How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Edge
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Independent guide, not affiliated with your browser
Cookies store logins and preferences for websites; the cache stores copies of pages and images so they load faster. Clearing them fixes many loading problems and removes tracking cookies, but it also signs you out of most websites.
Every major browser can clear them for all sites or just one site. The keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac) opens the clearing screen in Chrome, Edge and Firefox.
At a glance
- Time required: About 1 minute per browser
- Shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) / Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac)
- Side effect: You’ll be signed out of websites
- Passwords: Not removed unless you tick passwords
Google Chrome Help: clear cache and cookies (official site) ↗
Before you delete
- Know your passwords or use a password manager — you’ll need to sign in again.
- Choose a time range: clearing only the last hour fixes recent problems.
- Keep history unticked if you only want cookies and cache gone.
How to clear cookies and cache
- Chrome (desktop): press Ctrl+Shift+Delete, choose a time range, tick Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then Delete data.
- Chrome (Android/iPhone): tap ⋮ (or …) > Delete browsing data, select cookies and cached files, then Delete data.
- Safari (Mac): Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data > Remove All. For cache only, enable the Develop menu and choose Empty Caches.
- Safari (iPhone): Settings > Apps > Safari (older iOS: Settings > Safari) > Clear History and Website Data, or Advanced > Website Data to remove single sites.
- Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data, tick cookies and cached content, then Clear.
- Edge: Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data > Choose what to clear, tick cookies and cached images, then Clear now.
Menus change often. If a button has moved, use the search box in the app's settings or the official help link above.
Clear cookies for just one site
Click the icon to the left of the address bar (site information) and choose Cookies and site data (Chrome/Edge) or Clear cookies and site data (Firefox). This signs you out of only that site.
Clear automatically
Chrome and Edge can delete cookies when you close all windows (Settings > Privacy > Third-party cookies / Site data). Firefox has Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed. Private browsing windows discard cookies when closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will clearing cookies delete my saved passwords?
No, unless you also tick passwords. You will be signed out of websites, though.
What’s the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores page files to speed up loading; cookies store small pieces of data like logins and preferences.
How often should I clear cookies and cache?
Only when something breaks or for privacy. Setting cookies to clear on exit is easier than doing it manually.
Does clearing cookies stop tracking?
It removes existing tracking cookies, but sites can set new ones. Blocking third-party cookies helps more.