A website suddenly looks broken. An app keeps displaying old information. A page refuses to load correctly even though it works on another device. In many cases, cached data is the reason.
Knowing how to clear cache gives you a simple troubleshooting tool for browsers, phones, and computers. The key is clearing the right cache without unnecessarily deleting passwords, cookies, history, or other useful information.
Quick answer: To clear cache, open your browser or device settings, find Privacy, Storage, or Browsing Data, select Cached images and files or Cache, choose a time range if available, and confirm the deletion. Restart the browser or app afterward and reload the page.
This guide covers Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Android, iPhone, Windows, and Mac, plus what cache actually does and when clearing it is worth trying.
What Is Cache and Why Does It Exist?
A cache is temporary storage used by browsers, apps, and operating systems.
When you visit a website, your browser may save copies of images and other resources locally. The next time you open the same page, some of those resources can be loaded from your device instead of downloaded again.
Google describes browser cache as stored parts of webpages, such as images, that help those pages open faster on future visits.
Caching is therefore useful rather than inherently problematic.
For example, imagine that a website contains a large logo. Instead of downloading the same logo every time you visit another page on that site, your browser may reuse its cached copy.
This can:
- Reduce repeated downloads
- Make previously visited pages feel faster
- Lower unnecessary network usage
- Improve general browsing responsiveness
The problem starts when stored information becomes outdated or corrupted.
A website might have replaced an image, stylesheet, or another resource while your browser continues using an older cached version. The result can be a page that looks different from what the website currently serves.
Cache vs. cookies vs. browsing history
These terms are often treated as interchangeable, but they store different kinds of information.
| Data type | What it generally stores | What can happen when cleared |
|---|---|---|
| Cache | Temporary copies of website resources | Websites download resources again |
| Cookies | Website session and preference information | You may be signed out or lose site preferences |
| Browsing history | Records of pages you’ve visited | Visited pages disappear from browser history |
| Saved passwords | Stored login credentials | Saved credentials may be removed if selected |
| Autofill data | Addresses and form information | Saved form suggestions may disappear |
Chrome, for example, lets users choose individual categories of browsing data instead of deleting everything at once.
That distinction matters.
If your only goal is fixing a page that displays outdated content, start by clearing cached images and files rather than automatically selecting every available option.
Quick Takeaway: Cache improves performance. Cookies maintain website sessions and preferences. Clearing cache alone is usually the less disruptive first troubleshooting step.
how to clear cache in Google Chrome
Google Chrome provides controls for deleting browsing data, including cached files, history, cookies, and other stored information.
Google also recommends deleting browsing data as one troubleshooting step for Chrome connection and loading errors.
How to clear Chrome cache on Windows
On a Windows computer:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Select the three-dot More menu.
- Choose Delete browsing data.
- Select the desired Time range.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Leave other categories unchecked if you don’t want to remove them.
- Select Delete data.
- Reload the affected website.
Chrome’s browsing-data controls allow you to remove different types of information separately.
There is also a useful keyboard shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + Delete
This opens Chrome’s browsing-data controls directly on Windows.
How to clear Chrome cache on Mac
The process is similar on macOS:
- Open Chrome.
- Open Delete browsing data.
- Choose your time range.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Deselect cookies or other categories you want to keep.
- Select Delete data.
The common keyboard shortcut on Mac is:
Command + Shift + Delete
After clearing the data, reload the troublesome page.
How to clear Chrome cache on Android
Chrome on Android also provides built-in browsing-data controls.
Google’s current instructions direct Android users to open Chrome, tap More, and choose Delete browsing data. More specific data categories can be selected through the additional options.
A practical sequence is:
- Open Chrome.
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Delete browsing data.
- Open the additional options when necessary.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Choose the desired duration.
- Tap Delete data.
Google notes that after cache and cookies are cleared, some websites may initially seem slower because resources such as images need to download again.
That temporary slowdown is normal.
Should you choose “All time”?
Not automatically.
If a website only started behaving incorrectly recently, deleting recent cached data may be sufficient.
Choose All time when:
- You don’t know when the problem began.
- Normal cache clearing hasn’t solved the issue.
