A website keeps showing an old version. An app suddenly starts behaving strangely. Your browser loads a page with missing images or broken formatting. In many cases, cached data is one of the first things worth checking.
If you want to know how to clear cache, start with the place where the problem occurs. Clear your browser cache for website problems, an individual app’s cache for Android app issues, or temporary system files when you need computer storage cleanup. Clearing cache generally removes temporary files rather than your personal documents.
The exact steps vary between browsers, phones, and operating systems. This guide covers Google Chrome, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Android, iPhone, Windows, and Mac.
What Is Cache?
A cache is temporary storage used by browsers, apps, and operating systems to keep frequently needed data readily available.
When you visit a website, for example, your browser may save copies of images, scripts, fonts, and other resources. The next time you open the page, some resources can be retrieved locally instead of downloaded again.
Mozilla describes its browser cache as temporary storage for items such as images and scripts that helps speed up browsing. Mozilla Support
Caching isn’t limited to browsers. Apps and operating systems also use temporary data to reduce repeated work and improve responsiveness.
The problem comes when cached files become outdated or corrupted. A browser might continue displaying an older stylesheet, an app might behave incorrectly, or temporary files might simply occupy more storage than you want.
Cache vs. cookies: what’s the difference?
Cache and cookies are related to browsing, but they aren’t the same thing.
| Data | Main purpose | What clearing it can affect |
|---|---|---|
| Cache | Stores temporary resources such as images and page files | Pages may initially load more slowly |
| Cookies | Stores site information such as sessions and preferences | You may be signed out or lose site preferences |
| Browsing history | Records pages you’ve visited | Previously visited pages disappear from browser history |
| Saved passwords | Stores login credentials when enabled | Removing them can erase saved credentials |
| Autofill | Stores form information | Saved form entries may disappear |
Google explains that cookies are created by websites to save browsing information, while cache stores parts of pages so they can load faster on subsequent visits. Google Help
This distinction matters because you don’t always need to delete cookies when troubleshooting a cache problem.
How to Clear Cache in Google Chrome
Google Chrome gives you control over the time period and types of browsing data you remove.
Clear Chrome cache on Windows or Mac
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three-dot More menu.
- Select Delete browsing data.
- Choose a time range.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Select any additional data you intentionally want removed.
- Click Delete data.
Google’s current Chrome documentation confirms that the browser lets you select a time range and choose the types of browsing information to delete. Google Help
If your goal is simply to troubleshoot a broken page, start by selecting cached images and files rather than deleting every available category.
Clear Chrome cache with a keyboard shortcut
On Windows and Linux, a common shortcut for opening the browsing-data window is:
Ctrl + Shift + Delete
This shortcut also works in several other desktop browsers. Information Technology Services
On a Mac, browser shortcuts can differ, so using the browser menu is often the clearest method.
Clear Chrome cache on Android
On Android:
- Open Chrome.
- Tap More beside the address bar.
- Select Delete browsing data.
- Choose the period you want to remove.
- Open additional options if you need to choose specific data types.
- Select the relevant cached data.
- Tap Delete data.
Google notes that Chrome on Android allows you to choose a duration and more specific categories of browsing data. Google Help
What happens after clearing Chrome cache?
Chrome has to download page resources again rather than relying on the copies it previously stored.
Consequently, some websites may load a little more slowly the first time you revisit them. Google specifically notes this temporary effect after cache and cookies are cleared. Google Help
How to Clear Cache in Safari
Safari cache management differs between macOS and iPhone or iPad.
How to clear Safari cache on iPhone
Apple’s current iPhone instructions provide a straightforward method:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Select Safari.
- Scroll down.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Select the desired timeframe.
- Confirm by tapping Clear History.
Apple says this process clears browsing information without changing AutoFill information. Apple Support
Clear Safari cache without deleting history on iPhone
If you specifically want to remove website data while retaining browsing history:
- Open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Safari.
- Tap Advanced.
- Select Website Data.
- Tap Remove All Website Data.
Apple documents this as the option for clearing cookies and cache while keeping browsing history. Apple Support
Be aware that deleting website data can still affect website sessions and preferences.
Clear Safari history from the Safari app
Apple also provides controls directly inside Safari. You can open your history, choose Clear History, select a timeframe and, when applicable, choose the Safari profile whose history should be cleared. Apple Support
This can be useful when you use multiple Safari profiles and don’t want to clear everything indiscriminately.
How to Clear Cache in Mozilla Firefox
Firefox lets you remove cached web content independently from some other browsing information.
On desktop:
- Open Firefox.
- Open the menu and select Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Find the Cookies and Site Data or browsing-data section.
- Choose Clear Data or the corresponding clear-browsing-data option.
- Select cached web content.
- Confirm the deletion.
Mozilla’s current Firefox documentation describes this process and distinguishes clearing the cache from deleting your entire browsing history. Mozilla Support
Clear data for one website in Firefox
Deleting everything isn’t always necessary.
Firefox allows you to remove cookies, site data, and temporary cached files for the website you’re currently visiting through the site’s controls beside the address bar. Mozilla Support
That is often a better troubleshooting strategy when only one website is malfunctioning.
