In Telegram, open Settings → Data and Storage → Storage Usage. Review the space used by cached media and clear the categories you no longer need on this device.
Clear cached media inside Telegram
Use the cache controls in Storage Usage. Review the selected media types before confirming. You can also review storage by chat when your version offers that breakdown. The actual space recovered depends on what is already cached.
Cloud chats and Secret Chats
Cached media from cloud chats can generally be downloaded again while it remains available in the chat. Secret Chats belong to the device where you started them. Do not rely on cloud recovery for their contents or log out as a storage fix.
Limit future local storage use
Review the media retention and cache size options available in Storage Usage. Shorter retention removes unused local copies sooner. Adjust automatic media downloads under Data and Storage if you want fewer files downloaded in the first place.
Estimate other ways to free space on iPhone
Official references
Choose what to remove before confirming
| Item | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Cached media from cloud chats | A local copy may be downloaded again while the original remains available in the chat. |
| Secret Chat content | Do not rely on ordinary cloud recovery; check anything important on the original device. |
| A file saved separately in Photos or Downloads | That copy may remain after Telegram’s cache is cleared. |
Measure before reopening large chats
Illustrative example: after clearing cached videos, reopening a busy channel can download media again. Compare storage immediately after cleanup and again after normal use. If it grows, review auto-download and retention controls rather than repeatedly logging out. A fixed number of gigabytes cannot be guaranteed.
Updated 6 November 2026. Instructions were checked against the linked documentation; examples illustrate a decision process, not a measured device test.
