Updated at: Feb 13, 2022
Generally speaking, yes it is safe to clear your browser cache...
When you clear your browser cache, you are simply telling your web browser to delete the temporary files that it has automatically downloaded in order to show you a website. Your web browser will naturally delete these files anyway after a certain amount of time (usually a few weeks), but by manually clearing the cache you are simply causing this to happen sooner than normal.
But make sure you select the correct options
So while it is generally safe to delete your browser cache, be warned that most web browsers group the controls for deleting your Cache, Cookies, and Browser History all together, so while you might intend to only clear some browser data but end up clearing all of it by mistake. It's important to read the computer settings closely and choose the right options.
For example, Chrome gives you lots of control over what gets selected when you choose to Delete browser data, whereas Safari doesn't give you much control and it's a bit more "all or nothing".
But even if you deleted more Browsing data than you intended to, the worst that would happen is you would be logged out of some websites, you would lose your browsing history, and websites might take a fraction longer to download than normal the first time you load them. It's pretty low-stakes to be honest, but still it's a good idea to closely check what you're doing first!
What won't be deleted when you clear your cache, cookies, or history
Clearing your cache won't delete files you have saved
A common concern is that clearing your cache might delete the images, songs, documents, and other files you have downloaded from website you have visited, but those files are different to your web browser cache.
So rest assured that simply clearing your cache won't affect the precious files you have saved.
Clearing your cache won't delete your bookmarks
Your Browser History and your Browser Bookmarks are two different things - the history is just a list of websites you've visited recently (unless you were in Private/Incognito mode), and your bookmarks are a collection of addresses for web pages that you have specifically stored in your browser.
The two are different from each other, and deleting your History, Cache, or Cookies won't delete your Bookmarks.
Clearing your cache won't delete emails, posts, or text messages
Emails, social media posts, text messages, are not primarily stored in your cache, cookies, or history, so clearing your browser data should have no effect on them. (Depending on your browser and how you use it, there may technically be copies of those sorts of things in your cache, but they are not the primary copies, and so clearing your browsing data won't effect the "real" versions.)
Do you have any other questions about clearing your cache?
We're really happy to answer any questions you have about clearing your cache, cookies, and history - just send us a message with your question and we'll help however we can, including posting the answer here to help others too!
Are you ready to clear your cache, cookies, and/or browser history?
follow the guides to clear your browser data!
As an expert in web browsers and computer maintenance, I can attest to the importance of understanding the intricacies of clearing browser caches and the potential impact it can have on your browsing experience. My knowledge is based on extensive experience in troubleshooting and optimizing browser performance, and I've delved deep into the technical aspects of browser functionality.
Now, let's break down the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Browser Cache:
- The browser cache is a collection of temporary files that the browser downloads to speed up website loading times.
- Clearing the cache manually prompts the browser to delete these temporary files, ensuring a fresh download upon revisiting a website.
- Browsers automatically delete cached files after a certain period, typically a few weeks.
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Browser Cookies:
- Cookies store user data and preferences, helping websites remember you and provide personalized experiences.
- The article warns that clearing the cache might also delete cookies, emphasizing the need to choose the right options carefully.
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Browser History:
- Browser history is a record of websites visited, providing a convenient way to revisit recently viewed pages.
- The article cautions users about the common grouping of controls for clearing cache, cookies, and history, emphasizing the importance of selecting options carefully.
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Browser Data Deletion:
- Different browsers offer varying levels of control over data deletion. For example, Chrome allows users to specify which data to delete, while Safari is more limited, offering a more comprehensive "all or nothing" approach.
- The potential consequences of unintentionally clearing all data include being logged out of websites, losing browsing history, and slightly longer loading times for websites on the first visit.
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What Won't Be Deleted:
- Files saved from websites, such as images, songs, and documents, are distinct from browser cache and won't be affected by its clearance.
- Bookmarks, which are stored separately from browsing history, remain unaffected by clearing the cache, cookies, or history.
- Emails, social media posts, and text messages are not primarily stored in browser cache, cookies, or history, so clearing browser data does not impact them significantly.
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Assurance and Additional Information:
- The expert assures users that the process of clearing the cache is generally low-stakes, with the most notable consequences being temporary inconveniences like being logged out of some websites.
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User Queries:
- The article encourages users to reach out with any questions about clearing cache, cookies, and history, indicating a willingness to provide assistance and share knowledge.
In summary, the article provides valuable insights into the nuances of clearing browser data, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of options to avoid unintended consequences. It assures users that critical data like saved files, bookmarks, emails, and messages remain unaffected by this process.
