To clear your browser cache, open the browsing data settings, pick a time range, check “Cached images and files” and confirm. In Chrome the path is the three-dot menu, then “Delete browsing data.” Below are the exact steps for Chrome on a computer and on Android, Microsoft Edge, and Safari on iPhone.
What is the cache, and why clear it?
The cache is a set of saved copies of pages, images and other files that your browser keeps on your device so sites load faster the next time you visit. Instead of downloading a store’s logo on every visit, it reuses the local copy.
The trouble starts when that copy goes stale. A site may have been updated while your browser keeps showing the old version, with buttons that don’t work, a broken layout or an error page that won’t go away. Clearing the cache forces the browser to download everything fresh.
It makes sense to clear it when a site shows outdated content, when a page looks broken only on your device, or when a support agent asks you to. You don’t need to do it weekly. A full cache doesn’t stop your browser from working normally.
How to clear the cache in Chrome on a computer
- Open Chrome.
- At the top right, select More (the three-dot icon), then select Delete browsing data.
- Choose a time range, such as Last hour or All time.
- Select Cookies and other site data, and check Cached images and files to clear the cache. Check anything else you want removed.
- Select Delete data to confirm.
A shortcut: type “Delete browsing data” in the address bar, then tap the action chip that appears to open the dialog directly.
Pay attention to the cookies option. According to Google, deleting cookies means you’ll need to sign in again to sites where you were signed in, and some sites may load more slowly at first. If Chrome sync is on, you stay signed in to your Google Account.
How to clear the cache in Chrome on Android
- Open Chrome.
- To the right of the address bar, tap More (three dots), then tap Delete browsing data.
- Pick a time range. The default is 15 minutes, so choose a longer range to clear more.
- To clear only what you need, tap More options, then select Cookies and site data and Cached images and files.
- Tap Delete data.
The same shortcut works here: type “Delete browsing data” in the address bar and tap the action chip.
How to clear the cache in Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge and select Settings and more.
- Go to Settings, then Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear next to “Clear browsing data now.”
- Under Time range, pick a period from the drop-down menu.
- Check Cached images and files.
- Select Clear now.
Microsoft notes that these files are stored on your device, so the cleanup applies only to the device you’re using.
How to clear the cache in Safari on iPhone
This route clears history, cache and cookies in one go:
- Open Settings, then go to Apps, then Safari.
- Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Choose the timeframe, then tap Clear History.
If you want to remove cookies and cache but keep your history:
- Go to Settings, Apps, Safari, Advanced, then Website Data.
- Tap Remove All Website Data, then tap Remove Now.
Apple says AutoFill information isn’t affected. If the button is grayed out, there may be no data to clear, or web content restrictions in Screen Time may be blocking it.
What happens after you clear it?
Three things, in this order. The first visit to each site is a bit slower, because the browser downloads everything again. If you also deleted cookies, you’ll need to sign in to your accounts again, so make sure you remember your passwords first. And data saved to your Google Account, if you delete it, is removed from every device where you’re signed in, so only select that option if that’s what you want.
To avoid losing logins for no reason, check only “Cached images and files” and leave cookies unchecked. That fixes most stale-page problems without signing you out.
What if the site still has a problem?
Clearing the cache doesn’t fix everything. If the error stays, try the same address in another browser or in a private window to find out whether the problem is your device or the site. Also check your connection and restart the browser. If your computer is short on storage, our guide on freeing up space on Windows with the DISM command can help, and our walkthrough on taking a screenshot on PC is handy for capturing an error message before you send it to support.
Frequently asked questions
Does clearing the cache delete my passwords?
No, unless you also select saved passwords or other saved data. The cache holds copies of pages and files, not your credentials. Cookies, on the other hand, keep you signed in to some sites, so deleting them may require logging in again.
How often should I clear the cache?
Only when there’s a reason, such as an outdated or broken site. It isn’t required maintenance.
Does clearing the cache free up storage?
It frees the space those copies used, but the browser starts saving files again as you browse. If storage is the real goal, use your system’s own cleanup tools.
Does clearing the cache on my phone also clear it on my computer?
No. Microsoft says cached files are stored on the device, so clearing applies only to that device. The exception is data saved to your Google Account, which Google’s Chrome page says is removed from every device where you’re signed in.
