What clearing cache does and when you need it
Clearing cache means deleting the temporary files Chrome stores from websites you visit. When you load a website, Chrome saves images, scripts, and other files on your computer so the site loads faster the next time. Sometimes these stored files get outdated or corrupted, which can cause a website to load incorrectly, show old information, or freeze.
You have two choices: clear cache for one specific website, or clear it for all websites at once. Clearing cache for a single site takes 30 seconds and fixes problems with just that one page. Clearing all cache takes the same time but affects every website you visit, so Chrome will load everything fresh the next time you browse.
Most people need to clear cache when a website looks broken, won't load properly, or shows information that should have changed. You might also clear cache before logging into a sensitive account, or if you share your computer and want to remove traces of where you've been.
Key Takeaways
- You can clear cache for one website by opening its settings in Chrome, or clear all cache at once from your browser history menu.
- Clearing cache for a single site takes about 30 seconds and fixes problems without affecting other websites.
- Clearing all cache removes temporary files from every website, so pages will load slightly slower the first time you visit them again.
- After clearing cache, close and reopen the website tab to see the changes take effect.
Clear cache for one website in Chrome
Open the website that is giving you trouble. Click the lock icon or information icon to the left of the web address at the top of your browser — it looks like a padlock or a circle with an "i" in it. A small menu will pop up.
Click "Cookies and site data" or "Site settings" depending on which menu appears. You will see a list of stored files. Look for "Cookies" and "Cached images and files" — these are the items taking up space. Click the trash icon or "Clear" button next to each one. Close the menu and refresh the website by pressing Ctrl+R on Windows or Command+R on Mac. The page will reload using fresh files instead of the old ones.
Clear all cache from Chrome at once
Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome. Select "Settings" from the menu. On the left side, click "Privacy and security," then click "Clear browsing data." A window will open showing what Chrome can delete.
At the top, make sure the time range is set to "All time" if you want to remove everything, or pick a specific date range if you only want to clear recent files. Check the box next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files." Leave the other boxes unchecked unless you have a specific reason to delete them — for example, checking "Browsing history" will erase your list of visited websites. Click "Clear data" at the bottom right.
Chrome will delete the files immediately. You do not need to restart your browser, but websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them after clearing cache, because Chrome has to download all the files again.
What happens after you clear cache
Once you clear cache, the next time you visit that website, Chrome downloads all the images and files fresh. This means the page might load a few seconds slower than usual, but you will see the most current version of the site. If the website was broken because of old cached files, it should now work correctly.
Clearing cache does not log you out of websites or delete your passwords — those are stored separately. You will still be signed into your accounts. Clearing cache only removes the temporary files that make pages load faster.
When to clear cache for one site versus all sites
Clear cache for a single website when only one site is acting up. This is the faster option and does not affect your other browsing. Clear all cache when you are troubleshooting a widespread problem, when you share your computer with others, or when you want to remove all traces of your browsing activity at once.
If you clear all cache by accident, do not worry — nothing is permanently lost. Chrome will simply download the files again the next time you visit your websites. Your bookmarks, passwords, and browsing history remain untouched unless you specifically checked those boxes in the clearing menu.
Clearing cache on mobile Chrome
On an iPhone or Android phone, open Chrome and tap the three dots in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings," then tap "Privacy." Choose "Clear browsing data." At the top, set the time range to "All time" or pick a specific period. Check "Cookies, site data" and "Cached images and files," then tap "Clear browsing data."
To clear cache for a single website on mobile, tap the lock or information icon next to the web address, then select "Site settings." Scroll down and tap "Clear & reset" to remove that site's stored files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords or log me out?
No. Passwords and login information are stored separately from cache. Clearing cache removes only temporary files like images and scripts. You will remain signed into your accounts unless you specifically checked "Cookies and site data" and the website uses cookies to keep you logged in — in that case, you may need to sign in again.
How often should I clear my cache?
Most people do not need to clear cache regularly. Clear it only when a website is not working properly, when you share your computer, or when you want to remove browsing traces. Clearing cache too often can actually slow down your browsing because Chrome has to re-download files more frequently.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing cookies?
Cache stores images, scripts, and other files to make websites load faster. Cookies store small pieces of information like login details and website preferences. Clearing both removes temporary files and resets how websites remember you, but you can clear them separately if you only want to remove one type.
Why is my website still not working after I cleared the cache?
If clearing cache does not fix the problem, the issue may not be with stored files. Try closing and reopening Chrome completely, or try opening the website in a different browser. If it works in another browser, the problem is specific to Chrome and you may need to restart your computer or reinstall Chrome.
Can I set Chrome to clear cache automatically?
Yes. Click the three dots in the top right, go to "Settings," then "Privacy and security," then "Clear browsing data." Check the box for "Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome." From then on, Chrome will automatically delete cache every time you close the browser completely.