- You’re performing broader browser troubleshooting.
Keep in mind that the time range applies to whichever data categories you’ve selected.
how to clear cache on iPhone and Safari
Clearing cache on an iPhone depends partly on which browser you’re using.
Safari is integrated closely with iOS, so its controls differ from Chrome’s.
Clear Safari history, cache, and cookies
Apple’s current instructions are:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Select Safari.
- Scroll down.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Select the timeframe you want to clear.
- Confirm by tapping Clear History.
Apple says this process does not change AutoFill information.
Be aware that this option affects more than cached files. It also clears Safari browsing history and related website information.
How to clear Safari cache without clearing history
There is a more targeted option if you want to remove website data while keeping your browsing history.
Apple currently directs users to:
Settings → Apps → Safari → Advanced → Website Data → Remove All Website Data.
This can be preferable when your main objective is troubleshooting website data rather than erasing your visible history.
Why is “Clear History and Website Data” gray?
According to Apple, the option may appear gray when there is no data available to clear. Web content restrictions configured through Screen Time can also affect the setting.
Check those possibilities before assuming something is wrong with Safari.
how to clear cache in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge stores cached images and files for much the same reason as other modern browsers: faster browsing and reduced repeated downloads.
Microsoft specifically recommends clearing cached data as a possible fix when Edge has trouble displaying webpages correctly.
Clear Microsoft Edge cache
Use these steps:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Select Settings and more.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Privacy, search, and services.
- Find Clear browsing data.
- Select Choose what to clear.
- Choose a Time range.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Select Clear now.
Edge allows users to choose which categories of browsing information are deleted, so you don’t necessarily have to erase cookies, passwords, or form data.
The Windows shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + Delete
can also provide faster access to the relevant clearing controls. Microsoft documents this shortcut for clearing browsing information such as cookies.
Edge sync deserves attention
Edge can synchronize browsing information between devices.
Microsoft explains that whether information is removed only from the current device or from synced devices can depend on your account and synchronization settings.
If you’re cleaning data for troubleshooting purposes, check your sync settings before deleting categories beyond the cache.
Quick Takeaway: In Chrome and Edge, select only Cached images and files when cache is the thing you’re trying to troubleshoot. Don’t automatically check every box.
How to Clear App Cache on Android
Browser cache is only one type of cache.
Android apps can also accumulate temporary data. If a particular application freezes, displays outdated information, or behaves unexpectedly, clearing that application’s cache can sometimes help.
The exact menu names vary between Android manufacturers and versions, but the usual path resembles:
Settings → Apps → [App name] → Storage / Storage & cache → Clear cache
The critical distinction is between Clear cache and Clear storage/data.
Clear cache
This generally removes temporary files associated with the application.
Clear storage or clear data
This is much more significant. Depending on the app and Android implementation, it can reset locally stored application information and make the app behave more like a fresh installation.
So if you’re simply troubleshooting temporary files, try Clear cache first.
When should you clear an Android app’s cache?
It may be worth trying when:
- An app repeatedly crashes.
- Images or other content appear outdated.
- An application is behaving strangely after an update.
- Temporary files are consuming unnecessary local storage.
- Other basic troubleshooting hasn’t worked.
Restarting the application after clearing its cache gives it an opportunity to rebuild the temporary files it needs.
How to Clear Cache on Windows
People searching for how to clear cache sometimes mean the entire Windows computer rather than a particular web browser.
Windows and its applications can maintain several kinds of temporary data, so there isn’t one universal cache that controls everything.
Before deleting anything, identify the problem.
| Problem | Best place to start |
|---|---|
| Website displaying incorrectly | Browser cache |
| Chrome problem | Chrome browsing data |
| Edge problem | Edge browsing data |
| One application malfunctioning | That application’s settings |
| General temporary storage | Windows storage tools |
| DNS resolution issue | DNS troubleshooting rather than browser cache |
This targeted approach is safer than deleting every category of temporary information you can find.
Browser cache on Windows
For a web-related issue, clear the cache inside the browser itself.
For Chrome and Edge, Ctrl + Shift + Delete provides quick access to browsing-data controls.
