How to Clear Browsing Data in Chrome

Clearing browsing data in Chrome is useful when you want to clear your history, remove cached files, fix website loading issues, or clean up saved cookies from your browser.

The important detail is the time range. Chrome may default to deleting only the last hour of data, so if you want to remove everything, you need to change the time range to All time before clicking the delete button.

Quick answer

To delete browsing data in Chrome, open Chrome Settings, go to Privacy and security, click Delete browsing data, choose the time range and data types you want to remove, then click Delete data.

Step-by-step text guide

1. Open Chrome settings

First, open Google Chrome.

In the top-right corner of the browser, click the three dots menu. From the menu that opens, click Settings.

2. Go to Privacy and security

Inside the settings page, look at the left sidebar and click Privacy and security.

This is where Chrome keeps options related to browsing data, cookies, site settings, security, and privacy controls.

3. Open Delete browsing data

In the Privacy and security section, click Delete browsing data.

Chrome will open a new menu where you can choose what kind of data you want to remove.

4. Choose the time range

At the top of the delete browsing data menu, check the Time range option.

Chrome may be set to delete data from only the last hour by default. If you want to delete all your browsing history and stored browser data, change this option to All time.

5. Select what you want to delete

Chrome lets you choose different types of browsing data, such as:

• browsing history
• cookies and other site data
• cached images and files

Select the data types you want to remove.

6. Click Delete data

After choosing the time range and data types, click Delete data.

Chrome will remove the selected browsing data from your browser.

Extra tips

If you only want to fix a website that is not loading correctly, deleting cached images and files may be enough.

If you delete cookies and other site data, websites may sign you out, so you may need to log in again.

If you want to delete everything, always make sure the time range is set to All time before confirming.

FAQ

Does deleting browsing data remove my saved passwords?

Not unless you specifically choose password-related data from the advanced options. Be careful when selecting extra options if you do not want to remove saved passwords.

Why does Chrome only delete the last hour?

Chrome often shows a recent time range by default. You can change it manually from the Time range dropdown.

Should I delete cookies too?

Delete cookies if you want to sign out of websites, reset website sessions, or remove stored site data. If you want to stay logged in, do not select cookies.

Is clearing cache safe?

Yes. Clearing cache is generally safe. Chrome may need to download website files again, so some pages can load a little slower the first time after clearing it.