What cache is and why you might want to clear it
Cache is a folder on your device that stores copies of websites, images, and files you have visited. Your browser saves these copies so that the next time you visit the same site, it loads faster — the browser pulls the stored copy instead of downloading everything fresh from the internet.
Over time, cache builds up and takes up storage space on your device. More importantly, cached data can sometimes cause problems: a website might look broken because your browser is showing you an old cached version instead of the current one, or you might see outdated information. Clearing cache is also a privacy step — it removes a record of the sites you have visited.
The steps to clear cache differ depending on which browser you use and whether you are on a computer or phone. The process takes two to five minutes and requires no technical knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- Cache is a storage folder that holds copies of websites and images you have visited so pages load faster next time.
- Clearing cache frees up storage space, fixes display problems on websites, and removes a record of your browsing history.
- The steps are different for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, and different again for phones versus computers.
- You can set your browser to clear cache automatically when you close it, so you do not have to do it manually.
How to clear cache in Chrome on Windows or Mac
Open Chrome and look at the top right corner of the window. Click the three vertical dots (called the menu button). A dropdown list will appear. Click "Settings" near the bottom of that list.
On the left side of the Settings page, click "Privacy and security". Then click "Clear browsing data". A box will pop up. At the top of the box, you will see a dropdown that says "All time" — leave it on that setting. Below that, make sure the checkbox next to "Cached images and files" is checked. You can leave the other boxes checked or unchecked depending on what else you want to remove. Click the blue "Clear data" button at the bottom right of the box. Chrome will clear the cache in a few seconds.
How to clear cache in Firefox on Windows or Mac
Open Firefox and look at the top right corner. Click the three horizontal lines (the menu button). A dropdown will appear. Click "Settings".
On the left side, click "Privacy & Security". Scroll down until you see a section called "Cookies and Site Data". Click the button that says "Clear Data". A small box will pop up. Make sure "Cached Web Content" is checked. Click "Clear". Firefox will clear the cache when ready.
How to clear cache in Safari on Mac
Open Safari. At the top of the screen, click "Safari" in the menu bar (not in the window — in the very top menu of your Mac). A dropdown will appear. Click "Clear History".
A box will pop up asking how far back you want to clear. Click the dropdown and select "All history". Then click "Clear History". Safari will remove the cache right away. Note that this also clears your browsing history, not just cache.
How to clear cache in Edge on Windows
Open Microsoft Edge. Look at the top right corner and click the three dots (the menu button). Click "Settings".
On the left side, click "Privacy, search, and services". Under a section called "Clear browsing data", click the button that says "Choose what to clear". A box will pop up. Make sure "Cached images and files" is checked. Click "Clear now". Edge will clear the cache in a few seconds.
How to clear cache on your phone
On an iPhone, open Settings and scroll down to find your browser (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox). Tap it. Look for an option that says "Clear History and Website Data" or "Clear Browsing Data". Tap it and confirm. The cache will clear when ready.
On an Android phone, open your browser. Tap the three dots in the top right corner and select "Settings". Look for "Privacy" or "Clear browsing data". Tap it, make sure "Cached images and files" is checked, and tap "Clear". The process is the same whether you use Chrome, Firefox, or another browser.
Set your browser to clear cache automatically
Instead of clearing cache manually every few weeks, you can tell your browser to do it automatically when you close it. In Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, this setting is in the main Settings page under Privacy. Look for an option that says "Clear cookies and cache on exit" or "Clear history when Firefox closes". Toggle it on. From that point forward, your browser will clear cache every time you fully close it.
This is useful if you share a device with other people or if you want to keep your browsing private. The downside is that websites will load slightly slower because your browser will not have cached copies to use. For most people, the speed difference is not noticeable.
What happens after you clear cache
After you clear cache, websites may load a bit slower the first time you visit them because your browser has to read everything fresh. This slowdown lasts only a few seconds and happens only on the first visit — after that, the browser builds up cache again and pages load normally.
If you were trying to fix a broken-looking website, clearing cache usually solves the problem. If a site still looks wrong after you clear cache, the problem is on the website's end, not yours. If you were clearing cache for privacy, the record of those sites is now gone from your device, though your internet service provider and the websites themselves may still have records of your visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache delete my passwords or saved information?
Not if you uncheck those boxes before you clear. When you open the "Clear browsing data" box, you will see separate checkboxes for "Passwords", "Autofill", and other data. Leave those unchecked and only check "Cached images and files". Your passwords and saved information will stay on your device.
How much storage space does cache actually take up?
It varies widely depending on how much you browse and which sites you visit. For most people, cache takes up between 100 megabytes and 1 gigabyte. On a device with plenty of storage, this is not a problem. On a phone or older computer running low on space, clearing cache can free up noticeable room.
Is it safe to clear cache?
Yes, completely safe. Cache is just a copy of things you have already downloaded. Clearing it will not break anything or damage your device. The worst that happens is websites load a bit slower the first time you visit them after clearing.
Do I need to clear cache on my phone as often as on my computer?
Phones tend to fill up with cache faster because they have less storage space overall. If your phone is running slowly or you are running out of storage, clearing cache is a good first step. On a computer with plenty of space, you can clear cache less often — once a month or even less frequently.
What is the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores images and files so pages load faster. Cookies store small pieces of information like your login status or preferences so websites remember you. They are separate things, and you can clear one without clearing the other. Most people clear both at the same time for privacy, but you do not have to.