I have the same ideas you mentioned:
1. Clear Cache (browser and nostr cache)
2. Don’t have many browser tabs open. Close all or nearly all.
3. Sometimes copy the nest address and put it in a freshly opened browser and paste the nest address into the newly opened browser.
My iphone browsers I use:
Safari
Brave
4. Turn your mic on in the nest.
5. Make sure your applications on your phone allow the mic and speakers.