What cache and cookies actually do
Cache is a folder on your computer where your browser stores copies of images, videos, and code from websites you visit. The next time you go back to that site, your browser loads these stored copies instead of downloading them again — which makes the page load faster. Cookies are small text files that websites save to remember information about you: your login status, items in your shopping cart, your language preference, or what you searched for last time.
Both exist to make browsing faster and smoother. But they also take up storage space on your device, and they can track your movement across the web. Clearing them removes that stored data and, in the case of cookies, stops many websites from remembering who you are until you log back in.
Key Takeaways
- Cache stores website images and code to make pages load faster; clearing it frees up storage but may slow down sites you visit often until the cache rebuilds.
- Cookies remember your login information and preferences; clearing them logs you out of most websites and removes tracking data.
- The steps to clear cache and cookies differ slightly between Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, but all are found in browser settings under History or Privacy.
- You can set your browser to clear cache and cookies automatically when you close it, or to block third-party cookies without clearing everything.
- Clearing cache and cookies will not delete your passwords or bookmarks unless you specifically choose those options.
How to clear cache and cookies in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy and security in the left menu. Choose Clear browsing data.
A window will pop up. At the top, make sure the time range is set to what you want — All time clears everything, while Last hour or Last 7 days clears only recent data. Check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Leave other boxes unchecked unless you want to delete your browsing history or autofill data. Click Clear data.
How to clear cache and cookies in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the left menu. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
A window appears. Check both Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content. Click Clear. If you want to clear only recent data, go back to the same menu and look for History at the top — click Clear Recent History instead, set the time range, and check the same two boxes.
How to clear cache and cookies in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Select Settings (or Preferences on older Macs), then click the Privacy tab. Click Manage Website Data to see all stored cookies and cache. Select All at the bottom left, then click Remove.
Alternatively, click Safari in the menu bar and select Clear History. Choose how far back you want to clear (the dropdown at the top), make sure all history is selected, and click Clear History. This removes both cache and cookies for that time period.
How to clear cache and cookies in Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services in the left menu. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
A window opens. Set the time range at the top — All time clears everything. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear now.
Set your browser to clear cache and cookies automatically
Instead of clearing manually each time, you can tell your browser to do it automatically when you close it. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome, then toggle it on. In Firefox, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data, and check Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed. In Safari, go to Settings > Privacy and check Remove all website data when quitting Safari. In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data and toggle on Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.
This approach means you start each session with a clean slate, but you will be logged out of websites when you reopen your browser. If you want to stay logged in to certain sites, most browsers let you add exceptions — check your browser's settings under Cookies or Privacy to see if that option is available.
What happens when you clear cache and cookies
After you clear cache and cookies, websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them because your browser has to read images and code again instead of using stored copies. You will be logged out of most websites and will need to sign back in. Websites will not remember your preferences — if a site was set to dark mode, it may revert to light mode until you change it again.
Your passwords and bookmarks will not be deleted unless you specifically checked those boxes during the clearing process. Your browsing history will not be deleted unless you chose to clear that too. Only the cache and cookies you selected are removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cookies delete my passwords?
No. Passwords are stored separately from cookies. If you want to delete saved passwords, you have to go to your browser's password manager and remove them individually. Most browsers keep passwords even after you clear cache and cookies, unless you specifically check a box to delete them during the clearing process.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing cookies?
Cache stores images, videos, and code to make websites load faster. Cookies store login information, preferences, and tracking data. Clearing cache frees up storage space and may slightly slow down sites you visit often. Clearing cookies logs you out of websites and stops many sites from tracking you across the web. You can clear one without clearing the other.
Should I clear my cache and cookies regularly?
That depends on your comfort level. Clearing them regularly reduces tracking and frees up storage, but it also means you will be logged out of websites and pages will load slightly slower until your cache rebuilds. Many people clear them monthly or when they notice their browser is running slowly. If privacy is your main concern, set your browser to clear them automatically when you close it.
What are third-party cookies?
Third-party cookies are placed by websites other than the one you are visiting — usually advertisers or analytics companies tracking your behavior across multiple sites. Most modern browsers let you block third-party cookies without clearing all cookies. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data and select Block third-party cookies. This stops much of the cross-site tracking without logging you out of the sites you visit.
Will clearing cache and cookies speed up my browser?
It may, especially if your cache has grown very large over months of browsing. A smaller cache means your browser uses less memory and storage. However, the first time you visit websites after clearing, they may load slightly slower because your browser has to read everything fresh. After a few visits, your cache rebuilds and speed returns to normal.