{"id":67424,"date":"2026-10-16T19:11:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/?p=67424"},"modified":"2026-10-16T19:11:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T13:41:10","slug":"how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Clear Cache on Chromebook (Chrome, Apps and Powerwash)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Is a school site showing an old page, a login loop or a Chromebook that feels sluggish? Here is how to clear cache on Chromebook: open Chrome, select the <strong>More<\/strong> menu (three dots) &gt; <strong>Delete browsing data<\/strong>, pick <strong>All time<\/strong>, tick <strong>Cached images and files<\/strong> and select <strong>Delete data<\/strong>. It takes about 30 seconds, and the steps below also cover a one-page refresh, keyboard shortcuts and what to do when nothing else works.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-67423\" src=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook.webp\" alt=\"Chromebook laptop open on a desk, ready to clear the Chrome cache\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook-300x158.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook-1024x538.webp 1024w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook-150x79.webp 150w, https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-content\/uploads\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook-768x403.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><strong>Quick answer:<\/strong> Chrome &gt; More (\u22ee) &gt; Delete browsing data &gt; Time range: All time &gt; tick Cached images and files (and Cookies and other site data if a site won&#8217;t sign in) &gt; Delete data. Shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + Backspace opens the same window. To reload one page without its cache: Ctrl + Shift + R.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ad251cac93a6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #1a202c;color:#1a202c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ad251cac93a6\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#What_clearing_the_cache_on_a_Chromebook_does\" >What clearing the cache on a Chromebook does<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#How_to_clear_cache_on_Chromebook_step_by_step\" >How to clear cache on Chromebook (step by step)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#Keyboard_shortcuts_that_save_time\" >Keyboard shortcuts that save time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#Still_not_working_Check_extensions_and_apps\" >Still not working? Check extensions and apps<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#Turn_off_extensions_one_by_one\" >Turn off extensions one by one<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#Android_apps_on_a_Chromebook\" >Android apps on a Chromebook<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#School_and_work_Chromebooks\" >School and work Chromebooks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#Last_resort_Powerwash_factory_reset\" >Last resort: Powerwash (factory reset)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#More_Chromebook_help\" >More Chromebook help<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#How_often_should_I_clear_the_cache_on_my_Chromebook\" >How often should I clear the cache on my Chromebook?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#Will_clearing_cache_delete_my_files_or_passwords\" >Will clearing cache delete my files or passwords?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#Why_does_a_website_still_look_the_same_after_clearing_the_cache\" >Why does a website still look the same after clearing the cache?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook\/#Does_restarting_a_Chromebook_clear_the_cache\" >Does restarting a Chromebook clear the cache?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_clearing_the_cache_on_a_Chromebook_does\"><\/span>What clearing the cache on a Chromebook does<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Chrome saves copies of images, scripts and page files (the cache) so websites open faster next time. When those saved files go out of date, a site can look broken, refuse to load new content or get stuck signing in. Clearing them forces Chrome to download fresh copies.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cached images and files:<\/strong> safe to delete any time. Pages load slightly slower the first time afterwards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Cookies and other site data:<\/strong> deleting these signs you out of most websites. Google says you stay signed in to the Google Account you sync Chrome with.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Browsing history:<\/strong> only deleted if you tick it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Your files<\/strong> in the Files app and Google Drive are never touched.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_clear_cache_on_Chromebook_step_by_step\"><\/span>How to clear cache on Chromebook (step by step)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Open <strong>Chrome<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Select the <strong>More<\/strong> icon (three dots) at the top right.<\/li>\n<li>Choose <strong>Delete browsing data<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Next to <strong>Time range<\/strong>, choose <strong>All time<\/strong> (or a shorter range if the problem only just started).<\/li>\n<li>Tick <strong>Cached images and files<\/strong>. Add <strong>Cookies and other site data<\/strong> only if a site still won&#8217;t load or sign you in.<\/li>\n<li>Select <strong>Delete data<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Close Chrome and open it again, then reload the site.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>You can also reach the same window from <strong>Settings &gt; Privacy and security &gt; Delete browsing data<\/strong> inside Chrome, or by typing <strong>chrome:\/\/settings\/clearBrowserData<\/strong> in the address bar. Google&#8217;s help page on <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/accounts\/answer\/32050?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">clearing cache and cookies in Chrome<\/a> lists the same steps.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keyboard_shortcuts_that_save_time\"><\/span>Keyboard shortcuts that save time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Shortcut<\/th>\n<th>What it does<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Ctrl + Shift + Backspace<\/td>\n<td>Opens the Delete browsing data window<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ctrl + Shift + R<\/td>\n<td>Reloads the current page without using cached content<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ctrl + Shift + N<\/td>\n<td>Opens an Incognito window, which starts with no cookies or cache from your normal browsing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The hard reload (Ctrl + Shift + R) is listed in Google&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/chromebook\/answer\/183101?