How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Chrome and Safari

Clear browsing data in Chrome on a computer or Android, and in Safari on iPhone and Mac, to fix website problems and protect your privacy.

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Published 5 min read
Checked against 2 sources
Illustration: How to Clear Cookies and Cache in Chrome and Safari

The short answer

In Chrome on a computer, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Command + Shift + Delete on Mac), choose a time range, tick Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files, then click Delete data. On iPhone, go to Settings › Apps › Safari › Clear History and Website Data. Clearing cookies signs you out of most websites.

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can fix pages that won’t load properly, remove stored tracking data, and is a good step after using a shared computer. The trade-off: you’ll be signed out of most websites.

Chrome on a computer (Windows or Mac)

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac). Or click the three-dot menu › Delete browsing data (sometimes Clear browsing data).
  3. Choose a Time range, such as Last hour or All time.
  4. Tick Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
  5. Click Delete data.

Chrome on Android

  1. Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu.
  2. Tap Delete browsing data (or History › Clear browsing data).
  3. Choose a time range.
  4. Tick Cookies and site data and Cached images and files.
  5. Tap Delete data.

Safari on iPhone and iPad

  1. Open Settings › Apps › Safari (on older iOS: Settings › Safari).
  2. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
  3. Choose a time range if offered, and confirm.

To clear website data without clearing your history, go to Settings › Apps › Safari › Advanced › Website Data › Remove All Website Data.

Safari on Mac

  • Clear history and data: choose History › Clear History from the menu bar, pick a time range, and click Clear History.
  • Cookies only: choose Safari › Settings › Privacy › Manage Website Data, then Remove All (or remove a single site).

When to clear cookies and cache

  • A website looks broken or shows old content.
  • You used a shared or public computer.
  • You want to remove stored website data for privacy.

You don’t need to do it routinely: cache makes websites faster.

Make browsing more private going forward

  • Use a private or incognito window on shared computers.
  • In Chrome Settings › Privacy and security, review Third-party cookies.
  • In Safari, keep Prevent Cross-Site Tracking turned on.

On Android, apps keep their own cache too. Here’s how to clear app cache on Android. After clearing cookies you’ll need to sign in again, so a password manager and two-factor authentication make that easier and safer.

The bottom line

Use Ctrl/Command + Shift + Delete in Chrome, or Clear History and Website Data in Safari. Expect to sign in again afterwards, so keep your passwords in a password manager.

Frequently asked questions

Will clearing cookies delete my saved passwords?

No, not unless you also tick Passwords in the advanced options. Clearing cookies does sign you out of websites, so make sure you know your passwords or use a password manager.

What's the difference between cookies and cache?

Cookies are small files websites use to remember you, like keeping you signed in. Cache stores parts of web pages, like images, so they load faster next time.

Can I clear cookies for just one website?

Yes. In Chrome, click the icon to the left of the web address, go to site settings or cookies, and delete data for that site. In Safari on Mac, use Settings › Privacy › Manage Website Data and remove a single site.

Why you can trust this guide
  • Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
  • Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
  • Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
  • Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.

Sources

  1. Google Chrome Help — Clear cache & cookies
  2. Apple Support — Clear the history and cookies from Safari on your iPhone

This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.

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