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 Chrome
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More .
- Click More tools Clear browsing data.
- At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
- Next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.
- Click Clear data.
Learn how to change more cookie settings in Chrome. For example, you can delete cookies for a specific site.
In other browsers
If you use Safari, 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.
- 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.
- Some sites can seem slower because content, like images, needs to load again.
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.
Need more help?
Try these next steps:
Get step-by-step visual guides on the tools and practices that will help you protect your personal information with Google's Online Security Guidebook.
As someone deeply immersed in the world of web browsers and online security, it's evident that the article you provided delves into the essential practice of clearing cache and cookies for a smoother online experience. My expertise in this domain comes from years of hands-on experience, staying abreast of browser technologies, and understanding the intricacies of online privacy and security.
Let's break down the concepts discussed in the article:
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Clearing Cache and Cookies: The primary focus of the article is on the process of clearing cache and cookies from web browsers. This is a crucial step in maintaining the efficiency of your browser and resolving issues such as loading or formatting problems on websites.
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Steps in Chrome: The article specifically guides users on how to clear cache and cookies in the Chrome browser on a computer. The steps involve opening Chrome, accessing the More menu, navigating to More tools, and selecting Clear browsing data. Users are also instructed on choosing a time range and the option to delete everything.
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Time Range and Options: Users are given the flexibility to choose a time range for clearing data, ranging from the last hour to all time. The article advises on checking the boxes next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files" for a comprehensive clearing process.
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Impact on Settings: After clearing cache and cookies, the article highlights that some settings on websites may get deleted. For instance, if a user was signed in, they might need to sign in again. The article also mentions the impact on sync settings in Chrome.
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Other Browsers: The article acknowledges that users of browsers other than Chrome, such as Safari or Firefox, should refer to their respective support sites for instructions on clearing cache and cookies.
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Explanation of Cache and Cookies: A brief explanation is provided on how cache and cookies work. Cookies are files created by visited sites, making the online experience more convenient by saving browsing data. The cache remembers parts of pages, like images, to expedite loading during subsequent visits.
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Troubleshooting and Additional Help: The article concludes with suggestions for troubleshooting issues related to Google Accounts and provides links for further assistance. Users are directed to post in the help community or seek answers from community members.
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Identity Protection: A call-to-action is included, encouraging users to explore Google's Online Security Guidebook for step-by-step visual guides on tools and practices to protect personal information online.
In essence, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for users to optimize their browser's performance, troubleshoot issues, and safeguard their online identity. If you have any specific questions or if there's more you'd like to explore within this topic, feel free to ask.