Chrome’s “clear browsing data” button can solve some problems, but selecting everything without checking the boxes can create new ones. Cookies may sign you out of websites, site data can reset preferences, and saved passwords are a separate category you should leave unchecked if your goal is only to clear a cache.
Choose the smallest cleanup that solves the problem
Open Chrome’s Delete browsing data dialog and choose a time range. Review each selected category before confirming:
- Cached images and files: removes stored copies of page resources. Sites may load more slowly once while they download again.
- Cookies and site data: can sign you out and remove saved site preferences.
- Browsing history: removes visited addresses; if history sync is enabled, Google says it can also be removed from synced devices.
- Saved passwords and autofill: separate options—do not select them unless you intentionally want that information removed.
Chrome on Android warns that deleting data saved to your Google Account can affect other devices where you are signed in. Search history and other Google account activity are managed separately from Chrome browsing history.
Use the right fix
If one website is broken, clear that site’s data rather than wiping every site’s cookies. If you are passing the device to someone else, sign out and follow the account/provider’s full handoff guidance; clearing browser history alone may not remove synced account activity.
Bottom line: select a time range and only the data type you need. If you do not want to re-enter account credentials, leave cookies and saved passwords alone unless you understand the consequences.
Official guide
Google Chrome Help: Delete browsing data in Chrome
Official guide
Google Chrome Help: Delete browsing data in Chrome
Featured image: Junaruga via Wikimedia Commons, CC0. Image source and license.
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