What clearing your cache does and why you might need to
Cache is temporary data that your browser and apps store on your device to load websites and programs faster the next time you use them. Over time, this stored data can pile up and cause problems: pages load slowly, you see outdated versions of websites, login errors happen, or your device runs sluggish. Clearing the cache removes this temporary data and forces your browser or app to fetch fresh copies from the internet.
You do not need to clear your cache constantly. Most people benefit from doing it once a month or when they notice a specific problem — a website that will not load correctly, an app that keeps crashing, or a login that fails even though your password is right. Clearing cache is safe; it will not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved files unless you specifically choose to delete those too.
Key Takeaways
- Cache is temporary data your browser stores to speed up loading; clearing it removes outdated versions of websites and can fix loading errors.
- The steps to clear cache differ by browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge each have their own menu path.
- On phones and tablets, you can clear cache through your device settings or through individual app settings.
- Clearing cache will not delete your passwords or bookmarks unless you specifically check the box to remove those too.
- If a website still will not load after clearing cache, try clearing cookies or switching to a different browser to narrow down the problem.
Clearing cache in Google Chrome on Windows and Mac
Open Chrome and look at the top right corner of the window. Click the three vertical dots (called the menu button) and select Settings from the dropdown. On the left side, click Privacy and security, then click Clear browsing data.
A window will pop up with several checkboxes. Make sure Cached images and files is checked — this is the cache. You can leave the other boxes unchecked unless you have a specific reason to delete cookies or browsing history too. At the top of the window, use the dropdown that says Time range and choose All time to clear everything, or pick a shorter period like Last 7 days if you only want to clear recent cache. Click Clear data and you are done.
Clearing cache in Firefox on Windows and Mac
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (the menu button) in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy & Security. Under the section labeled Cookies and Site Data, click the button that says Clear Data.
A small window appears. Make sure the checkbox next to Cached Web Content is checked. Leave Cookies and Site Data unchecked unless you want to delete those too. Click Clear and the cache is removed. Firefox will also show you how much space was freed up.
Clearing cache in Safari on Mac
Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the very top of your screen (not inside the browser window). From the dropdown, select Clear History. A dialog box opens asking how far back you want to clear. Choose all history to remove all cache, or pick a time period like the last day. Click Clear History.
Safari does not give you the option to clear only cache and leave cookies — clearing history in Safari removes both. If you want more control, you can go to Safari > Settings > Privacy and click Manage Website Data to see exactly what is stored and delete specific sites.
Clearing cache in Microsoft Edge on Windows and Mac
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. On the left side, click Privacy, search, and services. Under Clear browsing data, click the button labeled Choose what to clear.
A window opens with checkboxes. Make sure Cached images and files is checked. Use the Time range dropdown at the top to choose All time or a shorter period. Click Clear now. Edge will also show you how much space was freed.
Clearing cache on iPhone and iPad
If you use Safari on your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app (the gray gear icon on your home screen). Scroll down and tap Safari. Scroll to the bottom and tap Clear History and Website Data. A menu appears asking what time period to clear. Choose all time to remove everything, or pick a shorter range. Tap Clear History and Data to confirm.
If you use Chrome on iPhone or iPad, open the Chrome app and tap the three dots in the bottom right corner. Select Settings, then tap Privacy. Tap Clear Browsing Data. Make sure Cached Images and Files is checked, choose your time range, and tap Clear Browsing Data to finish.
Clearing cache on Android phones and tablets
For Chrome on Android, open the app and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then tap Privacy and security. Tap Clear browsing data. Check the box next to Cached images and files, choose your time range at the top, and tap Clear data.
For Firefox on Android, tap the three lines at the bottom right of the screen. Select Settings, then tap Delete browsing data. Check Cached Web Content, choose your time range, and tap Delete Browsing Data. For other browsers, look in their settings menu for an option labeled Clear Cache, Clear Data, or Privacy.
What to do if clearing cache does not fix the problem
If a website still will not load or behaves strangely after you clear cache, try clearing cookies as well. Cookies are different from cache — they store login information and site preferences. The steps are the same as clearing cache, but you check the box for Cookies or Cookies and Site Data instead of (or in addition to) cache. Be aware that clearing cookies will log you out of most websites.
If the problem persists, try opening the website in a different browser. If it works fine in Firefox but not Chrome, the problem is specific to Chrome and clearing cache in that browser may help. If the site fails in every browser, the problem is likely with the website itself or your internet connection, not your device's cache.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords?
No. Cache and passwords are stored separately. Clearing cache will not touch your saved passwords. If you want to delete passwords, you have to check a separate box — usually labeled Passwords and other sign-in data — and most browsers do not check this box by default.
Will I lose my bookmarks if I clear cache?
No. Bookmarks are saved separately from cache. Clearing cache only removes temporary data. Your bookmarks, history, and saved passwords stay on your device unless you specifically check the box to delete them.
How often should I clear my cache?
Most people do not need to clear cache regularly. Clear it when you notice a website loading slowly, showing outdated information, or giving you errors. If your device is running out of storage space, clearing cache monthly can help free up room. There is no harm in clearing it more often if you prefer.
What is the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores images, scripts, and other files to make websites load faster. Cookies store information like login details and site preferences. Clearing cache speeds up your device but may slow down website loading temporarily. Clearing cookies logs you out of websites but does not affect performance.
Can I clear cache for just one website instead of everything?
Most browsers do not offer an easy way to clear cache for a single site. However, you can use your browser's developer tools (usually opened by pressing F12) to clear cache for specific sites, though this requires more technical steps. For most people, clearing all cache at once is simpler and faster.