Clearing your cache removes temporary copies of websites, images, and files your browser has stored on your device
When you visit a website, your browser downloads and saves copies of images, videos, text, and code to a folder on your computer or phone. This stored data is called a cache. The next time you visit that same website, your browser loads these saved copies instead of downloading them again, which makes the page load faster. Clearing your cache deletes all these temporary files.
The cache is separate from your browsing history. Deleting history removes the list of websites you visited; clearing cache removes the actual files those websites left behind. You can clear one without clearing the other, though most browsers let you do both at once.
Key Takeaways
- Cache is temporary storage of website files that makes pages load faster on repeat visits.
- Clearing cache frees up storage space on your device and removes outdated website versions.
- Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or browsing history unless you specifically choose to.
- Most people only need to clear cache when a website looks broken, loads incorrectly, or when they want to free up storage space.
- Clearing cache is different from clearing cookies, which store login information and website preferences.
Why you might want to clear your cache
The main reason to clear cache is when a website displays incorrectly or refuses to load properly. Sometimes your browser's saved version of a page is outdated or corrupted. Clearing cache forces your browser to download a fresh copy the next time you visit, which often fixes the problem.
A second reason is storage space. Cache files accumulate over time and can take up gigabytes of space, especially if you watch videos online or visit image-heavy websites regularly. On phones with limited storage, clearing cache can free up enough space to install updates or new apps.
A third reason is privacy. Cache files can reveal which websites you visited and what you looked at on those sites. If you share a device with other people, clearing cache removes evidence of your browsing activity from that device's storage.
What clearing cache does and does not remove
Clearing cache removes temporary website files only. It does not delete your saved passwords, bookmarks, or autofill information unless you specifically tell your browser to remove those things too. Most browsers show you a checklist when you clear cache, so you can choose exactly what to delete.
Clearing cache also does not remove cookies, which are small files that store your login information and website preferences. Cookies are stored separately from cache. If you want to log out of websites automatically, you need to clear cookies, not cache. Some browsers let you clear both at once, but they are different things.
Clearing cache does not affect your browsing history. Your list of visited websites stays intact unless you check the box to delete history as well.
How to clear cache on different browsers
On Chrome (Windows, Mac, or Linux): Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner, select Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Clear Browsing Data. A window appears with checkboxes. Make sure "Cached Images and Files" is checked, then click Clear Data.
On Firefox: Click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner, select Settings, then Privacy and Security. Scroll down to "Cookies and Site Data" and click Clear Data. Check "Cached Web Content" and click Clear.
On Safari (Mac): Click Safari in the menu bar, then select Clear History. A dropdown menu appears asking how far back to clear. Choose your timeframe and click Clear History. This clears both history and cache together.
On Safari (iPhone or iPad): Go to Settings, scroll down and tap Safari, then tap Clear History and Website Data. Choose a timeframe and confirm.
On Edge (Windows): Click the three dots in the top right, select Settings, then Privacy, Search, and Services. Under Clear Browsing Data, click Choose What to Clear. Check "Cached Images and Files" and click Clear Now.
How often you should clear your cache
There is no single right answer. Many people clear cache once a month or when they notice a website is broken. If you have limited storage space on your phone or computer, clearing cache every week or two can help. If you share a device with others and want privacy, clear cache after each session.
If a website stops working correctly, clearing cache is usually the first troubleshooting step to try. It solves the problem in roughly half of cases where pages display incorrectly or refuse to load.
You do not need to clear cache constantly. Modern browsers are designed to manage cache automatically and delete old files when storage runs low. Clearing cache too often can actually slow down your browsing slightly, because your browser has to download fresh copies of everything instead of using saved versions.
Cache versus cookies versus browsing history
| What It Is | What It Stores | Why You Might Clear It |
|---|---|---|
| Cache | Temporary copies of images, videos, and code from websites | Free up storage space or fix broken websites |
| Cookies | Login information, preferences, and tracking data | Log out of websites or reduce tracking |
| Browsing History | List of websites you visited and when | Remove evidence of where you have been online |
What happens after you clear your cache
After you clear cache, websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them, because your browser has to download all the files again instead of using saved copies. This slowdown is usually unnoticeable — a fraction of a second on most connections. After that first visit, pages load normally again as your browser rebuilds the cache.
You will stay logged into websites you were already logged into, because login information is stored in cookies, not cache. You will not have to re-enter your passwords or preferences.
If a website was displaying incorrectly, it should now show the current version correctly. If it still does not work, the problem is likely something else, and you may need to try a different browser or contact the website's support team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords?
No. Passwords are stored separately in your browser's password manager or in cookies. When you clear cache, you are only removing temporary website files. Your saved passwords stay intact unless you specifically check the box to clear passwords or autofill data.
Can I clear cache for just one website instead of all websites?
Most browsers do not offer a built-in way to clear cache for a single website. You have to clear all cache at once. However, some browsers let you clear cookies for individual sites by visiting the site settings. If you need to clear cache for just one website, try opening it in a private or incognito window instead, which does not save cache.
Does clearing cache make my device faster?
Clearing cache frees up storage space, which can help if your device is nearly full. However, it does not make your device run faster in general. In fact, clearing cache too often can make browsing slightly slower because your browser has to download files again instead of using saved copies.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing cookies?
Cache stores temporary copies of website files like images and videos. Cookies store login information and website preferences. Clearing cache removes the files; clearing cookies logs you out of websites and removes tracking data. You can clear one without clearing the other.
Is it safe to clear cache?
Yes, it is completely safe. Cache is temporary storage designed to be deleted. Clearing cache will not damage your device or cause any problems. The worst that happens is websites load slightly slower the first time you visit them after clearing.