How to Clear Game Data on iPhone or iPad: Start Fresh and Free Up Space

If you’ve been playing a game on your iPhone or iPad for a while, you’ve probably accumulated a lot of saved progress, settings, and in-app data. Over time, that data can eat up valuable storage and even cause glitches or sync issues. Whether you want to replay a favorite title from scratch, fix corrupted saves, or simply declutter your device, clearing game data is the perfect solution.

While iOS doesn’t include a one-tap “Clear Game Data” button, you can still erase game progress by managing your local storage, iCloud saves, and linked accounts. Let’s look at all the effective ways to delete game data on your iPhone.

Why Remove Game Data on iPhone or iPad?

There are several reasons you might want to delete game data:

• You want to start a game from the beginning again.
• Corrupted saves are causing crashes or bugs.
• You need to free up local or iCloud storage.
• Sync errors are preventing your progress from saving correctly.
• You’re lending or selling your device and want a clean slate.

Can You Completely Remove Game Data on iPhone?

Yes, you can, but it depends on where the data is stored. Games may save your progress locally on your device, in iCloud, or on the developer’s servers. Simply deleting the app won’t always erase everything, as iCloud or account-linked saves can restore your progress once you reinstall.

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To truly start fresh, you’ll need to clear the game data from all storage points.

6 Ways to Delete Game Data on iPhone or iPad

There are multiple ways to remove saved game data and start over. Try these methods in order:

1. Reset Progress from Within the Game

Before you uninstall anything, check if the game offers a reset option.

1. Open the game whose saved data you want to delete.
2. Here, locate the Settings or Options icon and tap it.
3. Now, look for options like Reset Game, Restart Progress, or Clear Save Data.
4. Confirm your choice if prompted.

This is the easiest and safest way to wipe your progress without reinstalling the game.

2. Delete the Game from Your iPhone

If there’s no in-game reset, deleting the app removes its local data from your device. Here’s how:

1. Tap and hold the game’s app icon to delete it.
2. Select the Remove app option in the pop-up menu.
3. Tap the Delete App button.
   

Note

When you reinstall the game, any data stored in iCloud or linked accounts may still restore automatically.

3. Remove Game Data from iCloud

To completely reset your progress, you’ll need to remove game data stored in iCloud:

1. Open Settings → iCloud → Saved to iCloud.
2. Locate and turn off the toggle next to the game.
   

4. Disconnect Linked Accounts

Many popular games (like PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, or Call of Duty Mobile) sync progress through linked accounts such as Apple ID, Facebook, or Google. To prevent automatic restore:

1. Go to the game’s Settings → Linked Accounts section.
2. Unlink Facebook, Apple, or other login methods.
3. Next time, log in with a new account or use guest mode.
   

5. Manage Game Center Data

Apple’s Game Center stores achievements and leaderboards, not full save files. However, you can still reset or switch accounts:

1. Open Settings → Game Center.
2. Tap Sign Out, then sign in with a different Apple ID.
   

6. Reset or Create a New In-Game Account

Some online games save progress through developer servers (like EA, Supercell, or Activision) instead of iCloud. In these cases, deleting the app won’t remove your saved data.

• Open the game and look for options like Reset Account, Start Over, or Delete Account. Some developers let you wipe your data or unlink your existing account directly.
• If there’s no reset option, sign out and register a new account with a different email address, Apple ID, or social login.
• For games that sync with developer servers (such as Supercell ID, EA, or Activision), contact their support team and request a full data reset or account deletion.

What Happens When You Delete Game Data?

When you clear game data from your iPhone or iPad, a few things happen depending on where the data was stored:

• Local files such as settings, levels, and achievements are permanently deleted.
• iCloud saves are erased across all devices linked to your Apple ID.
• Purchased items or upgrades remain tied to your Apple ID and can be restored later.
• Device storage is freed up, which can improve performance and speed.

Final Thoughts: Clearing Game Data Made Easy

Clearing game data on your iPhone may take a few extra steps, but it’s worth it if you want a truly fresh start. Start with an in-app reset if possible, then remove iCloud data and unlink any accounts. Once you’ve cleared every storage source, reinstall the game and enjoy a clean slate.

Have a better way to reset or clear game data on iPhone? Drop your tip in the comments below. Your insight might help other gamers too.

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