Note: The instructions below apply to Google Chrome version 132.0.6834.160.



Introduction: 


Many issues we experience while accessing websites are the result of cache and cookies.  These issues can produce unpredictable behavior, so it's important to clear them out (delete them) whenever you're experiencing problems in a website.  Before detailing the process to delete cache and cookies, here's a brief explanation of what they are.


Cache

A storage location on your device for temporarily holding webpage data.  The purpose is to speed up loading times by storing copies of previously viewed web pages, images, and files.  Example: When you visit a website again, your browser can load it faster because it has saved parts of the site from your last visit.


Cookies

Tiny pieces of data stored on your device by websites you visit. They are used for several purposes; to remember login information, track user activity (for site preferences and ads), save items in shopping carts, etc.  Example: When you log in to a website and it "remembers" you next time you visit, that's a cookie at work.




To Delete Cache and Cookies in Chrome:


Step 1: Click the  icon in the upper right hand corner of the browser.  

Result:  A dropdown menu will appear.


Step 2: From the dropdown menu that appears, select History.

Result:  A flyout menu will be displayed.


Step 3:  Click on History in the flyout menu.

Result:  A new browser tab will open, displaying the History page.


Step 4:  In the left-hand pane, click Delete Browsing Data.

Result:  You are shown the Delete browsing data dialog box.


Step 5:  Make the following selections in the Delete browsing data dialog box.

  • Click the Advanced tab at the top.
  • Select All Time from the Time range dropdown box.
  • Make sure the following checkboxes are selected.
    • Browsing history
    • Download history
    • Cookies and other site data
    • Cached images and files

Result:  The Delete browsing data dialog box will look like this.



Step 6:  Click the Delete data button.

Results:  Depending on how long its been since this process has been run, it could take anywhere between 5 and 30 seconds.  Once its finish the Delete browsing data dialog box will disappear.  


Step 7:  Close all open Google Chrome browser windows.

NOTE:  It is important to make sure and close all Google Chrome browser windows before moving on to the next step.


Step 8: Relaunch the Google Chrome browser and proceed to your website of choose.



Summary:


There are several reasons why a website may be misbehaving.  One of the first (and most important) troubleshooting steps is to delete cache and cookies.  In many cases, it's one of the first things a technician will try when diagnosing an issue in the browser and it's an easy thing you can try anytime you're experiencing problems.