Then select the cache category rather than automatically removing all saved browsing information.
Temporary files are not the same as browser cache
Windows temporary files can include information created by Windows itself and installed applications.
Browser cache, meanwhile, belongs specifically to your web browser.
Deleting one does not necessarily clear the other.
That’s why clearing Windows temporary files may have no effect on a Chrome page that keeps displaying an outdated stylesheet.
How to Clear Cache on Mac
The same principle applies to macOS: identify which cache is causing the problem before removing data.
If Safari or Chrome is displaying a broken webpage, start with that browser.
For Chrome on Mac, Command + Shift + Delete opens the browsing-data controls. From there, select the cache category and appropriate time range.
Application and system caches are different.
Manually deleting files from macOS system folders should not be your first response to an ordinary website problem. Browser-level troubleshooting is much more targeted and carries less risk of removing unrelated files.
If only one website is broken, narrowing the troubleshooting even further may save time.
Can You Clear Cache for Just One Website?
Often, yes.
Clearing the entire browser cache is convenient, but it can be unnecessary when only one website is malfunctioning.
Modern browsers maintain site-specific data and developer tools that can help troubleshoot individual websites.
A site-specific approach is useful when:
- One website shows old content.
- One site has a broken layout.
- A particular web application isn’t updating.
- Every other website works normally.
Depending on the browser, you may be able to remove stored site data through privacy settings rather than wiping data associated with every site you’ve visited.
Keep in mind that site data can include more than cached resources. Removing cookies for that website may sign you out.
What Happens After You Clear Cache?
Clearing cache is generally straightforward, but you may notice several immediate changes.
Websites may initially load more slowly
Your browser no longer has some locally stored resources available, so it has to download fresh copies.
Google specifically notes that websites may temporarily seem slower after cache and cookies are cleared because resources such as images need to load again.
After those resources have been cached again, normal performance should return.
Updated website content may appear
This is one of the main reasons developers and website owners clear browser cache.
If your browser has been showing an old resource, deleting its cached copy forces the browser to retrieve current information from the server.
Clearing cookies can sign you out
This is where people frequently create unnecessary work for themselves.
Cache and cookies are separate categories. Cookies can store sign-in sessions and site preferences.
Google notes that clearing cookies can remove site settings and require users to sign in again on some websites.
If you’re only troubleshooting stale images or formatting, leave Cookies and other site data unchecked initially.
Your cache will come back
Clearing cache isn’t permanent—and it shouldn’t be.
As you continue browsing, your browser or apps create new cached data to improve performance.
The goal is not to keep your cache permanently empty. It is to remove problematic or unnecessary temporary information when there’s a reason to do so.
Does Clearing Cache Delete Passwords, Photos, or Files?
Normally, clearing the browser’s Cached images and files category does not mean deleting your personal photos, documents, or downloads.
However, browsing-data menus frequently contain several checkboxes next to each other.
Chrome, for example, separates browsing history, cookies and other site data, cached information, and other data categories.
Edge similarly allows users to choose which browsing-data categories they want removed.
Always review what is selected before confirming.
A good rule is simple:
Delete the smallest amount of data needed to solve the problem.
If cache is the suspected issue, start with cache.
Should You Clear Cookies Along With Cache?
Usually, not at first.
Cache and cookies can both cause website problems, but deleting cookies has more noticeable side effects.
Start by clearing cache when:
- A website has an outdated appearance.
- Images aren’t displaying correctly.
- Recent website changes aren’t visible.
- A page has strange formatting.
Consider clearing cookies or site data when:
- A website has persistent login problems.
- Site preferences appear corrupted.
- A web application remains stuck after cache clearing.
- The website specifically recommends resetting its stored site data.
Cookies themselves aren’t automatically bad. They perform useful functions such as maintaining sessions and remembering preferences.
The goal is troubleshooting, not indiscriminate deletion.
When Should You Clear Your Cache?
You don’t need to clear cache every day.
Regularly deleting perfectly healthy cached files can actually remove the performance advantage caching was designed to provide.
Clear it when there is a specific reason.
