Is Google Chrome running slow, showing old versions of websites, or failing to load pages properly? In many cases, the fix is simple: clear the cache in Google Chrome. Cached files help websites load faster, but when they become outdated or corrupted, they cause more problems than they solve.
In this guide, you will learn how to clear cache in Google Chrome on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android and iPhone, plus a few shortcuts that save time.
What Is Chrome Cache?
When you visit a website, Chrome saves parts of it, such as images, scripts and style sheets, on your device. Next time you open that website, Chrome loads those files from your device instead of downloading them again. This is the cache.
Chrome also stores:
- Cookies and site data – keep you signed in and remember your preferences
- Browsing history – the list of pages you visited
- Autofill data and passwords – saved form entries and logins
You can clear only the cache without deleting your cookies or passwords, so you won’t be logged out of every website.
When Should You Clear Chrome Cache?
Clearing the cache is a good idea when:
- A website looks broken or shows an old version
- Pages load slowly or freeze
- You see errors such as “ERR_CACHE_MISS” or repeated redirect loops
- A web app (like Gmail or Google Drive) behaves strangely after an update
- Your device is running low on storage
How to Clear Cache in Chrome on Windows, Mac and Linux
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three dots menu in the top-right corner.
- Select Delete browsing data (in some versions it is called Clear browsing data). You can also go to Settings > Privacy and security.
- Choose a Time range. Pick All time to remove everything.
- Check Cached images and files. Uncheck the other boxes if you want to keep your history and stay signed in.
- Click Delete data.
Keyboard shortcut
Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows, Linux or Chromebook, or Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac. This opens the delete browsing data window directly.
How to Clear Cache for Just One Website
If only one website is causing trouble, you don’t need to clear everything.
Hard reload method
- Open the problem website.
- Press F12 (or Ctrl + Shift + I) to open Developer Tools.
- Right-click the Reload button next to the address bar.
- Choose Empty cache and hard reload.
A simpler option is Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + R (Mac), which reloads the page while ignoring the cached files.
Delete site data
- Click the icon to the left of the address bar (site information).
- Choose Site settings or Cookies and site data.
- Click Delete data or Clear data.
How to Clear Cache in Chrome on Android
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Tap Delete browsing data (or History > Clear browsing data).
- Set the time range to All time.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Tap Delete data.
You can also clear Chrome’s cache from Android settings: go to Settings > Apps > Chrome > Storage and tap Clear cache. Avoid tapping Clear storage unless you want to reset Chrome completely.
How to Clear Cache in Chrome on iPhone and iPad
- Open Chrome.
- Tap the three dots at the bottom-right corner.
- Tap Delete browsing data (or Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data).
- Choose the time range.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Tap Delete data and confirm.
How to Clear Cache on a Chromebook
Chromebooks use the same steps as Chrome on Windows. Press Ctrl + Shift + Backspace or Ctrl + Shift + Delete, select Cached images and files and click Delete data. If your Chromebook has other issues, such as the touchscreen acting up, see our guide on how to disable touchscreen on your Chromebook.
Does Clearing Cache Delete Passwords?
No. Clearing Cached images and files only removes temporary website files. Your passwords, bookmarks and history are safe as long as you leave the other boxes unchecked. If you also clear Cookies and other site data, you will be signed out of most websites, but your saved passwords remain.
What to Do If Clearing Cache Doesn’t Help
If the problem continues after clearing the cache, try these fixes:
- Disable extensions: Go to chrome://extensions and turn them off one by one to find the problem.
- Update Chrome: Open Settings > About Chrome and install any updates.
- Check pop-up and site settings: Some sites break when pop-ups are blocked. Learn how to turn off pop up blocker in Google Chrome.
- Reset Chrome settings: Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Try Incognito mode: Press Ctrl + Shift + N. If the website works there, the issue is with your cache, cookies or extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clear Chrome cache?
There is no fixed rule. Most people only need to clear it when a website misbehaves or once every few months to free up storage.
Will clearing cache make Chrome faster?
It can fix slowness caused by corrupted files, but websites may load a little slower the first time you visit them again because Chrome needs to download the files again.
Is it safe to clear cache in Chrome?
Yes. Clearing the cache is completely safe and doesn’t delete personal files, bookmarks or passwords.
What is the shortcut to clear cache in Chrome?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows or Cmd + Shift + Delete on Mac to open the delete browsing data window instantly.
Conclusion
Now you know how to clear cache in Google Chrome on every device. Start with Cached images and files only, use a hard reload for single-site problems, and clear cookies only when you really need to. These quick steps fix most loading errors and keep Chrome running smoothly.
