How to Clear Your Computer or Mobile Device of Cookies and Cache Memory to Optimize Performance
When you use a preferred 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 Computer (scroll down for Mobile)
- On your computer, open Chrome
.
- At the top right, click More
Clear browsing data.
- Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time.
- Select the types of information you want to remove.
- 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.
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iPad, iPhone, or Other Apple Device
Before clearing cache & cookies
When you clear your cache and cookies, your browser might sign you out of your Google Account. To make sure you can sign back in, update your recovery phone number and email address.
In the Chrome app
- On your iPhone or iPad, open Chrome
.
- Tap More
- Choose the types of information you want to remove.
- Tap Clear Browsing Data.
- At the top right, tap Done.
Learn how to change more cookie settings in Chrome.
In other browser apps
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.
- 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.