How to Clear Cache and Cookies in Google Chrome

As you browse the web, Google Chrome saves tiny files to your hard drive. “Cache” consists of saved images and website data designed to make pages load faster on your next visit, while “Cookies” store your login sessions and site preferences.

While useful, this saved data can occasionally become corrupted or outdated. This results in websites refusing to load properly, displaying formatting errors, or endlessly looping login screens. When this happens, clearing your cache and cookies is the most effective first step for troubleshooting.

How to Clear Cache and Cookies in Chrome

You can clear your browsing data directly from Chrome’s built-in settings menu.

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.
2. Click the three vertical dots (the menu icon) in the top-right corner of the window.
3. Hover over More tools and select Clear browsing data. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete (or Cmd + Shift + Delete on a Mac).

A new settings tab will open with a dialogue box overlay. Ensure you are on the Basic tab at the top of this box.

4. Click the Time range drop-down menu. To thoroughly fix website issues, select All time.
5. Check the box next to Cookies and other site data.
6. Check the box next to Cached images and files.
7. Click the blue Clear data button.

Chrome will take a few moments to delete the files. Once the box disappears, close the tab and try accessing the problematic website again.

What Happens When You Clear This Data?

It is important to understand the consequences of clearing your cache and cookies before proceeding.

• You will be signed out of websites: Because your session cookies are deleted, you will need to re-enter your usernames and passwords for websites like Gmail, Facebook, and Amazon on your next visit.
• Initial loading times will be slower: The first time you visit a website after clearing the cache, Chrome has to download all the images, logos, and scripts from scratch. Subsequent visits will be fast again once the new cache is built.
• Your passwords are safe: Clearing cookies does not delete passwords saved in Google Chrome’s password manager. Your autofill data remains intact.

How to Clear Data for a Single Website

If you are only having trouble with one specific website, you do not need to delete the cookies for your entire browser.

1. Navigate to the problematic website.
2. Click the small padlock icon (or the “View site information” icon) on the far left of the address bar.
3. Select Cookies and site data from the drop-down menu.
4. Click Manage on-device site data.
5. Click the small trash can icon next to the website’s name to delete its specific data.
6. Refresh the page.