Cache or cookies: which should you clear?
Understand what each one stores before deleting browser data or signing yourself out.
On this page
Clearing browser data is not one single action. Cache and cookies serve different purposes, and removing them has different effects.
What the cache stores
The cache holds copies of resources such as images, stylesheets, and scripts so the browser can reuse them. An outdated resource can occasionally contribute to a display issue after a website changes.
Reloading the page is a reasonable first step. If the problem persists, clearing cached files for the affected site is more targeted than deleting all browsing data.
What cookies store
Cookies can support sign-in sessions, preferences, and tracking. Removing them may sign you out or reset settings. Websites can also store data through other browser mechanisms, so clearing cookies is not always identical to removing all site data.
Choose the smallest useful reset
For a visual issue, try a reload, then compare another browser. For a broken sign-in session, clearing that site’s cookies and stored data may help—but first make sure you can sign in again.
Avoid selecting saved passwords or browsing history unless you intend to remove those too. Browser labels differ, so read each checkbox before confirming.
If the issue continues
An extension, service outage, network problem, or website bug may be responsible. Record the error, time, browser version, and actions that trigger it. Those details help the site’s support team investigate.