Clear cache & cookies - Android (2024)

When you use a browser, like Chrome, it saves some information from websites in its cache and cookies. Clearing them fixes certain problems, like loading or formatting issues on sites.

In the Chrome app

  1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app Clear cache & cookies - Android (1).
  2. At the top right, tap More Clear cache & cookies - Android (2).
  3. Tap History Clear cache & cookies - Android (3) Clear browsing data.
  4. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
  5. Next to "Cookies and site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.
  6. Tap Clear data.

Learn how to change more cookie settings in Chrome.

In other browser apps

If you use Firefox or another browser, check its support site for instructions.

What happens after you clear this info

After you clear cache and cookies:

  • Some settings on sites get deleted. For example, if you were signed in, you’ll need to sign in again.
  • Some sites can seem slower because content, like images, needs to load again.
  • If you're signed into Chrome, you'll stay signed in on Google's websites, like google.com and youtube.com.

How cache & cookies work

  • Cookies are files created by sites you visit. They make your online experience easier by saving browsing data.
  • The cache remembers parts of pages, like images, to help them open faster during your next visit.
Clear cache & cookies - Android (2024)

FAQs

What happens when you clear all cookies and cache? ›

After you clear cache and cookies: Some settings on sites get deleted. For example, if you were signed in, you'll need to sign in again. If you turn sync on in Chrome, you'll stay signed into the Google Account you're syncing to in order to delete your data across all your devices.

How to clearing your browser cache and cookies to solve this problem? ›

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.

What happens when you clear cached data? ›

It can free up more room for RAM and also help limit how websites use data on your phone to track you. Clearing cache on Android can also help fix issues and improve performance. That's because cached files can become corrupted or overloaded. Clearing cache can force a browser or app to update and work as it should.

What are the downsides of clearing cookies and cache? ›

Clearing them can help resolve issues like website errors or slow loading. However, keep in mind that clearing cookies may log you out of websites and remove personalized settings.

Is there a downside to clearing cache? ›

Websites may load slower. The first time that you visit a website after clearing your cache, the website will need to download all of the necessary files from the server again. This can cause the website to load slower than usual. You may lose saved preferences.

Is it good to clear cache on Android? ›

Clearing the cache on your Android phone can improve performance, fix app problems, and free up storage space. Cache is a temporary storage space that apps use to store data they need to access quickly. To clear the cache, go to Settings > Apps > select the app > Storage > Clear Cache.

Do you need to restart Chrome after clearing cache? ›

IMPORTANT: Be sure and close/quit the browser and restart it after clearing the cache and cookies. Click the Tools menu (three dotted lines in the upper-right corner). Select History. Select Clear Browsing Data from the left-hand side.

Will clearing cache and cookies resolve not being able to browse? ›

Yes, and there are some important reasons why. Clearing your browser cache and cookies is important when you find yourself troubleshooting for an Internet browsing issue. 'Cache' will sometimes cause an issue if a website has been updated and developed as files which were saved in your cache.

How do I clear cache and cookies on Android? ›

How to clear cache and cookies on Android phone or tablet
  1. Open the Chrome app on your Android device.
  2. Tap at the top right.
  3. Tap History, then tap Clear Browsing Data..
  4. Choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
  5. Tap Cookies and site data and Cached Images and Files. ...
  6. Tap Clear data to confirm.
Oct 31, 2023

Why is my cache not clearing on my Android phone? ›

Make sure that your device has the latest software updates installed. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Clear the cache and data for the Settings app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Settings > Storage & cache > Clear cache and Clear storage.

How do I clear excessive cache? ›

A cluttered browser cache can lead to slow page loading and unresponsive browsing experiences. Follow these simple steps: Google Chrome: Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows/Linux) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac). Select the time range and check "Cached images and files," then click "Clear data."

What is the difference between clearing data and clearing cache? ›

Clear the app's cache & data

Clear cache: Deletes temporary data. Some apps may be slow the next time you open them. Clear storage: Permanently deletes all app data. Try to delete the data within the app first.

Will clearing cache delete my history? ›

Clearing the cache will simply erase all these files, meaning that your web browser will have fetch those files again next time you go back online. Theoretically it's completely separate from your browser's history.

How often should you clear cached data? ›

Most people only need to clear their caches once every month or two. That's generally the point when your browser will build up a cache large enough to start slowing things down. If you frequent a large number of sites, you should err on the side of clearing your cache more often.

Is clearing cache and cookies safe? ›

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.

Is it a good idea to remove all 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 will I lose if I clear cookies? ›

What happens when you remove all cookies? Deleting cookies wipes all your personal information from your browser, including usernames, passwords, search history, and website settings and preferences.

Is it better to clear cache or clear cookies? ›

Clear cache if you want to see a fresh version of the website, solve website loading issues, or free up space; Clear cookies if you want to remove search history on websites, e.g., Facebook, protect your data on a shared device, and prevent tracking.

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