How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge uses Chromium technology, so its browsing-data controls are broadly familiar to Chrome users.
A quick desktop approach is:
- Open Microsoft Edge.
- Open the browser menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Find the privacy/browsing-data controls.
- Choose the option to clear browsing data.
- Select the appropriate time range.
- Select cached images and files.
- Clear the selected data.
Microsoft itself recommends clearing browser cache and cookies as a troubleshooting measure when corrupted cached information interferes with processes such as downloads. Microsoft Support
You can also try Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows to open the relevant clearing interface quickly. Information Technology Services
How to Clear Cache on Android
Android distinguishes between browser cache and individual app cache.
That’s useful because an Instagram problem, for example, doesn’t necessarily require clearing Chrome’s browsing data.
Clear cache for an Android app
The precise labels vary among Android manufacturers and versions, but the common route is:
- Open Settings.
- Select Apps or Applications.
- Choose the problematic app.
- Select Storage or Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache.
Google’s Android guidance describes this general process for removing an individual application’s cached data. Android
You can also sometimes long-press an app icon, open App info, select its storage controls, and clear the cache from there.
Clear cache vs. clear storage on Android
Pay close attention to this distinction.
Clear cache removes temporary cached files.
Clear storage/data can reset an application’s locally stored data much more extensively.
If you’re merely troubleshooting an app, clearing its cache is generally the less disruptive first step.
Should you clear the Android system cache?
Modern Android cache management is largely app-specific. Procedures involving a recovery-mode cache partition can also vary significantly by device manufacturer and model. Google’s Android guidance acknowledges that system-cache procedures can differ by device. Android
Don’t blindly follow recovery-mode instructions written for a different phone. Check the manufacturer’s documentation for your exact model first.
How to Clear Cache on iPhone and iPad
iOS doesn’t provide the same universal per-app Clear cache button that you’ll find on many Android devices.
For Safari, Apple’s dedicated browser controls are the easiest solution. Go to:
Settings > Apps > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
You can alternatively use:
Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data > Remove All Website Data
when your objective is to remove website data while retaining history. Apple Support
What about other iPhone apps?
Cache controls depend on the individual application.
Some apps include their own cleanup feature. Others may require different storage-management approaches. Avoid assuming that every app handles cached data in the same way.
If one application is consuming unusually large amounts of space, inspect it under:
Settings > General > iPhone Storage
before deciding what action to take.
How to Clear Cache on Windows
Windows contains several types of temporary data, so “Windows cache” can mean different things.
If a problem only occurs in Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, clear that browser’s cache rather than removing unrelated system files.
If your goal is storage cleanup, Windows’ built-in storage and temporary-file tools are more appropriate.
Clear temporary files in Windows
Depending on your current Windows version, you can generally start from:
- Open Settings.
- Select System.
- Open Storage.
- Review Temporary files.
- Carefully select the categories you want removed.
- Confirm the cleanup.
Read each category before deleting it. A storage-cleanup screen can contain items beyond browser cache, and some categories may contain files you intended to keep.
How to Clear Cache on Mac
As with Windows, macOS uses many different caches. You normally shouldn’t treat every cache on the computer as something that needs routine deletion.
For browser trouble, clear the browser cache.
For a malfunctioning application, start with the application’s own troubleshooting or storage controls.
Manually deleting arbitrary files from system Library folders can cause problems if you don’t know what they belong to. Cache removal should be targeted at the problem you’re actually trying to solve.
When Should You Clear Cache?
Cache exists for a reason, so clearing it constantly isn’t necessary.
Consider clearing it when:
- A website displays outdated content.
- Images or page formatting appear broken.
- A website behaves differently from its current live version.
- An app repeatedly crashes or behaves unexpectedly.
- A browser has trouble loading a particular page.
- Cached temporary data is consuming unwanted storage.
- You’re troubleshooting after a website or application update.
Google specifically identifies loading and formatting problems, outdated website content, and reclaiming local storage as reasons someone may clear browser cache and cookies. Google Help
For web developers and site owners, cache is particularly relevant after changing CSS, JavaScript, images, themes, or other front-end resources. A locally cached version can make a successful update appear not to have worked.
Should You Clear Cache Regularly?
Usually, no.
Cache is designed to improve performance by keeping frequently used resources readily available. Automatically deleting it every day defeats much of that benefit.
A better approach is to clear cache when you have a specific reason.
If everything works correctly and storage isn’t a problem, leaving cached files alone is generally fine.
Does clearing cache make a device faster?
Sometimes, but it isn’t a universal speed boost.
Removing excessive or corrupted temporary files can resolve certain problems and recover storage. However, immediately afterward, websites or applications may actually take longer to load because they need to recreate or redownload resources.
Think of cache clearing primarily as a troubleshooting and storage-management technique rather than a guaranteed performance upgrade.
What Happens When You Clear Cache?
The immediate result depends on which cache you clear.
For browser cache, locally stored copies of web resources are removed. The browser downloads fresh versions as you revisit websites.
