What cache and cookies do, and why you might want to remove them
Cache is a folder on your computer where your browser stores copies of web pages, images, and files you've visited. When you return to a site, your browser loads these stored copies instead of downloading everything again — this makes pages load faster. Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device to remember information about you: your login status, items in your shopping cart, your language preference, or your browsing history on that site.
Both serve a purpose, but they also accumulate data about your activity. Clearing cache frees up storage space on your device and removes local records of where you've been. Deleting cookies removes the stored information websites use to recognize you, which means you'll be logged out of accounts and sites will treat you as a new visitor next time. Some people clear these regularly for privacy, others only when their browser feels slow, and others never do — the choice depends on your comfort level and how you use your device.
The steps differ slightly depending on which browser you use. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all have cache and cookie deletion built in, but the menu paths and naming are different. This guide covers the major browsers on both desktop and mobile devices.
Key Takeaways
- Cache stores copies of pages and images to speed up loading; cookies store login information and site preferences that websites use to recognize you.
- Clearing cache removes local records of your browsing and frees up storage, while deleting cookies logs you out of accounts and removes stored site preferences.
- Every major browser has a built-in tool to clear cache and cookies — you do not need a separate app or extension.
- You can set your browser to clear cache and cookies automatically when you close it, or delete them manually whenever you choose.
How to clear cache and cookies in Chrome
Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy and security in the left sidebar. Choose Clear browsing data.
A window will appear with three tabs: Basic, Advanced, and On exit. On the Basic tab, you'll see a dropdown at the top that says All time — this controls how far back to delete. Select the time range you want (Last hour, Last 24 hours, Last 7 days, Last 4 weeks, or All time). Check the boxes next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Leave other options unchecked unless you want to delete your browsing history, passwords, or autofill data too. Click Clear data.
If you want Chrome to delete cache and cookies automatically every time you close the browser, go back to Settings > Privacy and security and toggle on Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome. This runs in the background — you won't see a confirmation each time.
How to clear cache and cookies in Firefox
Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right. Select Settings, then click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
A window will pop up. Make sure both Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are checked. Click Clear. Firefox will delete everything immediately — there's no time-range option on this screen, so it clears all stored cache and cookies at once.
To set Firefox to clear cache and cookies on exit, stay in Settings > Privacy & Security and scroll down to Cookies and Site Data. Check the box next to Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed. Firefox will then clear these files every time you fully close the browser.
How to clear cache and cookies in Safari
Open Safari and click Safari in the top menu bar (on Mac) or use the menu button if on iPhone or iPad. Select Clear History.
A dropdown will appear asking how far back you want to clear: the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history. Choose your time range and click Clear History. This action clears both your browsing history and cookies at the same time — Safari doesn't separate them into different steps.
To clear cache specifically on Mac, go to Safari > Settings (or Preferences on older versions), click the Advanced tab, and check Show Develop menu in menu bar. Then click Develop in the top menu and select Empty Caches. On iPhone and iPad, cache clears automatically when you clear history, so there's no separate step.
How to clear cache and cookies in Microsoft Edge
Open Edge and click the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then click Privacy, search, and services in the left sidebar. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
A window will appear with a dropdown at the top showing your time range options: Last hour, Last 24 hours, Last 7 days, Last 4 weeks, or All time. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear now.
To make Edge clear cache and cookies automatically when you close it, stay in Settings > Privacy, search, and services and toggle on Clear browsing data under the Clear browsing data section. You can also choose which data types to clear automatically by toggling individual options below that setting.
Clearing cache and cookies on mobile devices
Mobile browsers work the same way as desktop versions, but the menu paths are slightly different because of the smaller screen.
On iPhone or iPad: Open Safari, tap the tabs icon (two overlapping squares) at the bottom, then tap History at the bottom of the screen. Tap Clear and choose your time range. This clears both history and cookies together.
On Android with Chrome: Open Chrome, tap the three dots in the top right, select Settings, tap Privacy, then Clear browsing data. Choose your time range, check Cookies and site data and Cached images and files, and tap Clear data.
On Android with Firefox: Open Firefox, tap the three lines at the bottom right, select Settings, tap Delete browsing data, make sure both options are checked, and tap Delete browsing data again to confirm.
What happens after you clear cache and cookies
After you clear cookies, you'll be logged out of most websites. The next time you visit a site that required a login, you'll need to enter your username and password again. Sites will also lose any stored preferences — if you had set a website to display in dark mode or in a specific language, it will reset to its default.
Clearing cache means pages will load slightly slower the first time you visit them after clearing, because your browser has to download fresh copies of images and files instead of using the stored versions. This slowdown is usually only noticeable on slower internet connections and only for the first visit to each site.
Neither action deletes your browsing history (unless you specifically choose to), removes your saved passwords (unless you check that box), or affects your accounts on the actual websites — it only removes the local copies stored on your device. Your email account, social media profile, and other online accounts remain unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cache and cookies delete my passwords?
No, unless you specifically check the box for saved passwords when clearing. Cache and cookies are separate from your saved passwords. If you want to keep your passwords but remove cookies, uncheck the password option before you clear.
Should I clear cache and cookies regularly?
There's no single right answer. If you share your device with others and want privacy, clearing regularly makes sense. If you're the only user and don't mind sites remembering you, you can skip it. Clearing when your browser feels slow or storage is low is a reasonable middle ground.
What's the difference between clearing cache and clearing browsing history?
Browsing history is a list of URLs you've visited that you can see in your browser's history menu. Cache is the stored copies of pages and images. Clearing history removes the list; clearing cache removes the stored files. You can do one without the other.
If I set my browser to clear cache on exit, will I lose my login information?
Yes. If you turn on automatic clearing when you close the browser, you'll be logged out of sites the next time you open it. Some browsers let you add exceptions so certain sites stay logged in — check your browser's settings if you want to keep some logins but clear everything else.
Does clearing cache and cookies make my browsing private?
It removes local records on your device, but it doesn't hide your activity from your internet service provider, your employer's network, or the websites themselves. For actual private browsing, use your browser's private or incognito mode, which doesn't store cache or cookies in the first place.