What cache is and why you might want to clear it

Cache is a folder on your Chromebook that stores copies of web pages, images, and files you have already visited. When you go back to a website, your Chromebook loads the cached version first — it is faster than downloading everything again from the internet.

Over time, cache builds up and takes up storage space on your device. Clearing it frees up that space. You might also clear cache if a website is loading incorrectly, if you want to remove browsing history that is stored alongside it, or if you are selling or giving away your Chromebook and want to wipe out traces of what you have visited.

Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved addresses unless you specifically tell it to. It is a safe, reversible action — the next time you visit a website, your Chromebook will straightforward read a fresh copy.

Key Takeaways

  • Cache is a storage folder that holds copies of websites and images you have visited, and clearing it frees up space on your Chromebook.
  • You can clear cache in under one minute by opening Chrome settings, selecting Privacy and Security, and choosing what time range to clear.
  • Clearing cache does not delete passwords, bookmarks, or autofill information unless you check those boxes yourself.
  • If a website looks broken or loads incorrectly, clearing cache is often the first thing to try before contacting support.

The fastest way: clear cache from the Chrome menu

Open Google Chrome on your Chromebook. In the top right corner, click the three vertical dots (called the menu button). Scroll down and click Settings.

On the left side, click Privacy and security. Then click Clear browsing data. A window will pop up with checkboxes for different types of data.

At the top of that window, you will see a dropdown that says All time. Click it and choose how far back you want to clear: Last hour, Last 24 hours, Last 7 days, Last 4 weeks, or All time. Most people choose All time to clear everything.

Make sure the box next to Cached images and files is checked. You can leave the other boxes unchecked unless you also want to delete browsing history, cookies, or other data. Then click the blue Clear data button. You are done — it takes a few seconds.

What each checkbox does if you want to be selective

The Clear browsing data window shows several options. Cookies and other site data stores login information and preferences for websites — clearing this logs you out of most sites. Cached images and files is the cache itself. Browsing history is the list of websites you have visited. read history is the list of files you have downloaded, not the files themselves.

If you only want to free up storage space, check only Cached images and files. If a website is not loading correctly, try clearing just that box first. If you want a complete wipe before handing off your Chromebook, check all four boxes.

The boxes for Passwords and other sign-in data and Autofill form data are usually unchecked by default. Leave them unchecked unless you specifically want to delete saved passwords or addresses — clearing cache will not touch these unless you check them yourself.

Clearing cache for a single website

If only one website is acting strange, you do not have to clear all your cache. Visit that website, then click the lock icon or information icon to the left of the web address at the top of the page. Click Cookies and site data. You will see a list of stored data for that site. Click the trash icon next to each item, or click Remove all to delete everything for that site at once.

This method is faster if you want to keep cache for other websites intact. It is also useful if you have logged into a website with the wrong account and want to clear just that site's login data so you can start fresh.

When to clear cache and when not to

Clear cache if a website looks broken, loads slowly, or shows outdated information. Clear it if you are running low on storage space — cache can take up several gigabytes over months of browsing. Clear it before you sell or give away your Chromebook.

Do not clear cache if you are about to lose internet access and want to view websites offline — cached pages let you read them without a connection. Do not clear it if you have a slow internet connection and rely on cached pages loading faster. And do not clear it if you are troubleshooting a website problem and want to preserve the cache to show a technician what you are seeing.

Clearing cache automatically on exit

If you want Chrome to clear cache every time you close it, you can set that up. Open Chrome settings, click Privacy and security, then scroll down to Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome. Toggle it on. From then on, cache will delete itself automatically — you will not have to do it manually.

This is useful if you share your Chromebook with other people and do not want them to see your browsing history. It also keeps your storage from filling up. The downside is that websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them each session, since your Chromebook will not have cached copies to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords?

No, unless you specifically check the box for Passwords and other sign-in data. By default, that box is unchecked, so your saved passwords stay on your Chromebook even after you clear cache. You will stay logged into most websites.

How much storage space does cache usually take up?

It varies depending on how much you browse and how many videos you watch. Cache can range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes. If your Chromebook is running low on storage, clearing cache is one of the fastest ways to free up space without deleting files you actually need.

What should I do if a website still does not work after clearing cache?

Try clearing cookies and site data for that specific website using the lock icon method. If it still does not work, try opening the website in an Incognito window (press Ctrl+Shift+N), which does not use cache at all. If it works in Incognito, the problem is with your cached data. If it does not work there either, the problem is with the website itself or your internet connection.

Can I recover files after clearing cache?

Cache files are temporary copies, not your actual files, so there is nothing to recover. If you accidentally cleared something you needed, check your Downloads folder or your cloud storage. Clearing cache only removes the temporary copies Chrome stored — it does not affect files you saved yourself.