How to Clean Your Cache in Browsers and Apps

What You’ll Need

A phone, tablet, or computer with the browser or app you want to clean.
Access to that browser or app’s settings. Menu names can vary slightly by device and software version.
A moment to sign back in if you choose an option that also removes cookies or website data. You generally do not need a special cleaner app.

Step-by-Step

Choose what to clean. Cache belongs to a particular browser or app, so decide where the problem is happening. If one website is slow or displaying old content, start with that browser. If a specific app is glitching, check its storage settings. Clearing one browser’s cache does not clear another browser’s cache or every app on your device.
Save work and close the affected app. Finish drafts, uploads, or other activity that should not be interrupted. Closing a browser tab is not always necessary, but it can help the browser apply changes cleanly. Do not clear data while an app is actively downloading or saving something.
Open the relevant settings. In a browser, look for Settings, then a section such as Privacy, Privacy and security, or Clear browsing data. In an app, open its settings and look for Storage, Data usage, or a similar option. Menu paths can differ slightly by version. If you cannot find the control, use the app’s built-in settings search or its official help page.
Select cache only where possible. Choose “Cached images and files,” “Cached data,” or “Clear cache.” Read the labels before confirming. Avoid selecting passwords, saved sign-in information, browsing history, cookies, or all app data unless you specifically want those removed. On many browsers, a time-range selector appears; select the range you intend to clear. Choosing all time removes more stored files than choosing a recent period.
Confirm the action. Review the selected items, then tap or click Clear, Delete, or Confirm. Clearing cached files normally does not erase bookmarks or saved passwords, but selecting broader options can remove website data or sign you out. If a prompt warns that documents, accounts, or personal files will be deleted, cancel and check that you selected the intended control.
Restart and check. Reopen the browser or app and revisit the page or feature that was causing trouble. The first visit may take longer because images and other files need to download again. Check whether the original issue is gone before clearing anything else.
Use device settings only if the app allows it. On Android, many devices provide an app-specific storage screen with a separate Clear cache control; wording and location vary. Read carefully and do not choose Clear storage or Clear data unless you are prepared to reset the app or remove locally stored information. On iPhone and iPad, there is not a universal system-level button to clear every app’s cache. Use the app’s own controls, or follow its official instructions; removing and reinstalling an app may erase local data and is not a first step.

Common Mistakes

Confusing cache with cookies. Cached files are copies of items such as images and scripts that help pages load. Cookies and other site data can hold sign-in sessions and preferences. Clearing both may sign you out or reset website choices, so select cache alone when that is all you want.

Choosing Clear data or Clear storage by mistake. These options can remove app settings, downloaded files, or information stored only on the device. Their effects vary by app and operating system. Read the confirmation screen and check the app’s help instructions before using them.

Expecting cache clearing to fix every problem. It can help with outdated or damaged temporary files, but it will not fix a weak internet connection, an account issue, or a service outage. Try a simple restart or check the connection if the problem remains.

Installing an unfamiliar “cleaner.” A separate utility is usually unnecessary for clearing a browser or app cache. Avoid giving unknown apps broad access to your files or personal information.

Tips

Clear cache for the affected browser or app rather than wiping data across the whole device.
When a single website appears out of date, reload it first. If that fails, clear the browser cache and try again.
Expect the next visit to use more data or take longer while temporary files are downloaded again.
Keep passwords in a password manager or another safe place before changing broader browser data settings. Do not assume a browser will retain every sign-in.
Use cache clearing as a targeted troubleshooting step, not a routine task that must be done on a fixed schedule.

Troubleshooting

The menu does not show a cache option: Search settings for “cache,” “storage,” or “browsing data.” Some apps manage temporary files automatically or offer only a combined storage control. Check the app’s official support instructions rather than guessing which reset option is safe.

The problem is still there: Confirm that you cleared the cache for the app and account where the issue occurs. Restart the app, reload the page, and check your internet connection. If only one website is affected, try opening it in a private window; if it works there, site data or an extension may be involved. Do not remove all browser data until you understand what else will be deleted.

You were signed out: This usually means cookies or site data were selected along with cached files. Sign back in only on the correct website, and check whether its saved preferences need to be set again. In future, choose the cache-only checkbox.

The app still behaves incorrectly after clearing cache: Check for an app update and consult the developer’s help page. Reinstalling can remove locally stored content, so first confirm that important information is synced or backed up and that you know how to access your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does clearing my cache do?

It removes temporary copies of files that a browser or app saved to load content more quickly. The files can be downloaded again when needed.

Will clearing cache delete my passwords or bookmarks?

Clearing cache alone generally does not delete saved passwords or bookmarks. Selecting passwords, browsing data, cookies, or a broader reset option can have different effects, so check each selection.

Will I be logged out of websites?

Not usually if you clear only cached files. Clearing cookies or other site data can end sign-in sessions and reset site preferences.

How often should I clear my cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when you are troubleshooting a page or app, or when its settings indicate that stored data is causing a problem.

Is clearing cache the same as deleting browsing history?

No. Cache is made up of temporary files; browsing history is a record of pages visited. Browsers often offer both controls on the same screen, so make sure you select only what you intend to remove.

Can I clear the cache for just one website?

Some browsers let you remove data for an individual site, but the available controls vary. Look in the browser’s site settings or help instructions, and distinguish cached files from cookies and site data.

Further reading: Google Help. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.