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Q. How do I clear my browser cache in Google Chrome?

Answered By: Beth Juhl
Last Updated: Jun 05, 2024     Views: 263075

By default, your web browser stores cookies and other information about sites you visit.  Clearing your browser cache is often the easiest way to fix connection issues with library databases. 

To clear your cache in Google Chrome

  1. Click the Menu in the upper right.
  2. Choose History
    Menu for History settings in Chrome
  3. Choose "Clear Browsing Data."
    Clear Browsing Data option
  4. The most effective setting is to clear all browsing history for All time and to clear browsing history, download history, cached images and files, and cookies. 
    Clearing browser cache in Chrome
  5. Close your browser and restart to see changes.  

Set Chrome to automatically clear some cache items when it closes


This setting can help prevent caching errors by tidying up each time you exit Chrome.  It may not work if you stay signed into your Google Chrome account. 

  1. Click the Menu in the upper right.
  2. Choose Settings
  3. Locate Privacy and Security on the left menu.
  4. Under Privacy and Security, choose button for Site Settings.
    Google Site Settings
  5. Under Site Settings, find the Content section and choose Additional Content Settings
    Choose Additional Site Data
  6. Find the option for On-device Site Data
    On device data settings
  7. Choose the option to Delete data sites have saved to your device when you close all windows
    Chrome option "Delete data sites have saved to your device when you close all windows"

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Comments (7)

  1. Thank you so much, here is one visual representation for better understanding if someone wants to have a look- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4ulE5-jciE
    by Ray on Mar 17, 2020
  2. UPDATE! Google changed the location of this setting to: Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > Additional content settings > On-device site data > Default behavior > Check Delete data sites have saved to your device when you close all windows
    by Junalynn on Jan 05, 2024
  3. Thank you @Junalynn! We've updated the FAQ. Happy New Year to you!
    by Beth Juhl on Jan 05, 2024
  4. Maybe the most clear instructions I have ever seen,
    by Mark on Feb 09, 2024
  5. You can also press on the keyboard CTRL + Shift + DEL as a shortcut to the clear browsing data :)
    by Another Tech Person on Jun 03, 2024
  6. When following the instructions, the on-device site data select to delete data sites have saved... is gray out. Any suggestions?
    by DL on Jun 05, 2024
  7. @Another Tech Person that is a great tip. For Mac users, try command + shift +delete. Works in most browsers
    by Beth on Jun 05, 2024