How to Clear the Browser Cache on Android

To clear only the browser cache on Android, open your browser’s Delete browsing data controls, select Cached images and files (or the equivalent), leave cookies and other categories unchecked, and confirm. This removes stored page resources so the browser downloads them again; it does not normally sign you out when you leave cookies and site data untouched.

Use the instructions for your browser below. Menu labels can shift between versions and locales, but all three browsers offer selectable data categories.

Clear the cache in Chrome for Android

Open Chrome and tap More (the three-dot menu) beside the address bar.
Tap Delete browsing data. You can also reach the controls from Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data.
Choose a time range. If the screen shows only basic choices, open the detailed options or the More options tab.
Select Cached images and files. Leave Cookies and site data and other categories unchecked if you want a cache-only clear.
Tap Delete data and confirm.

Chrome’s detailed dialog may also offer browsing history, open tabs, saved passwords, autofill entries, and site settings. Deleting history can close open tabs; deleting passwords, autofill, or site settings affects those items. Google also notes that deleting data saved to your Google Account from the device may remove it from other devices where you are signed in. Check the selected categories and account or sync context before confirming. Google’s Chrome instructions describe the categories and their effects.

Clear the cache in Samsung Browser

Open Samsung Browser and tap More options (three dots).
Tap Settings > Personal browsing data > Delete browsing data.
Select Cached images and files.
Leave cookies and site data, history, passwords, and autofill unchecked if you intend to clear only the cache.
Tap Delete data, then confirm with Delete.

Clearing cookies or other selected browsing data can require signing in to websites again. The menu and available controls may vary by Galaxy model and software version. See Samsung’s Galaxy Browser instructions.

Clear the cache in Firefox for Android

Open Firefox and tap the three-dot menu.
Tap Settings, then find Delete browsing data under Privacy and security.
Select Cached images and files.
Leave unrelated choices—such as cookies and site data, history, open tabs, permissions, or downloads—unchecked if you only want to clear the cache.
Tap Delete browsing data to confirm.

Firefox also has a separate option to delete selected browsing data when you quit. That setting is for automatic cleanup at the end of sessions; it is not needed for a one-time cache clear. Refer to Mozilla’s Firefox for Android guide.

Cache, cookies, and Android app storage are different

Data or control	What it does	What to expect
Cached images and files	Stores page resources such as images for later visits.	Clearing it makes sites download those resources again. A page may load more slowly the first time afterward.
Cookies and site data	Stores information websites use for sessions, preferences, and site storage.	Clearing it may sign you out or remove site preferences.
Android app cache	App-level temporary files managed in Android Settings.	This is separate from clearing website data within a browser.
Android app data	Stored app settings and data.	Clear data can reset the app and remove personal settings or saved data. Do not use it as the first step for a website display problem.

For a web page that looks wrong, start with the browser’s cache-only control. Android’s app-level cache control is under Settings > Apps > [browser] > Storage > Clear cache on supported Galaxy devices; labels vary by Android version and manufacturer. Samsung distinguishes Clear cache from Clear data in its Galaxy app storage guidance.

If clearing the cache does not fix the page

Cache clearing can help when a page is using outdated or damaged stored resources, but it is not a guaranteed repair. Try these checks in order:

Reload the page. Confirm the browser has made a fresh request after the clear.
Check other websites. If only one site fails, the problem may be with that site. If several fail, check Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Try another browser. If the page works there, the problem may be specific to the original browser or its settings.
Restart the browser or device. This can help if the app or connection is temporarily stuck.
Check for updates. A browser, Android, or website issue may be unrelated to cached files.

Chrome’s loading-error guidance lists device settings, software, network, browser, and website issues among possible causes. See Google’s troubleshooting steps for Chrome on Android.

Common problems and fixes

Problem	Likely cause	What to do
You cannot find “Cached images and files.”	The browser version uses a different label or groups the controls under detailed options.	Look for Delete browsing data or Personal browsing data, then open the detailed category selector. Check the browser’s official guide for your version.
You were signed out after clearing data.	Cookies or site data were selected along with cached files.	Sign in again. Next time, select only the cached files category and inspect the selection before confirming.
The site is slower on its first visit after clearing.	The browser needs to download page resources again.	Allow that visit to complete; later visits can reuse newly cached files.
The same page still will not load.	The cause may be the connection, device, browser, or website rather than cache.	Check another site and another connection, try a different browser, and consult the browser’s loading-error guidance.
You are considering Android’s “Clear data.”	That control resets app storage; it is broader than clearing browser cache.	Use the browser’s cache-only option first. Choose app-level Clear cache only if needed, and avoid Clear data unless you understand the reset and its effects.

Or skip the browser setup

If you need a screenshot of a web page for debugging or documentation, ScreenshotNeo is a website screenshot API and MCP server from Yorker Media. One GET request returns an image or PDF; the example below saves a WebP screenshot.

curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://stripe.com -o shot.webp

Equivalent Python:

import requests

r = requests.get(
    "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot",
    params={"access_key": "YOUR_API_KEY", "url": "https://stripe.com"},
    timeout=90,
)
open("shot.webp", "wb").write(r.content)

Equivalent Node.js:

const q = new URLSearchParams({ access_key: 'YOUR_API_KEY', url: 'https://stripe.com' });
const res = await fetch(`https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot?${q}`);

Read the ScreenshotNeo API documentation for request options and setup. Cookie and consent banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets are removed before the shot; each step can be turned off. Bot checks, blank pages, failed loads, timeouts, and cache hits are never billed, and response headers report the page verdict and billing status. Its MCP server gives AI agents tools to take screenshots, get page information, and capture PDFs. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card; paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 screenshots.

FAQ

Will clearing the cache delete my bookmarks?

No. Bookmarks are separate from cached page files. Check the selected categories before confirming so you do not remove other browsing data by mistake.

How often should I clear browser cache?

There is no routine schedule required for everyone. Clear it when troubleshooting a page or when you have a specific reason; the browser rebuilds its cache as you browse.

Does clearing browser cache free up phone storage?

It removes cached files for that browser, but the amount varies. Android’s app storage screen can show app storage information; avoid clearing app data just to remove browser cache.