How to Clear Cache in Chrome (Mobile + PC)

If you’ve noticed that your browser is acting sluggish, pages are mis-displaying, or you’re simply trying to maintain your system’s performance, clearing the cache in Google Chrome can be a game-changer. In this guide you’ll learn what the cache is, why clearing it helps, and how to do it on both desktop and mobile devices.

What Is Browser Cache & Why Should You Clear It?

Your browser’s cache is a temporary storage where Chrome saves parts of websites — like images, scripts, and style files — so it can load faster next time you visit. That sounds great … until the cached files get outdated or corrupt. Then you might see old versions of sites, slow performance, or strange glitches. In those cases, clearing your cache resets things so you’re getting fresh content from the server. Information Technology Services

Step-by-Step: Clear Cache on Desktop (Windows / Mac)

1. Open Chrome.

2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right, then go to More tools → Clear browsing data. Google Help+1

3. In the dialog that appears:

   • At the top, choose a Time range (for a full wipe pick “All time”). fl02219191.schoolwires.net

   • Check the boxes for Cached images and files (and optionally “Cookies and other site data” if you want a fuller clean-up). Google Help+1

4. Click Clear data.

5. Close all Chrome windows and reopen to ensure it’s fully refreshed. Information Technology Services

6. After reopening, test performance: load a site you had issues with and see if things improved.

When & Why You Should Clear Cache

Clearing the cache is particularly useful when:

• Websites are loading outdated content or broken layouts.

• Your browser starts behaving sluggishly or freezing.

• You’ve fixed something (like server side changes) and want the browser to load fresh assets.

• You’re troubleshooting login or page-display issues.

Clearing cache is a quick first-step in many browser-related fixes. Information Technology Services+1
Just know that doing so may log you out of some sites or remove saved preferences — so be ready to re-sign in.

Bonus Tips to Keep Chrome Running Smoothly

• Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Del (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Del (Mac) to open Clear Browsing Data quickly. fl02219191.schoolwires.net+1

• Set a habit: clear your cache every few weeks if you browse a lot of sites.

• Use incognito/private mode for sessions where you don’t want to build up cache or cookies.

• If you rely on multiple devices, remember cache is device-specific — clearing on one won’t clear the others.

• Avoid installing too many extensions or add-ons, as they often store additional cached files and can slow Chrome down.

Clearing your cache might sound technical or tedious, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to keep Chrome fast, clean, and healthy. Whether you’re using a PC, Mac, Android phone, or iPhone — just follow the right steps above and you should see a noticeable improvement in browsing speed, site rendering, and overall performance.