What cache is and why you might want to clear it

Cache is a folder on your computer where Chrome stores copies of images, scripts, and other pieces of websites you visit. The next time you go to that site, Chrome loads these copies from your hard drive instead of downloading them again — which makes pages load faster.

Over time, your cache folder grows large. Clearing it frees up disk space, can fix problems where a website looks broken or loads the old version of a page, and removes records of sites you've visited. Most people clear cache once a month or when a website stops working right.

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome stores copies of website images and files in cache to make pages load faster the next time you visit.
  • You can clear cache in Chrome by opening Settings, selecting Privacy and Security, then choosing what time period to delete.
  • Clearing cache removes stored website data but does not sign you out of accounts or delete your bookmarks.
  • If a website looks wrong or loads an old version, clearing cache is often the first thing to try.

How to clear cache from the Settings menu

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings from the menu that appears.

On the left side of the Settings page, click Privacy and Security. Then click Clear browsing data. A window will pop up with options for what to delete and how far back to go.

At the top of this window, you'll see a dropdown that says Time range. Click it and choose how much history 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 — it should be by default. You can leave the other boxes checked or unchecked depending on what else you want to remove. Then click the blue Clear data button at the bottom right.

The faster keyboard shortcut method

If you clear cache often, the keyboard shortcut is quicker. On Windows or Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete. On Mac, press Command + Shift + Delete. This opens the clear browsing data window directly, skipping the Settings menu.

You'll still need to choose your time range and make sure Cached images and files is checked, but you save a few clicks each time.

What gets deleted and what stays

When you clear cache, Chrome removes stored images, scripts, and other website files. It does not delete your bookmarks, saved passwords, or browsing history — those are stored separately. You will stay signed into your accounts because your login cookies are different from cache.

If you want to delete browsing history, cookies, or saved passwords at the same time, you can check those boxes in the clear browsing data window. But cache alone will not affect any of those things.

When to clear cache and what problems it solves

Clear cache when a website looks broken, shows old content, or loads slowly even though your internet is fast. Outdated cached files are often the reason a page displays wrong after the site's owner made changes.

You should also clear cache if you're running low on disk space — cache folders can grow to several gigabytes over months or years. Clearing it regularly keeps Chrome running smoothly and frees up room on your drive.

If you clear cache and the problem persists, try closing Chrome completely and reopening it. If that doesn't work, the issue is likely something other than cache.

Clearing cache for a single website

You don't have to clear all cache at once. If only one website is acting strange, you can clear cache just for that site. Visit the website, then click the lock icon or information icon next to the web address in the address bar.

Click Cookies and site data or Site settings depending on your Chrome version. Look for an option to clear data for that site, or click the trash icon next to the site name. This removes only that site's cached files without touching anything else.

Setting Chrome to clear cache automatically

You can tell Chrome to clear cache every time you close the browser. Open Settings, go to Privacy and Security, and look for Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome. Toggle this switch on.

With this setting enabled, your cache folder empties itself each time you fully close Chrome — not just when you close a tab. This is useful if you share a computer or want to keep your disk space free without remembering to clear cache manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache sign me out of websites?

No. Cache stores images and files, not login information. Your passwords and login sessions are stored as cookies, which are separate from cache. You can clear cache without affecting your signed-in accounts.

How much space does cache usually take up?

Cache size varies widely depending on how much you browse. It can range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes. If you're low on disk space, clearing cache is one of the quickest ways to free up room.

What's the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores website images and files to make pages load faster. Cookies store login information, preferences, and tracking data. Both are separate and can be cleared independently in the clear browsing data window.

Do I need to clear cache on my phone too?

Yes, Chrome on Android and iPhone also stores cache. Open Chrome, tap the three dots, go to Settings, select Privacy, and tap Clear browsing data. The process is the same as on a computer.

What if I clear cache and a website still doesn't work?

Try closing Chrome completely and reopening it. If the problem continues, the issue is likely not cache — it could be a problem with the website itself, your internet connection, or an extension. Try visiting the site in a different browser to narrow down the cause.