Your personal documents, photos, and downloaded files aren’t normally part of browser cache. Chrome also notes that deleting its download history doesn’t delete the actual downloaded files from your computer. Google Help
However, selecting additional categories can have broader consequences.
For example, deleting cookies can sign you out of websites or reset site preferences. That’s why you should review the selected checkboxes before confirming a browsing-data deletion. Google Help
Will Clearing Cache Delete Passwords?
Clearing only cached images and files generally isn’t the same as deleting saved passwords.
Problems occur when people select several data categories at once without checking what they mean.
When a browser displays options such as:
- Cached images and files
- Cookies and site data
- Browsing history
- Autofill data
- Saved passwords
select only what you actually intend to remove.
In Chrome, for example, saved passwords and other sign-in data are treated as a distinct browsing-data category from cached images and files. Google Help
Will Clearing Cache Log You Out?
Clearing cache alone and clearing cookies/site data are different actions.
Cookies commonly maintain website sessions and preferences. If you remove them, websites may require you to sign in again. Google explicitly warns that some site settings can be deleted when cache and cookies are cleared. Google Help
Therefore, if you’re trying to fix a visual problem without disturbing your sessions, begin with the cache-only option where your browser provides one.
How to Clear Cache for Just One Website
Clearing your entire browser cache can be excessive when only one website is broken.
Depending on your browser, you may be able to remove stored information for a specific website from its site-data or privacy settings.
Firefox, for example, provides controls for deleting cookies, site data, and temporary cached files for the current website. Mozilla Support
Chrome also provides controls for deleting data associated with individual sites rather than necessarily wiping all browsing data. Google Help
This targeted approach is useful when:
- One website won’t load correctly.
- You’re repeatedly redirected on one domain.
- A website shows old content.
- You want to reset one site’s local data.
- You don’t want to disturb other website sessions.
Try a Hard Refresh Before Clearing Everything
If your only problem is that a webpage looks outdated, try reloading it before deleting browser data.
A hard refresh tells the browser to reload page resources rather than simply displaying the version it already has available.
Common desktop combinations include:
Windows/Linux: Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R
Mac: Command + Shift + R in browsers that support that shortcut.
A hard refresh is particularly useful after a website’s CSS, JavaScript, or images have changed. It can solve the immediate problem without clearing data from unrelated websites.
If the issue persists, clearing the browser cache is the logical next step.
Clearing Cache vs. Restarting the Device
These actions solve different problems.
Restarting closes processes and reloads the operating environment. Clearing cache removes stored temporary data.
For a minor browser problem, a sensible troubleshooting order is:
- Reload the page.
- Try a hard refresh.
- Close and reopen the browser.
- Clear cache for the affected site if possible.
- Clear the broader browser cache.
- Restart the device.
- Check extensions, network settings, browser updates, or the website itself if the issue continues.
This approach avoids deleting more data than necessary.
Common Mistakes When Clearing Cache
The most frequent mistake is selecting every deletion option even when only cached files need to go.
Deleting cookies unnecessarily
Cookies aren’t cache. Removing them may sign you out and reset website preferences.
Choosing the wrong time range
If a corrupted file was stored weeks ago, clearing only the last hour may not solve the problem. Use a broader period when necessary.
Clearing the wrong cache
An Android app crashing doesn’t necessarily require deleting Chrome’s cache. Likewise, a single broken website rarely requires aggressive operating-system cleanup.
Confusing clear cache with clear data
This is especially important on Android. Clearing application storage/data can have a much larger impact than removing cached temporary files.
Expecting cache clearing to solve every problem
A cache problem can mimic other issues, but cache isn’t always responsible.
If clearing it doesn’t work, the underlying cause could be a browser extension, network problem, DNS issue, outdated app, server outage, account setting, corrupted installation, or an actual bug in the website.
Does Clearing Cache Free Up Storage?
Yes, clearing cached data can reclaim local storage, sometimes substantially.
The benefit may only be temporary because applications and websites create new cached data as you continue using them.
That’s normal. Cache isn’t inherently junk; much of it exists to improve performance.
If storage space keeps disappearing, investigate which apps or files consume the most space rather than repeatedly clearing every cache.
How Often Should You Clear Cache?
There is no universal schedule.
For most people, clearing cache when troubleshooting a specific problem is sufficient. You don’t need to make it a daily or weekly maintenance ritual.
A practical rule is simple:
If everything works properly, leave the cache alone. If a website or app starts showing stale, corrupted, or unusually large temporary data, clear the relevant cache first.
How to Clear Cache Safely
Knowing how to clear cache is mainly about choosing the right cache and deleting only the information you intend to remove.
For browser problems, start with cached images and files. For a single malfunctioning Android app, clear that application’s cache rather than its storage. On iPhone, use Safari’s website-data controls for browser issues. For Windows or Mac storage cleanup, use targeted system tools instead of indiscriminately deleting system folders.
Start small: reload the page or perform a hard refresh. If that doesn’t work, clear the cache associated with the affected browser, website, or app. That usually gives you the troubleshooting benefit without unnecessarily deleting cookies, saved preferences, passwords, or unrelated data.