A website displays old information
Your browser may be reusing an outdated cached resource instead of retrieving the latest version.
A page looks broken
Old stylesheets, scripts, or other stored resources can sometimes conflict with an updated website.
Microsoft notes that clearing cached browser data can sometimes resolve page display problems in Edge.
A website won’t load correctly
Cache clearing is one recognized troubleshooting step for loading problems, although it isn’t the only possible solution. Google includes deletion of browsing data among its Chrome troubleshooting steps for connection and loading errors.
An app behaves unexpectedly
Application cache can occasionally become outdated or corrupted.
Clearing temporary application data may give the app a clean set of cached files without requiring a complete reset.
You need to reclaim some storage
Caches can consume local storage over time.
Clearing them can recover space, although the benefit may be temporary because applications will rebuild necessary cache as you use them again.
Hard Refresh vs. Clearing Cache
Before deleting browser data, try a normal reload.
If that doesn’t work, a hard refresh may be enough on desktop browsers.
A hard refresh tells the browser to reload the current page more aggressively rather than relying on its existing cached resources.
Common shortcuts include:
Windows: Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R
Mac: Command + Shift + R in many browsers
A hard refresh is particularly useful when:
- You’re testing recent website changes.
- One page looks outdated.
- You don’t want to clear cache for unrelated websites.
If the problem persists across repeated reloads, clearing the browser cache is a reasonable next step.
Common Cache-Clearing Mistakes
The most common mistake is deleting far more information than necessary.
Selecting every browsing-data checkbox
If you only need to refresh cached resources, don’t automatically delete history, cookies, passwords, autofill information, and other data.
Read the categories first.
Confusing cache with cookies
Cache primarily improves loading efficiency by storing reusable resources.
Cookies commonly preserve sessions and preferences.
Deleting both may solve some problems, but it can also sign you out and reset website settings.
Clearing cache constantly
A cache is designed to improve performance.
Deleting it repeatedly without a reason forces browsers and applications to download or recreate temporary resources again.
Expecting cache clearing to fix every problem
Cache clearing can help with loading, formatting, and stale-content problems, but it won’t repair every browser issue.
If clearing cache doesn’t work, investigate:
- Browser extensions
- Internet connection problems
- DNS issues
- Website outages
- Browser updates
- Application updates
- Firewall or security software
- Device memory
Microsoft, for example, recommends other troubleshooting measures such as restarting Edge, checking extensions and security software, and testing whether the page opens in another browser when browser problems persist.
What to Do If Clearing Cache Doesn’t Work
Treat cache clearing as one troubleshooting step, not a universal reset button.
First, close and reopen the browser or application. Then reload the affected page.
If the issue continues:
- Restart the device.
- Test the website in a private or incognito window.
- Try another browser.
- Disable browser extensions temporarily.
- Check your internet connection.
- Update the browser or application.
- Check whether the website itself is unavailable.
- Clear cookies or site data only if the symptoms suggest they may be involved.
Testing another browser is particularly useful.
If the same website fails in Chrome, Edge, Safari, and another device, the problem is less likely to be a single browser’s cache.
If the website works everywhere except one browser, local browser data, settings, or extensions become more plausible causes.
Is Clearing Cache Safe?
In normal circumstances, yes.
Cached information is temporary by design. Browsers and applications recreate the resources they need as you continue using them.
The more important issue is understanding exactly what you’re clearing.
Before confirming a deletion, check whether you’ve selected:
- Cache
- Cookies
- Browsing history
- Download history
- Saved passwords
- Autofill information
- Site permissions
If your objective is simply to fix an outdated or incorrectly displayed webpage, start with the cache and expand your troubleshooting only when necessary.
How Often Should You Clear Cache?
There is no universal schedule.
For most people, cache should be cleared when there is a reason, rather than daily or weekly.
Useful triggers include broken webpages, stale content, unusual browser behavior, application problems, or a need to recover local storage.
A healthy cache normally helps rather than hurts performance.
The simplest approach to how to clear cache is therefore also the safest: identify whether the problem comes from a browser, website, app, or device; clear only the relevant temporary data; restart or reload; and see whether the issue is resolved before deleting anything else.