The fastest way to clear your cache depends on which browser you use

Your cache is a folder where your browser stores copies of websites, images, and files you've visited. Clearing it frees up disk space, can speed up a slow browser, and removes records of where you've been online. The steps differ between Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, but each takes less than a minute.

Most people should clear their cache once a month or when their browser starts running slowly. If you're selling your computer or sharing it with someone else, clearing cache is one step in removing your browsing history — though it doesn't erase everything (passwords, saved usernames, and some tracking data live elsewhere).

Key Takeaways

  • Chrome, Firefox, and Edge all use Ctrl+Shift+Delete to open the cache-clearing window, where you can choose what time period to clear.
  • You can set your browser to clear cache automatically every time you close it, which removes the need to do it manually.
  • Clearing cache frees disk space and can fix problems like pages loading incorrectly or login screens appearing when they shouldn't.
  • Cache clearing is different from clearing cookies and browsing history — you may want to clear all three, or only cache if you want to stay logged into websites.

Clear cache in Google Chrome

Open Chrome and press Ctrl+Shift+Delete on your keyboard. A window titled "Clear browsing data" will appear. At the top, you'll see a dropdown menu that says "All time", "Last hour", "Last 24 hours", "Last 7 days", "Last 4 weeks", or "Last 90 days" — choose the time period you want to clear.

Make sure the box next to "Cached images and files" is checked. You can also check "Cookies and other site data" if you want to log out of websites, or leave it unchecked to stay logged in. Click the blue "Clear data" button at the bottom right. Chrome will clear the cache in a few seconds.

To make Chrome clear cache automatically every time you close it, click the three-line menu in the top right corner, select "Settings", then click "Privacy and security" on the left. Under "Clear browsing data", check the box next to "Clear cookies and other site data when you quit Chrome". Chrome will now clear cache every time you close the browser completely.

Clear cache in Mozilla Firefox

Open Firefox and press Ctrl+Shift+Delete. The "Settings" page will open to the "Privacy & Security" tab. Scroll down to the section called "Cookies and Site Data" and click the "Clear Data" button.

A small window will pop up. Make sure "Cached Web Content" is checked — this is your cache. You can also check "Cookies and Site Data" if you want to log out of websites. Click "Clear" and Firefox will remove the cache in a few seconds.

To clear cache automatically when you close Firefox, stay on the "Privacy & Security" tab and scroll up to "History". Click the dropdown next to "Firefox will" and select "Use custom settings for history". Check the box that says "Clear history when Firefox closes", then click the "Settings" button next to it. Check "Cache" and click "OK". Firefox will now clear cache every time you close it.

Clear cache in Microsoft Edge

Open Edge and press Ctrl+Shift+Delete. The "Clear browsing data" window will open. At the top, choose your time period from the dropdown — "All time", "Last hour", "Last 24 hours", "Last 7 days", "Last 4 weeks", or "Last 90 days".

Check the box next to "Cached images and files". You can also check "Cookies and other site data" to log out of websites. Click "Clear now" and Edge will remove the cache in a few seconds.

To clear cache automatically, click the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select "Settings", then click "Privacy, search, and services" on the left. Scroll down to "Clear browsing data" and toggle on "Choose what to clear every time you close the browser". Edge will now show you the clear-data window each time you close it, or you can toggle on "Always clear this" to clear automatically without asking.

What gets cleared and what doesn't

Clearing cache removes temporary copies of websites and images, but it does not remove your browsing history (the list of sites you've visited), your saved passwords, or your autofill information. If you want to remove those too, you'll need to clear them separately using the same Ctrl+Shift+Delete window — just check the additional boxes for "Browsing history" or "Passwords".

Clearing cache also does not remove tracking cookies that advertisers use to follow you across websites. Those live in "Cookies and Site Data" or "Cookies", which is a separate checkbox. If you want to remove both cache and tracking cookies, check both boxes before you click clear.

If you're concerned about privacy, clearing cache alone is a partial step. Websites can still track you through other methods, and your internet service provider can see which sites you visit. A VPN (virtual private network) or privacy-focused browser offers more protection, but clearing cache regularly is still worth doing.

When to clear cache and what problems it solves

Clear your cache if a website looks broken, won't load correctly, or shows outdated information. Sometimes your browser is showing you an old cached version of a page instead of the current one. Clearing cache forces the browser to read the fresh version the next time you visit.

Clear cache if you're logged into a website on a shared computer and want to make sure the next person doesn't see your account. Clearing cookies (in the same window) will log you out; clearing cache alone won't, but both together are more thorough.

Clear cache if your computer is running slowly or your hard drive is nearly full. Cache can grow to several gigabytes over months or years. Clearing it won't make your computer dramatically faster, but it does free up space and can help if your browser has become sluggish.

You don't need to clear cache every day. Once a month is reasonable for most people. If you use your computer alone and aren't concerned about privacy, you can clear it even less often — only when you notice a problem or when your drive is full.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords or log me out of websites?

Clearing cache alone will not log you out or delete passwords. Passwords are stored separately in your browser's password manager. To log out of websites, you need to also clear "Cookies and Site Data" (or "Cookies") in the same window. If you only check "Cached images and files", you'll stay logged in.

How much space does cache actually take up?

Cache size varies widely depending on how much you browse and which websites you visit. For most people, cache is between 100 megabytes and 2 gigabytes. Video-heavy sites like YouTube and streaming services create larger caches. Clearing it won't transform your computer's performance, but it does free up disk space.

Can I clear cache for just one website instead of all websites?

Most browsers don't offer a built-in way to clear cache for a single site. Your best option is to clear all cache, or to use your browser's "Incognito" or "Private" mode when visiting a specific site — this mode doesn't save cache or history for that session.

What's the difference between cache and cookies?

Cache stores images, stylesheets, and other files to make websites load faster. Cookies store small pieces of information like your login status, preferences, and tracking data. Clearing cache speeds up your browser and frees space; clearing cookies logs you out and removes tracking. You can clear either one independently.

Is it safe to clear cache?

Yes, clearing cache is completely safe. It won't damage your browser, delete important files, or break anything. The only minor inconvenience is that websites will load slightly slower the first time you visit them after clearing, because your browser has to read fresh copies of images and files.