How to Clear Cache on Chrome (Computer and Android)

When a website looks broken in Chrome, shows an old version of a page you've just updated, or refuses to load, the browser's cache is the usual suspect. Chrome saves parts of pages, like images, so they open faster next time. Most of the time that's helpful. Every so often it holds on to something stale, and clearing it's the fix.

Clear Chrome's cache on a computer

These are Google's steps for Chrome on Windows, Mac and Chromebook.

1. Open Chrome.
2. At the top right, select More (the three dots), then Delete browsing data.
3. Choose a time range, such as Last hour or All time.
4. Tick Cached images and files. Tick Cookies and other site data only if you also want to clear sign-ins.
5. Select Delete data.

There's a quicker route too. Google says you can type "Delete browsing data" into the address bar and select the Action chip that appears, which jumps straight to the same dialog.

Clear Chrome's cache on Android

1. Open the Chrome app.
2. On the right of the address bar, tap More, then Delete browsing data.
3. Tap More options to choose the types of data.
4. Set the time range, tick cached images and files, then tap Delete data.

Check the time range on your phone before you delete. Google says the default duration on Android is 15 minutes, so if the problem started yesterday, a 15-minute clear won't touch it.

Cache, cookies and history: what each one is

Data type	What it holds	What happens when you clear it
Cached images and files	Parts of pages, like images, saved to load faster next visit	Pages reload fresh; some sites seem slower at first
Cookies and other site data	Files created by sites you visit to save browsing data	You're signed out of many sites and some site settings go
Browsing history	The list of sites you've visited	Your history list is emptied

Why clearing cookies signs you out

This is what catches people. If you tick cookies along with the cache, Google says some settings on sites get deleted and, if you were signed in, you'll need to sign in again. That can mean a morning of password resets if you're not ready for it. If all you want is to fix a page that looks wrong, untick cookies and clear only cached images and files.

There's one exception Google mentions: if sync is turned on in Chrome, you'll stay signed into the Google Account you're syncing to. Other sites will still sign you out. And if it's videos that won't play rather than pages, my guide to YouTube not working on Chrome covers the other common fixes.

Clear one site instead of everything

If a single site is misbehaving, you don't have to wipe everything. Google says you can delete cookies for a specific site in Chrome's cookie settings. That keeps you signed in everywhere else, which is far less disruptive on a busy work day.

Pick the right time range

Chrome lets you pick a range such as Last hour or All time. For a page that's only just gone wrong, a short range is often enough. For a site that's been odd for days, or to free up space, choose All time. I go straight for All time with only the cache box ticked: it's thorough, and leaving cookies alone means nothing else breaks.

When clearing the cache helps

• A website has loading or formatting problems.
• You've updated your own website and Chrome keeps showing the old version.
• You want the most up-to-date version of a page you're visiting.
• Your computer or phone is short of local storage space.

Those are the reasons Google gives. Afterwards, expect a few sites to feel slower for one visit while images load again.

Signs the cache isn't the problem

If you've cleared cached images and files with All time selected and the site still misbehaves, the cache probably wasn't the cause. Try the same page in another browser. If it fails there too, the problem's likely with the website itself, not your copy of Chrome. If it only fails in Chrome, an extension could be interfering, so try turning extensions off one at a time. It's a five-minute check that saves you clearing everything again for no reason.

Privacy is a separate job

Clearing the cache isn't the same as browsing privately. It removes saved page files from your device, but it doesn't hide what you do online. Google says that to sign out of your Google Account on all websites, you sign out of Chrome. Some apps keep their own cache too; here's how to clear the YouTube cache when the app rather than the browser is misbehaving.

What I'd do

Clear the cache, not the cookies, unless you've a reason. Use All time when a site's been broken for a while and check the time range on your phone, because 15 minutes is rarely enough. If only one site is wrong, delete that site's cookies and leave the rest of your logins alone.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Clear cache in Chrome?

Select More at the top right, then Delete browsing data. Tick Cached images and files and select Delete data.

Will clearing the cache sign me out?

Not on its own. Clearing cookies is what signs you out of sites.

What does the cache store in Chrome?

Google says it remembers parts of pages, like images, to help them open faster on your next visit.

Why is a site slower after clearing the cache?

Content like images needs to load again on your first visit afterwards.

Is there a shortcut to Delete browsing data?

Yes. Type Delete browsing data in the address bar and select the Action chip.