Key takeaways:
- Two ways to clear cache: Chrome browser and Play Store apps
- Don’t wipe cookies unless you want to sign in again everywhere
- Clearing cache can free up space and speed things up 🚀
Ever feel like your Chromebook is getting sluggish or running out of space? Sometimes, all that temporary data—aka cache—just piles up and needs to go. Clearing cache on a Chromebook is pretty simple and can make your device feel lighter and faster. In this post, I’ll show you how to clear cache from Chrome and from apps you installed through the Play Store. No stress, no tech jargon, just the steps you need.
Table of Contents
- Clearing Cache from Google Chrome on Chromebook
- Clearing Cache from Android Apps Installed via Play Store
- Why Clear Cache on Chromebook?
- Should You Clear Cookies Too?
- Table: Chrome vs Play Store App Cache
- Extra Chromebook Tips
- FAQs
- How often should I clear cache on my Chromebook?
- Will clearing cache delete my files or photos?
- Can clearing cache fix app crashes?
- What if I want to clear everything, including cookies?
- Is there a shortcut to clear cache on Chromebook?
Clearing Cache from Google Chrome on Chromebook
If you use a Chromebook, most of your apps and browsing run through Google Chrome. That means a lot of your cache is sitting in the browser. Here’s how I clear it:
- Open Google Chrome.
- Click the three-dot menu at the top right.
- Go to Settings.
- On the left, tap Privacy and security.
- Hit Clear browsing data.
You’ll see two tabs: Basic and Advanced. Honestly, the Basic tab is all you need for clearing cache. For the time range, I usually pick All time just to wipe it all out. Make sure only Cached images and files is checked. I leave Cookies and other site data unchecked because those keep me signed in to sites I use—don’t want to log in everywhere again!
Click Clear data and let it run. That’s it! Chrome cache is gone. This also wipes cache for apps and extensions that run inside Chrome, like Chrome Remote Desktop.
If you want to see more tips on making Chrome run smoother, check out make Chrome consume less memory and 7 tips to make Chrome faster.
Clearing Cache from Android Apps Installed via Play Store
Some apps on Chromebook are Android apps from the Play Store. Their cache is separate from Chrome’s. Here’s how I clear cache for those:
- Right-click the app icon in your app drawer or shelf.
- Click App info.
- Tap Manage permissions.
This opens up an Android-style settings page. Sometimes, you won’t see the cache option right away. Tap the app’s icon at the top of the screen, and more settings will show up. Go to Storage & cache, then hit Clear cache.
That’s it—cache gone for that app. If you want to keep your Chromebook tidy, you might want to delete apps you don’t use or delete downloads too.
Why Clear Cache on Chromebook?
- Frees up storage space, so you can save more files or install more apps.
- Can fix weird glitches or slow performance.
- Makes your Chromebook feel less bogged down.
If you want to see how much storage you have left, check out how to check storage on Chromebook.
Should You Clear Cookies Too?
I leave cookies alone most of the time. Clearing cookies logs you out of websites, which is a pain if you don’t remember your passwords. Cookies are tiny and usually not a big deal for storage. If you only want to clear cookies for one site, try clear cookies from one website in Chrome.
Table: Chrome vs Play Store App Cache
| Cache Type | Where to Clear | What It Affects | Signs You Need to Clear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome browser cache | Chrome settings | Browsing, web apps, Chrome extensions | Slow sites, loading issues |
| Play Store app cache | App info > Storage & cache | Android apps only | App glitches, crashes |
Extra Chromebook Tips
- Want to keep your Chromebook running smooth? Tips for speeding up Chromebook.
- If you’re low on space, increase Chromebook storage or delete images.
- To see your device info, try how to check Chromebook hardware specs.
FAQs
How often should I clear cache on my Chromebook?
I do it every few weeks or when things feel slow. If you use a lot of web apps or Android apps, you might want to clear it more often.
Will clearing cache delete my files or photos?
Nope, clearing cache only removes temporary data. Your files, photos, and downloads are safe.
Can clearing cache fix app crashes?
Sometimes, yeah! If an app keeps crashing or acting weird, clearing its cache is a good first step.
You can check Cookies and other site data in the Clear browsing data menu, but you’ll have to sign in again on most websites.
Is there a shortcut to clear cache on Chromebook?
Not really, but you can press Ctrl + Shift + Backspace in Chrome to open the Clear browsing data window fast.
Hope this helps you keep your Chromebook in shape! If you need to know how to clear cache on Windows, check how to clear cache on Windows 10. Any other Chromebook questions? Drop them below! 😎
