What cached data is and why you might want to remove it
Cached data is information your device stores locally to make things load faster next time. When you visit a website, your browser saves images, text, and code. When you use an app, it stores login information, settings, and pieces of content. The next time you open that website or app, your device pulls from the stored copy instead of downloading everything fresh — which is faster and uses less data.
You might want to clear this cache for three practical reasons. First, if a website or app is behaving strangely — loading old versions of pages, showing outdated information, or freezing — clearing the cache often fixes it because you force a fresh read. Second, if you are selling or giving away a device, clearing cache removes traces of your activity. Third, if storage space is running low, cached data takes up gigabytes that you can reclaim.
Clearing cache does not delete your passwords, saved files, or photos unless you specifically choose those options. It only removes the temporary copies your device made to speed things up.
Key Takeaways
- Cached data is temporary information stored on your device to make websites and apps load faster, and clearing it does not delete your passwords or files.
- On Windows, you clear browser cache through your browser's settings menu, usually under History or Privacy, and app cache through Settings > System > Storage.
- On Mac, browser cache is cleared the same way as Windows, and app cache is cleared through System Settings > General > Storage.
- On iPhone and iPad, you clear app cache by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, selecting an app, and tapping Offload App (which keeps your data) or Delete App (which removes everything).
- On Android, you clear app cache through Settings > Apps, selecting an app, and tapping Storage > Clear Cache.
Clearing cache in your web browser on Windows and Mac
The steps are nearly identical whether you use Windows or Mac. Open your browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — and look for the menu button. In Chrome and Edge, it is three horizontal lines in the top right corner. In Firefox, it is three horizontal lines in the top right. In Safari on Mac, the menu is at the top of the screen.
Click the menu and look for "Settings," "Preferences," or "History." Once you are in settings, find the section labeled "Privacy," "History," or "Clear Browsing Data." You will see a list of checkboxes: Cookies, Cached Images and Files, Browsing History, and sometimes others. Check only "Cached Images and Files" unless you also want to clear your browsing history. At the top, make sure the time range is set to "All Time" so you clear everything, not just the last hour. Then click "Clear" or "Delete."
Your browser will take a few seconds to finish. You may notice websites load slightly slower the first time you visit them after clearing cache, because your device is downloading fresh copies. This is normal and temporary.
Clearing app cache on Windows
Windows stores app cache in a system folder that is easier to clear through Settings than by hunting for files manually. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click "System" on the left side, then scroll down and click "Storage."
You will see a breakdown of what is using space on your device. Look for "Temporary Files" or "Cache" — the exact name varies by Windows version. Click on it, and Windows will show you what temporary files exist. Click "Remove Files" and confirm. Windows will clear cached data from apps and the system itself.
If you want to clear cache for one specific app instead of everything, go back to Storage and click "Apps and Features." Find the app in the list, click it, and look for a "Clear Cache" button. Not all apps have this option in Settings, so if you do not see it, the app stores cache in the temporary files folder you cleared above.
Clearing app cache on Mac
Mac does not have a single "clear cache" button in System Settings the way Windows does. Instead, you clear cache app by app. Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top left and selecting "System Settings." Click "General" on the left, then scroll down and click "Storage."
You will see a list of apps and how much space each one uses. Click on an app you want to clear cache for. If the app has a cache option, you will see a button that says "Offload" or sometimes "Remove." Clicking "Offload" removes the app but keeps your data and settings, which clears most cached files. Clicking "Remove" deletes the app entirely. After you offload, you can reinstall the app from the App Store if you want it back.
For browser cache on Mac, use the same steps as Windows — open your browser, go to Settings or Preferences, find Privacy or History, and clear cached files.
Clearing app cache on iPhone and iPad
iPhone and iPad do not let you clear cache for individual apps the way Android does. Instead, you offload or delete the app, which removes cached data along with it. Open Settings and tap "General." Scroll down and tap "iPhone Storage" (or "iPad Storage" on an iPad).
You will see a list of apps sorted by size. Tap the app you want to clear cache for. You will see two options: "Offload App" and "Delete App." Tap "Offload App" if you want to keep your data and settings but remove the cached files — the app will reinstall itself the next time you open it, but it will be smaller and faster. Tap "Delete App" if you want to remove everything, including your data.
For Safari on iPhone and iPad, open Settings, scroll down to "Safari," tap it, scroll down to "Clear History and Website Data," and tap it. Choose the time range and tap "Clear History and Data."
Clearing app cache on Android
Android gives you the most control over cache. Open Settings and tap "Apps" or "Applications" — the exact name depends on your phone model. You will see a list of all installed apps. Tap the app you want to clear cache for.
Tap "Storage" or "Storage and Cache." You will see two buttons: "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data." Tap "Clear Cache" to remove only the temporary files. Tap "Clear Data" only if you want to remove everything, including your login information and settings — the app will act like you just installed it.
If you want to clear cache for all apps at once, go back to Settings and look for "Storage" or "Device Care." Tap it, then look for "Storage" again and tap "Cached Data" or "Clear Cache." This removes cache from every app on your phone without touching your actual data.
What to expect after clearing cache
After you clear cache, websites and apps will load slightly slower the first time you use them because your device is downloading fresh information. This slowdown lasts only a few seconds and happens only once per site or app. After that, new cache builds up and things return to normal speed.
If you cleared cache because something was broken — a website showing old information or an app freezing — you should see the problem disappear when ready. If the problem persists after clearing cache, the issue is something else, like a problem with your internet connection or an outdated version of the app.
Clearing cache does not log you out of websites or apps unless you also cleared cookies, which are different from cache. If you want to stay logged in, make sure you uncheck the "Cookies" box when clearing cache in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords?
No. Passwords are stored separately from cache. If you want to keep your passwords but clear cache, make sure you uncheck "Cookies" when you clear your browser cache. On apps, clearing cache does not touch passwords at all.
How much space will I free up by clearing cache?
It depends on how much you use your device and how many apps you have. Browser cache is usually between 100 megabytes and 1 gigabyte. App cache can be larger — some apps store several gigabytes. If your device is running low on storage, clearing cache from your most-used apps will make a noticeable difference.
Is it safe to clear cache?
Yes. Cache is temporary information your device can rebuild anytime. Clearing it will not damage your device or cause data loss. The only downside is slightly slower loading the first time you visit a website or open an app after clearing.
Do I need to clear cache regularly?
Only if you are running low on storage space or if a website or app is misbehaving. There is no harm in clearing cache regularly, but you do not need to do it unless you have a reason.
What is the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache is images, code, and other files that make things load faster. Cookies are small text files that remember your preferences and login information. Clearing cache does not log you out, but clearing cookies does. You can clear one without clearing the other.