A cache is a storage tool which temporarily stores data. Storing data in cache makes it readily available for the client for accessing and hence saves time. For this purpose, web browsers use the cache functionality for faster and seamless browsing.

Browser cache contains HTML files, multimedia contents, Java scripts as well as CSS stylesheets, which together form a website. When the user revisits a cached website, the updated files are reloaded while the cached files are loaded as they were saved.

But sometimes cache causes problems in website loading when the website has been updated, and the cache is not. This will result in a partially loaded or broken website. Thus, it is advisable to clear cache frequently to save yourself from the hassles.

In this article, we will explain two ways to clear the cache in Google Chrome browser.

Also read: Is Chrome becoming a surveillance software for Google?

Shortcut to clear cache instantly

To clear the cache immediately, follow the instructions given below. Note that this can only be done on a PC running Google Chrome — Windows, Mac and Linux included.

• Open the Chrome app.
• Activate the Chrome Dev Tools by pressing F12.
• After pressing F12, right-click reload option on the top left corner.
• You will see three options — Normal Reload, Hard Reload and Empty Cache and Hard Reload.

Normal Reload: This is the same as refresh standard reload option. Selecting this option will command the browser to reload the page using the cached data and at the same time check and deliver any updated file, if available. The shortcut for normal reload is Ctrl+R.

Hard reload: The browser will download all the files of the webpage again. The shortcut to perform this function is Ctrl+Shift+R.

Empty Cache and Hard Reload: This option will wipe the cache clean and will load a fully updated website. This is the best option to remove the cache files completely. The browser will cache the files again afresh.

Choose the one that suits your needs the best.

Also read: How to clear app data or cache on Android and why?

Traditional Way

To clear the cache traditionally, follow the steps given below.

Clearing cache in Android

The steps are as follows.

• Open the Chrome app.
• On the top right corner, click on the three-dot .
• On the menu, tap on History option.
• Tap on Clear browsing data on the top.
• After that, you will notice two options — Basic and Advance. The Basic option lets you clear the browsing history, Cookies and site data as well as cached images and files, while the Advanced option allows you to clear saved passwords and autofill form data, in addition to the three options mentioned above.
• Select the time range — last hour, last 24 hours, previous seven days, last four weeks or all time. (This will clear the cache in the selected time).
• After selecting the options and the time range, tap on Clear data on the bottom right of the screen.

Clearing cache in Windows

The steps are as follows.

• Open Google Chrome.
• On the top right corner, click on the three dots, which will open a menu.
• Click on More Tools.
• After that, select clear browsing data.
• A new tab will open. Choose the time range (which is the same as Android).
• Tick mark the options that you want to clear. The options include download history, cookies and other site data, cached images and files, along with a host of other options like passwords and other sign-in data, autofill form data, site settings and hosted app data.
• Once you have selected the options, click on Clear data at the bottom right of the box.

Also read: How to save webpage to read offline in Chrome?