Clear your cache and cookies in Chrome through the Settings menu in under a minute
Open Google Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy and security in the left sidebar. Choose Clear browsing data. A window will appear with checkboxes for different types of data — make sure Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are both checked. Set the time range to All time if you want to remove everything, or pick a specific period. Click Clear data and you're done.
The whole process takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look. Chrome will close any tabs that are signed into websites, so you may need to sign back in to your email, social media, or banking accounts after clearing.
Key Takeaways
- Access the clear browsing data window through Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
- Check both "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files" to remove both types of stored information.
- Choose "All time" to delete everything, or select a specific date range if you only want to clear recent data.
- You will be signed out of most websites after clearing, so have your passwords ready if you need to log back in immediately.
What cache and cookies actually do
Cache is a storage folder where Chrome saves copies of images, scripts, and other files from websites you visit. When you return to that site, Chrome loads the cached version instead of downloading everything again, which makes pages load faster. Over time, cached files add up and take up disk space on your computer.
Cookies are small text files that websites store on your computer to remember information about you — your login status, items in your shopping cart, your language preference, or your browsing history on that site. Some cookies are necessary for websites to work. Others track your activity across multiple sites to show you targeted ads.
Clearing both removes the speed benefit of cached files temporarily (Chrome will rebuild the cache as you browse) and signs you out of most websites. It also removes tracking cookies, which is why some people clear them regularly for privacy reasons.
Using keyboard shortcuts to clear data faster
If you clear your cache and cookies regularly, you can use a keyboard shortcut instead of navigating the menu each time. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac to jump directly to the clear browsing data window.
This shortcut opens the same window as the menu route, so you still need to check the boxes and pick your time range. But it saves you from clicking through Settings and Privacy and security every time.
Clear cache and cookies automatically when you close Chrome
You can tell Chrome to delete cookies and cached data every time you close the browser, without having to do it manually. Go to Settings > Privacy and security and toggle on Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome.
This setting removes cookies and cached files but keeps your browsing history, saved passwords, and autofill information unless you turn those off separately. If you use this setting, you will be signed out of websites every time you close Chrome, so you will need to log back in the next time you visit.
Clear cache and cookies for a single website
You do not have to clear everything at once. If you only want to remove data for one specific site, click the lock icon or information icon next to the website address in the address bar. Click Cookies and site permissions or Cookies (the exact label varies by Chrome version). You will see a list of cookies stored for that site — click the trash icon next to each one to delete it individually, or click Remove all to delete them all at once.
This method is useful if a website is not working properly and you suspect a corrupted cookie is the cause, or if you want to clear login information for one account without affecting your other accounts.
Difference between clearing cache and clearing browsing history
Cache and browsing history are not the same thing. Browsing history is the list of websites you have visited — the pages that show up when you type in the address bar or open your history. Cache is the folder of files those websites stored on your computer. You can clear one without clearing the other.
In the clear browsing data window, you will see separate checkboxes for Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files. Check only the ones you want to remove. If you want to keep your browsing history but remove cookies and cache, uncheck the browsing history box.
What happens after you clear cache and cookies
Websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them after clearing, because Chrome has to download all the images and files again instead of using cached copies. This slowdown is temporary — within a few visits, Chrome rebuilds the cache and pages load at normal speed again.
You will be signed out of most websites. When you try to visit a site where you were logged in, you will see the login page instead. Some sites may also forget your preferences — your dark mode setting, language choice, or saved items in your cart may reset to defaults. Signing back in usually restores these settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache and cookies delete my saved passwords?
No. Saved passwords are stored separately from cookies and cache. If you want to delete saved passwords, you need to go to Settings > Passwords and autofill > Passwords and remove them individually. The clear browsing data window does not touch passwords unless you specifically check that box.
Does clearing cache free up storage space on my computer?
Yes, but usually not much. Cache files add up over months or years of browsing, but they typically take up less than a gigabyte unless you watch a lot of video. Clearing cache is more useful for privacy and fixing website problems than for freeing up space.
Can I clear cache and cookies on my phone?
Yes. On Android, open Chrome and tap the three dots in the top right, then Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data. On iPhone, tap the three dots, then Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data. The process is the same as on a computer.
What if a website stops working after I clear cache?
Try clearing the cache for just that website using the lock icon method, or try clearing cache and cookies again but with a shorter time range — for example, the last hour instead of all time. If the problem continues, try a different browser to see if the issue is specific to Chrome.
Is it safe to clear cache and cookies?
Yes. Clearing cache and cookies will not damage your computer or Chrome. You may need to log back into websites and some sites may forget your preferences, but there is no risk to your system or data.