- What clearing the Facebook cache does and doesn't do
- Clear cache for Facebook in a computer browser
- Clear browsing data in Chrome on Android
- Clear the data from links you open inside the Facebook app
- What about the Facebook app's own cache on a phone?
- When clearing the Facebook cache won't help
- If you can't find the Facebook log out option
- Clearing the cache if you run a business Page
- Frequently asked questions
To clear cache on Facebook, clear cached images and files in your web browser's settings. Inside the Facebook app, open a link, tap Options, then Settings, and tap Clear next to Cookies and cache. Clearing the cache doesn't delete your posts, photos or account.
When Facebook slows down, shows old pictures, stalls on a video or loads half a page, people tell each other to clear the cache. It's decent advice, but there isn't one Facebook button that does it. Where you clear the cache depends on whether you're using a browser on a computer, a link opened inside the Facebook app, or your phone itself, and they're all different.
I'll go through each, and I'll be clear about which parts Facebook's own help pages cover and which they don't. The steps follow Facebook's help articles I'm seeing a problem with how Facebook appears on my web browser and How to edit Facebook's in-app browser settings, plus Google's help centre for the Chrome part.
What clearing the Facebook cache does and doesn't do
A cache is a store of temporary files, such as pictures and bits of pages, that a browser or app keeps so things load faster next time. Clearing it throws those files away, and the next visit downloads fresh copies. Your posts and photos live on Facebook's servers, not in your cache, so clearing it doesn't delete them or your account.
| Clearing the cache | Result |
|---|---|
| Removes temporary files | Yes, stored page pieces and images go |
| Deletes your posts or photos | No, those aren't stored in the cache |
| Deletes your account or friends | No |
| Logs you out | Cache alone usually doesn't, but clearing cookies can sign you out of sites |
Clear cache for Facebook in a computer browser
On a computer you're clearing the browser's cache, because Facebook runs inside it. Facebook's help article says that if you're seeing a problem with how Facebook appears in your browser, you could have a cache or temporary data issue. You may be able to fix it by clearing your cache and temporary data from your browser's settings or preferences, using instructions for your browser version and operating system. The article lists Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Opera.
- Open your browser's menu and find the option to delete or clear browsing data.
- Choose a time range and tick the cached images and files option.
- Leave cookies and site data unticked if you don't want to be signed out of websites.
- Confirm, then reload Facebook.
Facebook adds that if clearing doesn't solve it, browser extensions from third parties may be the cause. It recommends disabling those add-ons before accessing the site again, or trying a different web browser.
Clear browsing data in Chrome on Android
Google's help centre describes Chrome on Android like this: open Chrome, tap More (the three dots) and choose Delete browsing data. Pick a time range and tap Delete data, or tap More options to choose exactly which types to remove. The data types it lists include cookies and site data and cached images and files. It also says that deleting cookies while you're signed in to Chrome won't sign you out of your Google Account.
Clear the data from links you open inside the Facebook app
When you tap a link inside Facebook, it opens in Facebook's in-app browser, which keeps its own browsing data. Facebook's help article describes how to clear it. It says the feature is only available in the Facebook app for Android and iPhone.
- Tap a link inside the Facebook app to open Facebook's in-app browser.
- Tap Options in the top right, then tap Settings.
- Tap Clear in the top right next to Cookies and cache.
- Tap Clear again to confirm.
Facebook says this clears cookies, cache and storage data from the websites you've visited while using Facebook. The same screen has switches for enhanced browsing and auto-fill, which are worth a look while you're there. If the setting doesn't show, the article suggests updating the app.
What about the Facebook app's own cache on a phone?
I want to be careful here. Facebook's help pages don't describe a way to clear the Facebook app's cache itself, and its article about problems in your web browser says that feature isn't available on the iPhone app. Phones have their own storage screens, and some, particularly on Android, let you clear an app's cache from the app's info page, but the wording differs between phone makers, so I'd rather you check your phone maker's help than follow a menu path I can't verify.
If the app is misbehaving, a simpler order of attack is to update it, restart your phone, and see whether the problem follows you to a browser. If you're thinking of deleting and reinstalling the app, make sure you know your password first. If you don't, my guide to resetting your Facebook password will help.
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When clearing the Facebook cache won't help
Cache clearing fixes stale or corrupted files. It won't fix a problem on Facebook's side, a poor connection, or an account restriction. If pictures are blank or broken, my guide to why Facebook isn't loading pictures goes through more causes. If your Page is the thing that won't load, try the same steps on a second device first.
- Check other apps and sites load, to rule out your connection.
- Update the Facebook app from your phone's app store.
- Restart your phone, which is quick and often works.
- Try Facebook in a browser, to see whether the problem follows your account.
If you can't find the Facebook log out option
Here's a neat connection from Facebook's own help article on logging out. It says that if you can't see the Log out option in the menu, you may have a cache or temporary data issue, and you may be able to log out by clearing your web browser's cache and temporary data.
Clearing the cache if you run a business Page
If you manage a Page, a stale cache can make edits look as though they haven't saved, or show an old cover photo. Clear your browser's cache or try a different device before you assume something is broken. It saves a great deal of unnecessary worry, particularly just after you've changed something customers can see.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clear the cache on Facebook?
On a computer, clear cached images and files in your browser's settings. In the Facebook app, open a link, tap Options, Settings and then Clear next to Cookies and cache to clear the in-app browser's data.
Does clearing the Facebook cache delete my photos or posts?
No. Your posts and photos are stored by Facebook, not in the cache. Clearing it just removes temporary files stored on your device.
Is there a clear cache button for the Facebook app on iPhone?
Facebook's help pages don't describe one. Its article on browser problems says that feature isn't available on the iPhone app, though the in-app browser data can be cleared from its Settings.
Will I be logged out if I clear the cache?
Clearing cached images and files alone usually won't. Clearing cookies can sign you out of websites, so know your password before you try.
Which browsers does Facebook's help mention?
Its article lists Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Opera, and says to use the instructions for your browser version and operating system.
Can browser extensions cause Facebook problems?
Facebook's help article says third-party browser extensions may cause problems and recommends disabling them or trying a different browser.
