What cached data is and why you might want to clear it
Cached data is temporary information your device stores to make apps and websites load faster the next time you use them. When you visit a website or open an app, it saves images, login information, and other files locally so it doesn't have to download everything again. Over time, this cache can grow large and sometimes cause problems — apps may run slowly, websites might show outdated information, or you may want to free up storage space.
Clearing your cache is safe and won't delete your passwords, photos, or documents. It simply removes these temporary files. The next time you visit a website or open an app, it will download fresh copies of what it needs. Most people clear cache once every few months, though you might do it more often if you're running low on storage or an app is behaving strangely.
Key Takeaways
- Cached data is temporary files stored by apps and websites to speed up loading, and clearing it frees up storage without deleting your actual files.
- On Windows, you clear browser cache through your browser settings, and app cache through Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files.
- On Mac, you clear browser cache in your browser preferences, and app cache by emptying the Trash after deleting the app or using a cleaning tool.
- On iPhone and Android, you clear app cache in Settings without uninstalling the app, and browser cache in your browser's settings menu.
- After clearing cache, websites and apps will load slightly slower the first time you use them while they rebuild their temporary files.
Clearing cache on Windows
On Windows, you clear cache in two places: your web browser and your system storage. For your browser, open it and look for Settings or Preferences — the location varies by browser. In Chrome, click the three-line menu in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Clear Browsing Data. Choose the time range (Last hour, Last 24 hours, All time), check the boxes for Cookies and cached images and files, and click Clear Data. In Edge, the process is nearly identical: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data.
To clear system cache and temporary files, open Settings and go to System > Storage. Scroll down to Temporary files and click it. Windows will show you how much space temporary files are using. Check the boxes for Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and Downloads (if you want), then click Delete files. This removes cache left behind by various programs and frees up storage without affecting your installed apps or documents.
Clearing cache on Mac
On Mac, clearing browser cache depends on which browser you use. In Safari, click Safari in the top menu, select Settings, go to the Privacy tab, and click Manage Website Data. Select all the websites listed and click Remove. In Chrome, click Chrome in the top menu, select Settings, go to Privacy and Security, click Clear Browsing Data, choose your time range, and check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files before clicking Clear.
To clear app cache on Mac, the process is less straightforward because macOS doesn't have a dedicated cache-clearing tool in System Settings. For most apps, you can open Finder, go to Applications, right-click the app, select Move to Trash, then empty the Trash — this removes the app and its cache together. If you want to keep the app but clear only its cache, open Finder, press Command+Shift+G, type ~/Library/Caches, and look for folders named after the app. You can delete those folders directly, though this is more technical and not necessary for most users.
Clearing cache on iPhone
On iPhone, you clear app cache without uninstalling the app. Open Settings, tap General, then iPhone Storage. Scroll through the list and tap any app you want to clear cache for. Tap Offload App — this removes the app but keeps your data. Then tap Reinstall App to download it fresh. The app will be smaller now because it no longer carries cached data. Alternatively, you can tap Delete App and then reinstall it from the App Store, which has the same effect.
To clear Safari cache, open Settings, scroll down and tap Safari, then tap Clear History and Website Data. Choose the time range at the bottom (Last hour, Last day, Last week, Last month, or All time), and tap Clear History and Data. This removes your browsing history, cookies, and cached website files. If you use a different browser like Chrome or Firefox on iPhone, open that app, find its settings menu, and look for an option to clear browsing data or cache — the exact steps vary by app.
Clearing cache on Android
On Android, clearing app cache is straightforward and doesn't require uninstalling anything. Open Settings, tap Apps or Application Manager (the name varies by phone brand), and scroll to find the app you want to clear cache for. Tap the app, then tap Storage or Storage and cache. Tap Clear Cache. The app will still be installed and your data will remain — you're only removing temporary files. You can repeat this for any app that's using too much space or behaving oddly.
To clear your browser cache on Android, open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu in the top right. Tap Settings, then Privacy and security, then Clear browsing data. Choose the time range at the top, check Cookies and site data and Cached images and files, and tap Clear data. If you use Firefox or another browser, the steps are similar — look for Settings in the app menu and find the option to clear browsing data or cache. You can also clear cache for all apps at once by going to Settings > Apps > See all apps, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting Show system > Storage > Clear cache, though this is less common.
What to expect after clearing cache
After you clear cache, websites and apps will load slightly slower the first time you use them because they have to download fresh copies of images and files. This slowdown is temporary — usually just a few seconds — and only happens once per site or app. After that first load, performance returns to normal as new cache builds up. You won't notice any difference in how apps function or what information they display.
If you cleared cache because an app was crashing or a website was showing outdated information, the problem should be resolved. If it isn't, the issue is likely something other than cache — try restarting the app or your device, or check whether you need to update the app or browser. Clearing cache is a safe troubleshooting step with no downside, so it's worth trying before moving on to more complicated fixes.
When to clear cache and how often
You don't need to clear cache on a schedule. Clear it when you notice your device is running slowly, when an app or website is behaving strangely, or when you're running low on storage space. If your device has plenty of free space and everything is working normally, there's no reason to clear cache regularly. Some people clear cache monthly as maintenance, while others go years without doing it.
The one exception is if you're concerned about privacy. Cached data can include information about which websites you've visited and what you've searched for. If you share your device with others or are about to sell it, clearing cache removes some of that history. Clearing cache alone doesn't make your device private — you should also clear your browsing history and consider resetting the device entirely if you're selling it — but it's a useful step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords or login information?
No. Cache is temporary files only. Your saved passwords are stored separately in your browser's password manager or in your device settings, and clearing cache won't touch them. You'll still be logged into most websites and apps after clearing cache.
Can clearing cache fix an app that keeps crashing?
Sometimes. If the cached data is corrupted, clearing it can solve the problem. If the crash continues after clearing cache, the issue is likely a bug in the app or a conflict with your device, and you should try updating the app or restarting your device.
How much storage space will I free up by clearing cache?
It depends on how much you use your device and how long it's been since you last cleared cache. Clearing cache might free up a few hundred megabytes or several gigabytes. On Windows, you can see exactly how much space temporary files are using before you delete them. On other devices, the amount varies and isn't shown in advance.
Is it safe to clear cache on my work computer?
Yes, clearing your personal browser cache is safe. However, if your work uses a shared device or a managed network, check with your IT department first — they may have policies about clearing cache or may need you to stay logged in to certain systems. Clearing cache on your personal browser won't affect work files or documents stored on your company's servers.
Do I need to restart my device after clearing cache?
No. Clearing cache takes effect immediately. You don't need to restart your device, though restarting afterward won't hurt and can sometimes improve performance if other issues are present.