# How to Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Updated October 9, 2026

Clearing your browser's cache and cookies fixes stale pages, login glitches, and broken layouts, and frees up storage. Here are the exact steps for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge on every device.

## Why clear the cache

Browsers save copies of website files (the cache) and small data files sites leave behind (cookies) to load pages faster. Over time these saved files cause problems: pages that will not update, old versions of sites that look broken, login glitches, and gigabytes of wasted storage. Clearing them forces the browser to fetch fresh copies. It does not delete your bookmarks, and on most browsers you can keep your saved passwords.

## Chrome (computer)

- Click the three dots in the top-right corner, then **Delete browsing data** (or press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows, Command + Shift + Delete on Mac).

- Choose a time range. **All time** clears everything; **Last hour** is enough if a site just broke.

- Check **Cached images and files** and **Cookies and other site data**. Leave **Browsing history** and **Passwords** unchecked unless you want those gone too.

- Click **Delete data**.

## Chrome (Android and iPhone)

- Tap the three dots, then **Delete browsing data**.

- Pick a time range, check cached images and cookies, and tap **Delete data**.

## Safari (iPhone and iPad)

- Open **Settings**, scroll to **Apps**, then tap **Safari**.

- Tap **Clear History and Website Data**, choose a timeframe, and confirm.

- Note: this also clears browsing history on all devices signed into the same Apple Account.

## Safari (Mac)

- In the menu bar, click **Safari**, then **Settings**, then the **Privacy** tab.

- Click **Manage Website Data**, then **Remove All** to clear cookies and cache for every site, or select individual sites and click **Remove**.

## Firefox

- Click the menu (three lines), then **Settings**, then **Privacy and Security**.

- Under **Cookies and Site Data**, click **Clear Data**, check both boxes, and confirm.

## Edge

- Click the three dots, then **Settings**, then **Privacy, search, and services**.

- Under **Delete browsing data**, click **Choose what to clear**, pick a time range, check cached images and cookies, and click **Clear now**.

## What to expect afterward

- **You will be logged out** of most websites, since clearing cookies removes login sessions. Have your passwords ready or use a password manager.

- **Sites load slightly slower** the first time as the cache rebuilds, then return to normal speed.

- **Site preferences reset:** things like dark mode toggles, cookie consent choices, and shopping carts may revert.

## When clearing the cache will not help

If your whole internet feels slow, the problem is your connection or wifi, not the cache. If only one site is broken and clearing does not fix it, try the site in a private/incognito window: if it works there, a browser extension is likely interfering.

## Frequently asked questions

### Will clearing cache delete my passwords?

Only if you check the passwords box. The standard cache and cookies checkboxes leave saved passwords and bookmarks alone. Read the checkboxes before confirming.

### How often should I clear my cache?

There is no schedule you must follow. Clear it when a site misbehaves, looks outdated, or will not log you in correctly. Routine clearing is not needed for speed.

### What is the difference between cache and cookies?

The cache stores copies of website files like images to load pages faster. Cookies are small data files sites use to remember you, including login sessions and preferences.

### Will I be logged out of everything?

Yes, clearing cookies signs you out of most websites. Make sure you know your passwords or use a password manager before you clear.

### Does clearing cache make my browser faster?

Rarely. The cache exists to speed things up, so clearing it can make first visits slightly slower. Clear it to fix broken or outdated pages, not as a speed trick.