Clearing cache removes temporary files your device stored to load websites and apps faster
Cache is a folder on your device that stores copies of images, videos, text, and other data from websites and apps you visit. When you return to that website or app, your device loads the cached copy instead of downloading everything again — which makes things load faster. Clearing cache deletes those stored copies, forcing your device to download fresh versions the next time you visit.
Think of it like a notebook where your browser jots down "I already downloaded this photo from Facebook" so it doesn't have to download it again tomorrow. Clearing cache is like tearing out those notes. The website still works fine — your device just has to do the download work again.
Key Takeaways
- Cache stores temporary copies of website images, videos, and data so pages load faster on repeat visits.
- Clearing cache frees up storage space on your device, usually between 100 MB and several GB depending on your browsing habits.
- Websites may load slightly slower the first time you visit after clearing cache, because your device has to download everything fresh.
- Clearing cache can fix problems like pages that won't load, outdated information displaying, or login issues on certain websites.
- Cache is different from cookies — clearing cache does not sign you out of websites, but clearing cookies does.
Why you might clear cache
The most common reason to clear cache is to free up storage space. If you have not cleared cache in months or years, it can take up several gigabytes. On phones with limited storage, this can slow down your device or prevent you from installing updates.
A second reason is to fix website problems. If a page looks broken, shows outdated information, or will not load properly, your device may be using an old cached version instead of the current one. Clearing cache forces a fresh download. This solves most cases of "the website looks weird" or "my login is not working."
A third reason is privacy. Cache stores data about where you have been and what you have downloaded. If you share a device with other people, clearing cache removes that record from your device's storage.
How much space cache actually uses
The amount varies widely. A person who browses lightly might have 100 to 500 MB of cache. Someone who watches videos, uses social media daily, or has not cleared cache in years might have 1 to 5 GB or more.
On a phone with 64 GB of storage, 2 GB of cache is noticeable but not critical. On a phone with 32 GB, it matters more. On a computer with a 256 GB drive, cache is usually not a storage emergency unless you have other large files taking up space.
You can check how much cache you have without clearing it. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and look for "System Data" — part of that is cache. On Android, go to Settings > Storage and look for "Cached Data." On Windows, right-click your C: drive, select Properties, and look at "Disk Cleanup" to see temporary files.
What happens when you clear cache
Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, browsing history, or saved payment information — those are stored separately. You will not be signed out of websites. Your bookmarks stay. Your downloads stay. Only the temporary copies of images and data go away.
The first time you visit a website after clearing cache, it will load slightly slower because your device has to download everything fresh. After that, cache rebuilds automatically and pages load fast again. This slowdown is usually not noticeable — maybe an extra second or two on a slow connection.
Some websites may look slightly different the first time you visit after clearing cache, because you are seeing the current version instead of an older cached version. This is usually a good thing — it means you are seeing the website as it is meant to look now.
How to clear cache on different devices
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Scroll down and tap any app, then tap "Offload App" or "Delete App." This clears that app's cache. To clear Safari cache, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data, then choose the time range and tap "Clear."
On Android: Go to Settings > Apps. Tap an app, then tap Storage > Clear Cache. Repeat for each app. To clear Chrome cache, open Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data, choose "Cached Images and Files," and tap Clear.
On Windows: Open Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files. Check "Temporary Files" and "Recycle Bin," then tap "Remove Files." To clear browser cache in Edge, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete, choose the time range, check "Cached Images and Files," and click Clear Now.
On Mac: Most browsers do not have a built-in cache clearer. In Safari, go to History > Clear History, choose the time range, and click Clear History. In Chrome, press Command+Shift+Delete, choose the time range, check "Cached Images and Files," and click Clear Data.
Cache versus cookies — what is the difference
Cache and cookies are both temporary files, but they do different jobs. Cache stores images, videos, and page layouts so websites load faster. Cookies store information about you — your login status, your preferences, items in your shopping cart, or tracking data.
When you clear cache, websites load slower the first time but you stay logged in. When you clear cookies, websites load normally but you get signed out. Some people clear both, some clear only cache, and some clear only cookies depending on what they are trying to fix.
When you should not clear cache
Clearing cache is safe and has no downside except that websites load slightly slower the first time afterward. The only reason not to clear it is if you do not need the storage space and do not have a website problem to fix.
If you clear cache and a website still does not work, try clearing cookies as well, or try a different browser. If that does not help, the problem is usually on the website's end, not your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache sign me out of websites?
No. Cache stores images and page layouts. Clearing it does not affect your login information, which is stored in cookies. You will stay signed in to websites after clearing cache.
Does clearing cache delete my passwords?
No. Passwords are stored separately from cache. Clearing cache will not delete saved passwords. If you want to remove saved passwords, you have to do that in your browser's password settings.
How often should I clear cache?
There is no set schedule. Clear it when your device is running slow, when a website is not working properly, or when you are running low on storage space. Some people clear it monthly, others only when they notice a problem.
Is clearing cache the same as clearing browsing history?
No. Browsing history is a list of websites you visited. Cache is the temporary files those websites stored. You can clear one without clearing the other, though most browsers let you clear both at once.
Can I clear cache for just one website instead of all websites?
On computers, most browsers do not offer this option — you clear all cache or none. On phones, you can clear cache for individual apps. Some browsers have extensions that let you clear cache for specific sites, but this is not a standard feature.