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 device, open Chrome Clear cache & cookies - Android (1).
  2. Tap More Clear cache & cookies - Android (2)Clear cache & cookies - Android (3) Clear browsing data.
    • To delete browsing history (including open tabs), select a duration and then tap Clear data.The default duration is 15 minutes.
    • To choose more specific types of data you want to delete, tap More options. Select the types of browsing data you want to delete and then 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? ›

Clearing your browser's cache and cookies means that website settings (like usernames and passwords) will be deleted and some sites might appear to be a little slower because all of the images have to be loaded again.

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

In Chrome
  1. On your computer, open Chrome .
  2. At the top right, click More. Clear browsing data.
  3. Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time.
  4. Select the types of information you want to remove.
  5. Click Clear data.

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? ›

Frequent clearing of the cache will rob you of the benefits of quick data access. Most caches are set up to delete files automatically after a certain period of time. However, if you are experiencing the sort of problems or security issues described above, you may be able to solve them by manually clearing your cache.

Why can't I clear my cache on Android? ›

Recent Android versions no longer offer the ability to clear the device's entire cache at once. Pre-Oreo: Tap Settings > Storage > Devices (or similar) > Cached data > Clear cached data > OK.

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.

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

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."

How do I clear cache on Samsung Android all at once? ›

Open Settings, and then swipe to and tap Apps. Select or search for the app you want to clear. Tap Storage, and then tap Clear cache. Note: The only way to clear the cache on every app at the same time would be to perform a factory reset on your phone.

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.

Why does my cache come back when I clear it? ›

In the short term, clearing cache helps you save storage space on your phone. But this is a temporary fix, since new cache files are created all the time as you use apps.

Will clearing cache delete pictures? ›

No, clearing cache will not delete pictures. It only removes the thumbnails that appear in your gallery. These thumbnails are stored in your cache and make it easy for your gallery app to open.

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? ›

Clearing your browser cache and cookies can improve performance and security, but it can also delete some useful or convenient information, such as passwords, autofill forms, or shopping carts.

What will I lose if I clear cookies? ›

By clearing the cache and cookies you are telling your computer to forget all previous activity, settings, and information. It is the internet equivalent of “turning it off and back on again”.

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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