You browse to a website and realize there is a problem with it. Or you made changes to your webpage and the old one continues to load. Most likely, the reason behind it is the Chrome Cache.
In this article, you will find out how to clear your Chrome cache on any device, which files will be deleted and another way that can work without clearing anything.
What Is Cache in Chrome?
Cache is simply the storage of files in a smaller space by Google Chrome whenever a web page is accessed by the user. These files may be pictures, logos, and scripts among others. On the next access of the web page through the browser, the files will be retrieved from the cache.
The distinction between cache and cookies is that the former stores webpages, whereas the latter stores data like login credentials. This becomes important because you can clear your cache but stay logged in to your accounts.
Why Do You Need to Flush Chrome’s Cache?
No need to do it daily. You can do it whenever you observe any of the following issues:
- The website appears to be broken because of non-working images or poor design
- The website displays outdated information despite updates having been made to it
- The website constantly produces errors such as ‘page not loading’ or ‘this page doesn’t work’
- The Chrome browser seems to be sluggish, and storage space is running out
- You are a website owner/developer, but your modifications aren’t reflected
How to Clear Cache in Chrome on Windows and Mac
- Open Chrome.
- On Windows, you would press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, while on Mac, you would press Command + Shift + Delete.
- For menu enthusiasts: Head over to the three dots that are at the top-right corner of your screen, click Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select the Basic tab.
- Choose a Time range. “All time” clears everything. “Last hour” or “Last 24 hours” is enough if only one site is acting up.
- Tick Cached images and files.
- If you wish to remain logged into your accounts, untick Cookies and other site data.
- Click Delete data.
Restart the page and it should load fresh.
How to Clear Cache in Chrome on Android
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the three dots (top right) and choose Delete browsing data. On some versions it is under Settings > Privacy and security.
- Pick a Time range.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Tap Delete data.
How to Clear Cache in Chrome on iPhone and iPad
- Open Chrome.
- Tap the three dots and go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Delete Browsing Data.
- Choose a time range.
- Select Cached Images and Files.
- Tap Delete Browsing Data and confirm.
Clear Cache for One Website Only
Sometimes just one site may be at fault and you do not wish to delete everything.
- Open the site in Chrome.
- Click the icon on the left of the address bar (the lock or settings icon).
- Open Site settings.
- Click Delete data and confirm.
Remember, this will remove all cookies from that website as well, and you might have to login once more.
Try a Hard Refresh First
A hard refresh makes Chrome retrieve the webpage once again and not use the cached version. It is faster than deleting the entire cache.
- Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + Shift + R or Ctrl + F5
- Mac: Command + Shift + R
Moreover, DevTools (F12) can be opened by developers and then clicking on the refresh button, selecting Empty Cache and Hard Reload.
Can Chrome Clear Cache Automatically?
There is no such setting on Chrome for auto-cache cleaning. Here are some alternatives:
- Under the Settings tab, select Privacy and Security followed by the option Third party cookies or Cookies and other site data and enable Clear cookies and site data when you close all windows. The browser cache is cleared but the image cache and file cache will not be cleared in all situations.
- Open Incognito mode (Ctrl+Shift+N). This does not save any of your browsing history once you exit, which will come in useful when testing the site.
What Happens When You Clear the Cache?
- The websites can take some extra time to load because Chrome needs to re-download the files
- The saved passwords and bookmarks will remain safe since they do not get stored in the cache
- You will remain signed in to the websites until you uncheck the cookies box
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
The website is still old despite the cache being cleared. Do a hard refresh or restart Chrome browser. If you have created the website then do a cleanup from your CDN/Caching Plugin such as Wprocket or Cloudflare.
The delete data option is non-functional. Close unnecessary tabs, relaunch Chrome, and repeat the process. Updating Chrome via Settings > About Chrome can also prove helpful.
Chrome remains slow even when the cache is cleared. Cache is not usually the only culprit. Look out for heavy extensions and excessive open tabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I clear my browser cache?
Yes. The cache stores only temporary internet files. Bookmarking, passwords, and history remain secure until and unless one deletes them.
How frequently should I clean Chrome cache?
Either when there is a problem or every six months as a way of making space. It does not help at all to do it daily.
Does clearing cache delete my passwords?
No. They are kept in separate locations. Make sure you uncheck Passwords and Other Sign-In Information in the Advanced tab.
In what ways does Cache differ from Cookies?
Cache contains pages which make loading faster. Cookies contain small data elements, such as login details and preferences.
Will clearing cache log me out of websites?
But not if you choose only Cached images and files. If you delete only cached items, then no, you won’t get logged out.
Final Words
The simplest process for most people involves trying a hard refresh in the beginning and then if the issue persists, use Ctrl+Shift+Delete, select only images and files and delete. This method solves almost all the issues related to loading or viewing of a website without affecting your logins.