Google Chrome is a slightly resource-heavy browser and tends to slow down every now and then. Frequently clearing and refreshing the browser cache is one way to speed up and improve the performance. In this article, let us explore four ways to clear or refresh the cache in Google Chrome.
Also, read | How to Force Refresh Page Cache in Chrome, Opera, Edge, Firefox, and Safari
What is Cache in Chrome Browser?
In general computing terms, cache means temporary storage of data to be quickly used later. Similarly, cache in a web browser context means storing website and browser data so that these elements can be loaded quickly instead of downloading them once again.
Web browsers (including Chrome) usually store data like images, logos, HTML, JavaScript, and CSS code lines. They mainly ‘cache’ static assets of websites, meaning elements of a website that do not change from each visit.
So the next time a website loads up despite a super slow internet connection or on offline mode, you viewed a stored – cached version of the webpage.
Why is it Important to Clear Browser Cache?
Despite discussing the benefits of cache in the previous section, it is still an accumulation of data locally. We need to understand that cache can improve loading times but can contribute to making Chrome slow and stutter when you navigate the browser.
The bottom line is that every now and then, you need to clear your cache so that you do not accumulate a large amount of data on your web browser to a point where Chrome gets sluggish and is hard to use.
Clear or Refresh Cache in Chrome – 4 Methods
Let us look into a few tried and tested methods to clear or refresh the cache in Google Chrome. You can pick any of these methods according to your preference and the ease of access. There is a working method for Windows PC, macOS, and Android.
1. In-Built Method to Clear or Refresh Cache in Chrome
Google Chrome has provided us with an in-built option to clear cache in Chrome. Here’s a step-by-step procedure for the same.
Step 1: Click on the three dots menu icon in the top right corner. Click on Settings.
Step 2: Click on Privacy and Security.
Step 3: Now click on Clear browsing data.
Step 4: Click on the drop-down menu for the time range option, and select All time.
Step 5: Ensure only the option next to Cached images and files is selected. Now click on Clear data. By following all the above steps, your browser cache will be cleared.
Alternatively, you can use the hotkey Ctrl + Shift + Del to access the clear data menu quickly.
2. Clear Cache Extension
Clear Cache is an easy-to-use and widely used extension to clear or refresh the cache in Google Chrome. Apart from the initial setup, it just takes one click to clear the cache using this extension. Here’s a step-by-step method to set up and use the extension.
Step 1: Visit the Clear Cache extension page. Click on Add to Chrome > Add Extension.
Step 2: Once you install the extension, it will automatically take you to the configuration page. Here, you need to select App Cache and Cache Storage apart from the selected Cache option.
Step 3: Scroll down to find the Time Period section and select Everything.
Step 4: Once you configure the extension, click on the extension menu in the top right corner and tap Clear Cache.
This is all you have to do to clear or refresh the cache in Google Chrome.
3. Classic Cache Killer Extension
Another popular extension to clear the cache on Google Chrome is the Classic Cache Killer. Like the previous extension, it is also rated well and installed in large numbers on Chrome. Here’s how to install and use the extension.
Step 1: Visit the Classic Cache Killer extension page. Click on Add to Chrome > Add Extension.
Step 2: Once you install the extension, click on the extensions menu in the top right corner.
Step 3: Click on Classic Cache Killer.
This is all you need to do to activate the extension, and it will clear or refresh the cache in chrome.
4. Clear Cache in Chrome Mobile
The caching mechanism on Chrome in Android is similar to how it is on your PC, and it is important to clear the cache regularly to free up space. Here’s how to delete cache for Chrome on Android:
Step 1: Once you open Google Chrome on Android
Step 2: Click on the three dots icon on the top right corner and select Settings.
Step 3: Click on Privacy and security > Clear Browsing Data.
Step 4: Click on the drop-down menu under time range, and click on All time.
Step 5: Ensure that only the Cached images and files option is selected.
Step 6: Now click on Clear Data.
By following these steps, you have cleared the cache on Chrome on your Android device.
Bonus- Auto-Delete Browsing History When You Close Chrome
While we covered clearing cache in this guide, we also recently covered three different methods to auto delete browsing data and history when you close chrome. This will help you increase your privacy and have a fresh start every time you start a new browsing session.
All you need to do is go to chrome://settings/cookies and enable the option for Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome. For more methods, check our detailed guide to auto delete history when you close Chrome.
Wrapping Up
These are some quick ways to clear or refresh the cache in Google Chrome. We hope this article helped you clear system storage and resources occupied by cache files of Chrome browser. Stay tuned for more such guides and articles from BrowserToUse, to enhance and improve your browsing experience on Google Chrome.
