How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Chrome

This article explains how to delete the small files Google Chrome stores, called web cookies, from your computer, both across all sites and for individual ones. Instructions in this article apply to the desktop version of Google Chrome for all operating systems.

How to Clear Cookies in Chrome

The process is similar to clearing the cookies in most browsers. Follow these steps to delete cookies in Chrome and clear the browser cache:

1. Select the three dots in the upper-right corner of Chrome, then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

2. Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.

   You can also access the Clear browser settings screen anytime using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Del (on Windows) or Command+Shift+Del (on macOS).

3. Choose a Time range.

4. Select which data you want to delete, then select Clear data.

   Don't remove anything you might want to keep. For example, deleting autofill data erases everything saved in forms, such as your name, email address, phone number, and payment information.

How to Clear Cookies From Individual Sites in Chrome

If you don't want to remove all your data, you can delete cookies for specific websites in Chrome:

1. Select the three dots in the upper-right corner of Chrome, then select Settings from the drop-down menu.

2. In the Privacy and security section, select Site Settings.

3. Scroll down and select Cookies and site data.

4. Scroll down and select See all cookies and site data.

   If you want Chrome to delete cookies automatically each time you exit the browser, select the toggle switch next to Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome to enable it.

5. A list of every website storing cookies through Chrome is listed. Search through the list and select the website you want. 

6. Select Remove All, or select the X next to individual files to delete them. For more information about each file, select the down arrow next to it.

Why Websites Use Cookies

Websites commonly use cookies to track your browsing habits and target ads to you. This is usually a harmless process. However, in some situations, cookies can provide a way for hackers to get into your online accounts. Clearing the cookies in Chrome permanently removes them from your computer so that the cookies can't be used in that way.

The cached files used by Chrome are helpful in ways similar to cookies. However, the Chrome cache can become corrupted and cause page loading issues. Cache files take up space on a hard drive, which can affect your device's performance.

When you erase cookies, cached files, history, and other components saved in Chrome, Chrome won't work exactly the same afterward. For example, you will be logged out of websites that rely on that data. The history suggestions that come up when you type in the Chrome navigation bar are also cleared. Before you delete any cookies, be certain you do not use them regularly.