If you are experiencing random login issues, slow webpage load times, or peculiar formatting errors on your favourite websites, your browser’s cached data might be corrupted. Learning how to clear cookies and site data in Google Chrome is one of the most effective troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve common web browsing problems instantly.
How to Clear All Cookies and Cache
Google Chrome provides a built-in tool that allows you to wipe your browsing data completely. This is the fastest method to clear out old data and force websites to load freshly from the server.
- Open your Google Chrome browser.
- Click on the Three Vertical Dots (the menu icon) in the top-right corner of the window.
- Hover over More tools, then select Clear browsing data… (Alternatively, you can press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard).
- A pop-up window will appear. At the top, click the Time range dropdown menu and select All time to completely wipe the data.
- Ensure the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are ticked.
- Click the Clear data button.
How to Clear Cookies for a Specific Website
If you do not want to be logged out of every single website you use, you can choose to delete the cookies and data for one specific domain instead.
- Open Google Chrome and navigate to the website you are having trouble with.
- Look at the address bar at the top of the browser. To the left of the URL, click on the small Padlock icon (or the settings icon).
- Select Cookies and site data from the dropdown menu.
- Click on Manage cookies and site data.
- You will see a list of data stored by the site. Click the small Rubbish Bin icon next to the site’s name to delete it.
- Refresh the web page to apply the changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cookies delete my saved passwords?
No, clearing cookies will not delete passwords you have saved directly to Google Chrome’s password manager. However, it will log you out of your active sessions, meaning you will have to type your password (or use autofill) to log back into websites.
What exactly is a cookie?
A cookie is a tiny text file that a website saves onto your computer. It is used to remember your site preferences, keep you logged into your account, and track your browsing activity across different sessions.
