How to Clear Cache on Opera GX Without Losing Data

Q: Will clearing the cache delete my bookmarks or passwords?

No, not when you select only Cached images and files. Bookmarks and saved passwords are separate data types, but review the dialog before clearing to avoid selecting them accidentally.

Clearing the cache removes temporary copies of website files stored by Opera GX. It can help when a page looks outdated, fails to load correctly, or keeps showing a problem after you refresh. The browser may need to download those files again, so some pages can load more slowly the first time afterward.

You do not need to uninstall Opera GX or delete your browsing history to clear its cache. The menu wording and layout can differ slightly by version, but the setting is available through Opera GX’s browser settings. Before confirming, check which data categories are selected: clearing the cache alone should not remove saved passwords, bookmarks, or extensions.

What You’ll Need

A computer with Opera GX installed and open.
Access to the browser window where you want to clear cached data.
A moment to review the selected data types and time range before confirming.

Step-by-Step

Open Opera GX settings. Select the Opera menu in the upper-left corner of the browser, then choose Settings. You can also open settings with the keyboard shortcut Alt+P on Windows. On macOS, use the Opera menu and select Settings or Preferences, depending on the version.
Find the clearing tool. In Settings, use the search field and type clear browsing data. Select the matching option if it appears. Alternatively, look under Privacy & security for Clear browsing data. Menu paths may differ slightly between Opera GX versions, so settings search is often the quickest route.
Choose a time range. In the dialog, open the time-range menu. Choose All time to remove all cached files Opera GX has stored, or select a shorter range if you only want to clear recent data. This range applies to the categories you select, not just the cache.
Select only the cache if that is your goal. Check Cached images and files. Read the other options before leaving them checked. Browsing history removes visited-page records; cookies and other site data can sign you out or reset site preferences; saved passwords and autofill data are separate categories. Exact labels can vary slightly.
Confirm the selection. Review the time range and checked boxes, then select Clear data or the similarly named confirmation button. Wait for the dialog to close or the browser to finish processing before testing the affected website.
Reload the page. Return to the page that had a problem and reload it. If the old version still appears, close and reopen the tab, then try again. A website may also store data independently or have a problem on its own servers, so clearing the browser cache cannot fix every loading issue.

Common Mistakes

Clearing more than the cache: It is easy to leave history, cookies, or password-related categories selected. Check every box before confirming; clearing cookies can sign you out of sites.
Choosing the wrong time range: A recent range will not remove older cached files. Choose All time if you want a complete cache clear, but remember that it applies to all selected categories.
Expecting a speed boost every time: Cache files help pages reuse downloaded resources. Removing them can make the next visit slower while the browser downloads fresh copies.
Confusing cache with cookies: They are different kinds of stored website data. Clearing cached images and files does not necessarily sign you out; clearing cookies or site data often does.
Closing the browser before confirming: Selecting a category does not remove it by itself. Use the clear button and allow the operation to complete.

Tips

Start with a narrow clear: If one page is misbehaving, first clear cached images and files for a recent period. Use All time only when you need a full reset of the selected category.
Use a hard refresh for a single page: A forced reload may ask the browser to fetch page resources again without clearing stored data for every site. The shortcut varies by operating system and keyboard, so check your device’s browser guidance if needed.
Keep passwords unchecked: You usually do not need to delete saved passwords to fix a stale page. If you are unsure what a category removes, cancel and review Opera GX’s on-screen description first.
Expect sites to rebuild their cache: After clearing, pages may take a little longer to load or briefly display differently as fresh files are stored. That is normal.
Consider site-specific data carefully: If a problem persists, removing cookies or site data for the affected website may help, but it can reset sign-in and preferences. Try that only if you are comfortable signing in again.

Troubleshooting

“Clear browsing data” is hard to find. Search for that phrase in Opera GX Settings. If search does not show it, look in the privacy and security section; the menu location can change slightly between versions.

The clear button is unavailable or nothing seems to happen. Make sure at least one data category is checked, select a time range, and try again. If the dialog remains open, close it, reopen Settings, and repeat the process. Save any work in forms or web apps first, especially if you plan to clear cookies or site data.

The website still shows old content. Reload the page and check whether the issue happens in another tab or on another site. The website may be serving outdated content, or its own service may be having trouble. Clearing the browser cache cannot repair a server-side issue.

You were unexpectedly signed out. Cookies or site data were likely selected along with cached files. Sign back in if appropriate, and review the selected categories next time. Clearing cached images and files alone should not normally remove your login cookies.

Opera GX keeps acting strangely after clearing. Restart the browser and test again. If the problem is limited to one website, check that site’s data separately before considering broader troubleshooting. Avoid deleting unrelated browser data unless you understand what it contains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing the cache delete my bookmarks or passwords?

No, not when you select only Cached images and files. Bookmarks and saved passwords are separate data types, but review the dialog before clearing to avoid selecting them accidentally.

Will clearing the cache log me out of websites?

Usually not if you clear only cached files. Selecting cookies or other site data can sign you out and reset website preferences.

How often should I clear the Opera GX cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when you are troubleshooting a display or loading problem, or when you have another specific reason; routinely deleting it is not necessary for normal browsing.

Can I clear the cache for just one website?

Opera GX’s browsing-data dialog may offer site-specific data controls, but the exact route and options can vary by version. Look for site settings or stored site data in Settings, and remember that removing a site’s cookies can sign you out.

Does clearing the cache remove downloads?

No. Cached website files are different from files you downloaded and saved to your device. Your downloads are not removed by clearing only the browser cache.

Further reading: Opera 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.