Privacy guide
How to Clear Cookies and Cache
Cookies and cache are normal browser data. They are not automatically bad, but clearing them can fix broken websites, remove old sessions, and reduce some tracking. The tradeoff is convenience.
What cache does
Cache stores temporary images, scripts, and files so websites load faster. It can also cause old or broken page versions to stick around.
Clearing cache is usually low risk. The main downside is that websites may load slower the next time because the browser has to download files again.
How to clear cookies and cache
Most browsers let you choose history, cookies, cache, passwords, and autofill separately. Keep passwords unchecked unless you intentionally want them removed.
- Open your browser settings.
- Find Privacy, Security, History, or Clear browsing data.
- Choose Cookies and site data if you want to remove cookies.
- Choose Cached images and files if you want to clear cache.
- Choose the time range and confirm.
When to clear them
- After using a shared computer
- When a website will not load correctly
- When you want to sign out of many sites at once
- During a monthly privacy cleanup
- Before giving away or selling a device, alongside a proper device reset