Posted by Corissa Runde on March 13, 2023
Clearing your cache and cookies from time to time is good “tech hygiene,” and it can help you troubleshoot when your device is running slowly or you’re having trouble with an app.
When you use a browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc.), the browser saves some information from websites in its cookies and “cache”—the storage location that collects temporary data to help websites, browsers and apps load quickly.
Website slow to load? It could be your cache
So if you clear your browser’s cache and temporary internet files regularly, this helps your computer or device run optimally—and doing so can help fix certain problems, like a website loading slowly, or formatting issues on a web page.
Will clearing my cache delete my passwords?
Before you go ahead and clear your cache, you may wonder if this means you’ll lose the login credentials and passwords you may rely on to auto-complete for the websites you frequently visit. If you’re concerned about this, pay attention to which checkboxes you choose to select when you complete the cache-clearing process (the steps for which are different for each browser, and are outlined in the Clearing Browser Cache and Cookies KnowledgeBase guide).
For example: In Google Chrome, you can uncheck the “Passwords and other sign-in data” checkbox when you follow the steps outlined in the KB, and you will not lose your passwords.
How-to instructions by browser
And even though the DoIT Help Desk is always ready to help, you might even save yourself a support call or email if you try clearing your cache first. Use this KnowledgeBase guide to help you learn how to clear your cache and cookies in your desktop and mobile web browsers:
How to clear your browser cache and cookies
FAQs
In the Chrome app
- On your Android device, open Chrome .
- Tap More. Clear browsing data. To delete browsing history (including open tabs), select a duration and then tap Clear data. The default duration is 15 minutes. To choose more specific types of data you want to delete, tap More options.
Keyboard Shortcut for Most Browsers. If you are using Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari, you can quickly clear the cache with a keyboard shortcut. While in your browser, press CtrlShift+Delete simultaneously on the keyboard to open the appropriate window.
Will clearing cache and cookies resolve? ›
These files are cookies and cached images. While usually benign, these files sometimes create errors when loading a page or downloading a document. Clearing the cache and cookies will fix errors caused by these files.
Can you clear cache and cookies without losing passwords? ›
NO, clearing cache do not delete saved passwords from browser. But but but, if you select Password and Sign in Data when you are clearing browsing data, then it will delete your saved passwords from browser. Does clearing cookies remove passwords? Depends what you mean by “remove passwords”.
How to clear your cache? ›
Android
- Open your browser.
- Android browser: Go to Menu > More > Settings or Menu > Settings > Privacy & Security. Chrome: Go to Menu > Settings > Privacy.
- Android browser: Tap Clear cache, Clear history, and Clear all cookie data as appropriate.
However, cache and cookies can also cause some problems, such as slowing down your browser, taking up storage space, and compromising your privacy. That's why it's important to clear your browser cache and cookies regularly.
Why should I clear my cache and cookies? ›
The cache can also cause issues when viewing new versions of previously visited web pages. Deleting the cache and cookies data regularly helps to troubleshoot, helps to increase the loading time of web pages, loads new versions of web pages and increases the performance of your computer.
What is the quick key to clear browser cache? ›
Delete the browser cache with a shortcut.
Press the keys [Ctrl], [Shift] and [Del]. Be sure you press all the keys at once. A new window opens: "Clear Browser cache". Here you can select in the upper dropdown-menu, for which time period you want to delete the cache data.
What is the command to clear all cookies? ›
For Windows users, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on your keyboard. For Mac users, press Command + Shift + Delete.
Why does my cache come back when I clear it? ›
The rebuild of the cache occurs because the device needs to store frequently accessed data and app files again. As you continue to use your device, the cache will gradually fill up with new data and app files.
Clearing your browser's cache and cookies means that website settings (like usernames and passwords) will be deleted and some sites might appear to be a little slower because all of the images have to be loaded again.
How do I clear cookies and cache on Chrome? ›
To clear your cache in Google Chrome
Click the Menu in the upper right. Choose "Clear Browsing Data." The most effective setting is to clear all browsing history for All time and to clear browsing history, download history, cached images and files, and cookies. Close your browser and restart to see changes.
How often do you clear cache and cookies? ›
If it's your personal device, it's a good idea to remove all cookies at least once a month to keep your device neat. Also, you should do this if you see a drop in browser performance or after visiting a shady website. This will make you re-enter multiple logins, but doing that for the sake of your privacy is worth it.
What is the button to clear browser cache? ›
Keyboard Shortcut for Most Browsers
If you are using Internet Explorer, Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox you can quickly clear cache with a keyboard shortcut. While in your browser, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete simultaneously on the keyboard to open the appropriate window.
