If a website looks broken, loads an older design or refuses to display new content, you may need to clear the cache in Google Chrome. The good news: Chrome lets you delete temporary images and files without intentionally deleting passwords, browsing history or cookies. The important part is selecting the correct checkbox before confirming the deletion.
Quick steps: how to clear Chrome cache without deleting cookies
- Open Google Chrome on your Windows PC, Mac or Chromebook.
- Click the three-dot menu near the upper-right corner.
- Choose Delete browsing data. On some layouts, this may appear under another menu or settings path.
- Set the Time range: use a short period first if the trouble only started recently.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Uncheck Cookies and other site data, browsing history and any other types you want to keep. Review all checkboxes carefully.
- Click Delete data, then reopen or reload the problem page.
The latest menu language is documented in Google’s official Chrome browsing-data help page. Google also notes that removing data associated with a signed-in Google Account can affect other devices; the selected data types matter.
Chrome cache vs cookies vs browsing history
| Data type | What it stores | Possible effect when removed |
|---|---|---|
| Cached images and files | Saved website assets such as images and page resources | Pages may load those files from the internet again |
| Cookies and site data | Website sessions, preferences and other stored site information | You might be signed out or lose local site settings |
| Browsing history | Previously visited web addresses | History entries and related suggestions can disappear |
| Saved passwords | Credential data managed by the browser or password manager | Should not be selected merely to fix a stale webpage |
Cache is not the same as cookies. Websites can malfunction for different reasons. Start by deleting cached images and files; only consider cookies afterward if the issue persists and you understand that signed-in sessions or settings may be affected.
Clear cache in Chrome on Windows 11 or Windows 10
Open Chrome’s menu and select Delete browsing data as described above. You do not need a Windows administrator account to clear your own browser profile’s ordinary browsing cache. If you have multiple Chrome profiles, verify that the correct profile window is open first: clearing data in one Chrome profile is not a substitute for checking a different profile.
If the page still looks outdated, reload it after clearing the cache, then compare it in another browser or private window. Be aware that Incognito has its own session behavior and may appear different because extensions or cookies are handled differently.
How to clear Chrome cache on a Mac
The core Chrome menu is similar on macOS. Open Chrome, use the top-right three-dot menu, choose Delete browsing data, select the appropriate time range and keep only Cached images and files checked if you want to preserve website sign-ins. This is a Chrome action, not the same as deleting macOS system caches or Safari browsing data.
How to delete Chrome cache on Android
- Open the Chrome app.
- Tap the three-dot menu next to the address bar.
- Choose Delete browsing data.
- Open the more detailed options if necessary to see individual categories.
- Select Cached images and files, confirm the time range, and review other checked categories before deleting.
Google’s Android instructions describe the updated menu and explain that additional categories and tab behavior depend on the selected options. Do not simply press the default Delete button without checking what will be removed.
How to clear Chrome cache on iPhone or iPad
Open Chrome, choose its More menu and open the browser’s Delete Browsing Data options. Select the desired time interval, then review the types of data you are about to erase. Keep cookies and history unselected if your purpose is only to clear temporary website files. Exact placement can vary by version, so follow the on-screen category labels.
Will clearing Chrome cache fix a slow website?
Sometimes. A damaged or outdated stored resource can cause a page to render incorrectly, so clearing cache forces Chrome to fetch fresh resources. But internet connection problems, overloaded servers, heavy extensions, hardware memory limits and broken website scripts will not necessarily be fixed by deleting cache.
In fact, some sites may open more slowly on the first visit after a cache clear, because Chrome must download images and other assets again. Google’s cache-and-cookie explanation documents this tradeoff.
What to try if Chrome still shows an old page
Verify the correct Chrome profile and time range
Make sure the problem occurs in the active profile and that the selected time range includes the period when the problematic resource was stored.
Check extensions
Ad blockers, script filters and other extensions can change how a website displays. Try disabling a suspicious extension temporarily and test again. Avoid deleting passwords or reinstalling Chrome as your first response.
Check the website itself
A website can have an outdated server-side cache or a deployment issue that no local browser action can repair. Compare with another browser or device before concluding that Chrome is at fault.
Inspect an account-specific problem
If a webpage works while signed out but not when signed in, the issue might concern site data, account permissions or an application error rather than cached images. Back up any unsaved form content before deleting site data.
FAQ
Does clearing Chrome cache delete my saved passwords?
Selecting only Cached images and files should not delete passwords. Always inspect other checked categories before confirming.
Will clearing cache log me out of websites?
Clearing temporary files alone is different from deleting cookies and site data. Removing cookies can affect logged-in sessions.
How often should I clear cache?
No fixed schedule is necessary for most people. Clear it when troubleshooting or freeing local space, not automatically every day.
Will cache clearing delete downloaded files?
Chrome’s cached images and files are different from files saved in your Downloads folder.
Is clearing Chrome cache the same as clearing Google search history?
No. Search history and Google Account activity are separate types of data managed through different controls.
For related browser and desktop troubleshooting, see our Windows 11 storage cleanup guide and Gmail inbox troubleshooting checklist.
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