How to Clean Cache on a Browser, Phone, or Computer

Cache is temporary data that a browser, app, or operating system saves to make pages and content load faster. Clearing it can help when a site displays old information, a page fails to load, or an app behaves unexpectedly. It may also free some storage, although the amount varies.

Cache is not the same as saved passwords, browsing history, cookies, or app data. Removing cookies can sign you out of websites, and clearing app data can erase settings or files. Follow the relevant steps below and check the options shown before confirming.

What You’ll Need

Your phone, tablet, or computer, with the affected browser or app available.
A few minutes to sign back in to sites if you choose to remove cookies as well as cached files.
If clearing cache on a work or shared device, permission to change its browser or app settings.

Step-by-Step

Identify where the problem occurs. Note whether it affects one website, one app, or the whole device. If only a website is affected, start with that browser. If only an app is affected, use the app or device settings. Clearing every cache is usually unnecessary.
Save work and check what will be removed. Close or save open pages and files. Look for separate choices for cached images and files, cookies, browsing history, and saved passwords. Select only cached files unless you intentionally want to remove other data. Do not choose “clear data,” “reset,” or “erase all content” when your aim is only to clear cache.
Clear browser cache on a computer. Open the browser’s Settings, then look for Privacy, Security, or a similar section and a control such as Clear browsing data. Choose a time range if offered, select cached images and files, and leave passwords and cookies unchecked if you want to keep them. Confirm the action. Menu names and paths can differ slightly by browser version.
Clear browser cache on a phone or tablet. In the browser’s menu, open Settings and look for Privacy or browsing-data controls. Select cached files or images and confirm. Some mobile browsers use a different menu path from their desktop version; check the browser’s own help if you cannot find the option. Menu names can differ slightly by version.
Clear an app’s cache on Android. Open the device Settings and look under Apps or Applications for the affected app. Open its Storage section and choose Clear cache, if available. Read the button carefully: Clear storage or Clear data is different and may remove local settings, downloads, or sign-in information. Settings paths vary by Android device and version.
Handle apps on iPhone or iPad carefully. iOS and iPadOS do not provide one universal button to clear every app’s cache. Check the app’s own settings for a cache-clearing option. If there is none, consult that app’s help before deleting or reinstalling it; removal can delete local documents or require you to sign in again. Do not assume that offloading an app clears all of its cache.
Restart and check the result. Close and reopen the browser or app, then revisit the page or repeat the action that had a problem. The first load may take longer because temporary files are being created again. If the issue remains, use the troubleshooting checks below rather than repeatedly clearing data.

Common Mistakes

Clearing cookies by accident: Cookies can keep you signed in and remember site preferences. If the confirmation screen offers separate checkboxes, inspect them before proceeding.
Choosing app storage instead of cache: On Android, clearing storage or data is more disruptive than clearing cache. It can reset the app or remove information saved only on the device.
Expecting cache clearing to fix every problem: A service outage, weak connection, outdated app, or account issue will not usually be fixed by deleting temporary files.
Clearing everything on a shared device: Removing other people’s cookies or saved sessions can sign them out. Use the appropriate browser profile or ask before changing shared settings.
Repeating the process immediately: Apps and browsers rebuild cache as they are used. Clearing it over and over can make pages load more slowly without solving the underlying issue.

Tips

Start with the affected site or app instead of clearing cache across the whole device.
If a website looks outdated, refresh it once after clearing its browser cache. If the problem is limited to one site, sign out and back in only if needed.
Clear cache when troubleshooting a specific loading or display problem, rather than following a routine schedule. Cache normally helps content load faster.
Keep apps and browsers updated through their normal, trusted update channels. An update may address a problem that clearing cache cannot.
On a work or school device, follow your organisation’s instructions; device policies may restrict changes to browser or app data.

Troubleshooting

You cannot find the cache control: Use Settings search for “cache,” “browsing data,” or the app’s name. Confirm you are looking at the settings for the affected browser or app. Menu names may differ slightly by version.
The cache option is unavailable: Some apps manage temporary files automatically or offer no manual cache control. Check the app’s official help and avoid using unfamiliar cleaner apps or deleting system folders.
The issue is still there: Check your internet connection, restart the app, and see whether the problem occurs in another browser or on another network. If it is one website, the site itself may be having trouble.
You were signed out: This usually means cookies or app data were also removed. Sign in again only through the legitimate app or website, and do not share your password with a support contact.
Storage did not change much: Cache size depends on how the device and app are used. Restart the app and check the storage screen again; cache can begin rebuilding as soon as you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I clear cache?

The app or browser deletes temporary files it saved for faster loading. It will create new ones as you browse or use the app. If you select only cache, saved passwords and account data should remain.

Will clearing cache delete my photos or documents?

Clearing a browser’s cached files normally does not delete personal photos or documents. However, clearing an app’s data or deleting the app can remove files stored only inside it, so check the confirmation screen and the app’s guidance first.

Does clearing cache log me out?

Cache alone generally does not sign you out. Clearing cookies in a browser or clearing an app’s storage may remove sign-in information and require you to log in again.

How often should I clear cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when troubleshooting a specific issue or when an app offers cache management and you have a reason to use it.

Is clearing cache the same as clearing browsing history?

No. Cache consists of temporary files used to load content, while browsing history is a record of pages visited. The controls may appear together, so check which options are selected before confirming.

Sources: Google Android Help. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.