive and sends you what was deleted.
Common questions
Where is the Telegram cache folder on Android?
Usually in internal storage at Android/data/org.telegram.messenger/files/Telegram. On Android 11 and newer most file managers can't open it; clearing from Telegram's settings is easier.
Does clearing the Telegram cache delete messages?
No. Only downloaded copies of files on the device are removed; your chats stay in the cloud. The exception is media from secret chats.
Where is the Telegram cache on iPhone?
Inside the app, with no folder access. Use Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage to clear it.
Can I recover deleted Telegram messages from the cache?
No. Deleted messages are wiped from the app's local database too; they aren't in the cache.
Next
Accidentally deleted a Telegram chat — what can be recovered.
Deleted Telegram photos — where they may survive.
Telegram chat backup — what the cloud protects you from.