Quick Answer
- On a computer, open Chrome, click the three dots, choose Delete browsing data, pick a time range and confirm.
- Tick Cached images and files to clear cache. Tick Cookies and other site data only if you also want to be signed out.
- You can also type “Delete browsing data” in the address bar and use the action chip Google shows.
- After clearing, some sites may load slower once while images and files download again.
Chrome saves cache so pages open faster. If a site looks broken or shows old content, clearing it often fixes the problem.
How to Clear Chrome Cache on Windows or Mac
Google’s official steps are:
- Open Chrome and click More (three dots) at the top right.
- Select Delete browsing data.
- Choose a time range, such as Last hour or All time.
- Tick Cached images and files.
- Tick Cookies and other site data if you also want that removed.
- Click Delete data.
Quick shortcut: Type “Delete browsing data” in the address bar and tap the action chip. Many people also use Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows and Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac to open the same window.
What Happens After You Clear Cache and Cookies?
Google notes that if you delete cookies, you will need to sign back in to websites. It also says “some sites can seem slower because content, like images, needs to load again”. If you only want to fix a display problem, clear cached images and files and leave cookies alone.
How to Clear Chrome Cache on Android
- Open Chrome and tap the three vertical dots.
- Tap History, then Clear browsing data.
- Tick Cached images and files.
- Choose All time for a complete clean.
- Tap Clear data.
For app-level cache on a phone, see our guide on how to clear cache on Android.
How to Clear Chrome Cache on iPhone
Chrome on iPhone has its own browsing data menu in its settings. Look for an option called Delete Browsing Data or Clear Browsing Data and select cached images and files. Menu names can change between versions. Clearing Safari does not clear Chrome, so see our guide on how to clear cache on iPhone for Safari steps.
Why Clear Chrome Cache?
Google lists common reasons:
- Fixing website performance problems
- Getting the latest version of a page
- Freeing up storage space
Clear Cache for One Site Only
If only one website is broken, you do not have to wipe everything. Use the time range option to clear only recent data, then reload the site. If problems affect every app and not just Chrome, they may come from Windows itself. See our list of Windows 11 update issues and fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clear cache in Chrome?
Click the three dots, choose Delete browsing data, tick Cached images and files and click Delete data.
What is the shortcut to clear Chrome cache?
Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows and Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac usually open the Delete browsing data window. You can also type “Delete browsing data” in the address bar.
Will clearing cache log me out of websites?
Not by itself. Logging out happens when you also delete cookies and other site data.
What is the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores files like images so pages load faster. Cookies store site data such as login sessions.
How often should I clear Chrome cache?
Only when a site is broken, shows old content or you need space.
Does clearing Chrome cache delete my bookmarks or passwords?
No, not if you only tick Cached images and files. Do not tick passwords or other data unless you mean to.
Why is a site slow after I cleared cache?
Chrome has to download the site’s images and files again the first time.
