How to Clear Cache and Cookies (and When You Should)

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

"Try clearing your cache and cookies" is common tech support advice. But what are they, and when does clearing them actually help?

What are cache and cookies?

Cache: stored copies of images and files from websites so pages load faster next time.
Cookies: small files websites use to remember you: logins, shopping carts, preferences and, for advertisers, tracking.

When to clear them

A website looks broken or shows old content.
You can't log in, or a page keeps redirecting.
Pages load incorrectly after a site update.
You used a shared or public computer.
You want to reduce tracking.

Clearing cookies logs you out of websites. Clearing only the cache doesn't.

Clear data for one site only

Often you only need to clear one problem website. In Chrome or Edge, click the icon left of the address bar → Site settings or Cookies and site data → delete data for that site.

Chrome

Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac). Choose a time range, tick Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Delete data.

Edge

Same shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + Delete. Choose items and click Clear now.

Firefox

Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear Data.

Safari on iPhone

Settings → Apps → Safari → Clear History and Website Data.

Chrome on Android

Chrome → three dots → Delete browsing data. Choose time range and items.

Try a hard refresh first

Press Ctrl + F5 (or Ctrl + Shift + R) to reload a page while ignoring the cache. It often fixes display problems without clearing everything.

Before clearing cookies: make sure you know your passwords, since you'll be signed out. A password manager makes this painless.

What happens after clearing

Cleared item	What you'll notice
Cache	Websites load slightly slower the first time; problems from outdated files are fixed
Cookies	Signed out of websites; shopping carts emptied; site preferences reset
History	Address bar suggestions and history list cleared
Passwords and autofill	Saved logins removed (only if selected)

Clear data automatically

You can set browsers to clear cookies when you close them, useful on shared computers:

Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Third-party cookies / Site data → Delete data sites have saved to your device when you close all windows.
Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed.
Edge: Settings → Privacy → Choose what to clear every time you close the browser.

You can add exceptions for sites you want to stay logged into, such as your email.

Clearing cache in apps

Apps have caches too. On Android, go to Settings → Apps → [app] → Storage → Clear cache. On iPhone, most apps don't have a cache button; deleting and reinstalling clears it. See fixing crashing apps.

Frequently asked questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords?

Not unless you tick "Passwords" too.

Should I clear cache regularly?

Not necessary. Clear it when you have problems or on shared devices.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.