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chromebook keyboard shortcuts<\/a> and is the quickest fix when only one page looks stale. A handy test: if a site works fine in an Incognito window but not in a normal one, the cache, cookies or an extension is the cause.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Still_not_working_Check_extensions_and_apps\"><\/span>Still not working? Check extensions and apps<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Turn_off_extensions_one_by_one\"><\/span>Turn off extensions one by one<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A faulty or outdated extension can break pages in ways that look like a cache problem. Type <strong>chrome:\/\/extensions<\/strong> in the address bar, switch extensions off one at a time and reload the site after each. Remove any you don&#8217;t recognise; our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2009\/12\/download-google-chrome-extensions\/\">installing Chrome extensions safely<\/a> explains what to look out for.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Android_apps_on_a_Chromebook\"><\/span>Android apps on a Chromebook<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Apps installed from Google Play keep their own data, separate from Chrome. Clearing Chrome&#8217;s cache doesn&#8217;t affect them. If one Android app keeps misbehaving, the surest fix is to uninstall it (right-click its icon in the launcher &gt; <strong>Uninstall<\/strong>) and install it again from the Play Store, then sign back in.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"School_and_work_Chromebooks\"><\/span>School and work Chromebooks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>On a Chromebook managed by a school or employer, the administrator controls many settings. Some schools stop students from deleting browsing history or data, and you can&#8217;t Powerwash a managed Chromebook yourself. If the Delete browsing data options are greyed out or missing, ask your school&#8217;s IT team. The same goes for blocked websites; we explain how filters work in our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-block-websites-on-chrome\/\">blocking websites on Chrome<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Last_resort_Powerwash_factory_reset\"><\/span>Last resort: Powerwash (factory reset)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If the Chromebook is still slow or glitchy after clearing the cache, a Powerwash resets it to factory settings. It <strong>erases all local data<\/strong>, including everything in the Downloads folder, so back up files to Google Drive or a USB drive first. Files already in Google Drive aren&#8217;t deleted.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Sign out of your Chromebook.<\/li>\n<li>Press and hold <strong>Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Select <strong>Restart<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>In the box that appears, select <strong>Powerwash<\/strong>, then <strong>Continue<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Follow the steps and sign in with your Google Account.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Google&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/chromebook\/answer\/183084?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Powerwash help page<\/a> has the full details. Passwords saved to your Google Account come back when you sign in again, but to be safe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/export-passwords-from-chrome\/\">export your Chrome passwords<\/a> first.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_Chromebook_help\"><\/span>More Chromebook help<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Need to show your IT team what&#8217;s wrong? Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2026\/10\/how-to-screenshot-on-chromebook\/\">taking a screenshot on a Chromebook<\/a> covers every method. And if your charger is the problem rather than the browser, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/2014\/05\/chromebook-charges-with-mobile-phone-charger\/\">whether you can charge a Chromebook with a phone charger<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_should_I_clear_the_cache_on_my_Chromebook\"><\/span>How often should I clear the cache on my Chromebook?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Only when something goes wrong, such as a site showing old content, a page that won&#8217;t load or a sign-in loop. Chrome manages the cache on its own the rest of the time.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_clearing_cache_delete_my_files_or_passwords\"><\/span>Will clearing cache delete my files or passwords?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. Clearing cached images and files only removes Chrome&#8217;s temporary copies of web pages. Files in the Files app, Google Drive and your saved passwords stay where they are unless you choose to delete passwords separately.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_a_website_still_look_the_same_after_clearing_the_cache\"><\/span>Why does a website still look the same after clearing the cache?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Close and reopen Chrome, then press Ctrl + Shift + R on the page. If it still looks wrong, clear cookies too, try an Incognito window, or switch off extensions. The website itself may also be having problems.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_restarting_a_Chromebook_clear_the_cache\"><\/span>Does restarting a Chromebook clear the cache?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No. A restart frees memory and can fix temporary glitches, but Chrome&#8217;s cache stays on the device until you delete it.<\/p>\n<p><em>Photo by Kind and Curious on Unsplash<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is a school site showing an old page, a login loop or a Chromebook that feels sluggish? Here is how&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":67423,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[49],"class_list":["post-67424","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-computers","tag-tutorials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67424","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67424"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67424\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67433,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67424\/revisions\/67433"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67423"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67424"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67424"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quickonlinetips.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67424"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}