# How to Clear Cache on a Chromebook > Clearing the cache on a Chromebook fixes broken websites and login loops. This guide covers the fast steps, keyboard shortcuts and Powerwash instructions. - Canonical URL: https://coreiten.com/en/article/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook-fast-steps-and-shortcuts - Language: en - Section: ChromeOS - Author: Sami - Published: 2026-10-19T12:01:42+03:00 - Modified: 2026-10-19T12:01:42+03:00 - Publisher: CoreITen (https://coreiten.com) - Keywords: Chromebook, Chrome, Google Account, Google Drive, Google Play, Powerwash ## Summary Clearing the cache on a Chromebook takes about 30 seconds and fixes sluggish performance, login loops, or outdated website pages. - You can instantly open the Delete browsing data window by pressing the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Backspace inside Chrome. - Performing a hard reload using Ctrl + Shift + R lets you reload the current page without using any cached content. - Android apps installed from the Google Play Store maintain separate data from Chrome, meaning browser cache clears do not affect them. - Users on school or employer managed Chromebooks might find delete data options greyed out if administrators restrict those settings. - Executing a Powerwash factory reset erases all local data, requiring users to back up files to Google Drive or a USB drive first. **Why it matters:** Knowing these built-in shortcuts and troubleshooting steps helps Chromebook users quickly resolve frustrating browser glitches without losing important files. --- If a school site is showing an old page, a login loop occurs, or a Chromebook feels sluggish, clearing the cache forces Chrome to download fresh copies of website data. The process takes about 30 seconds and can resolve issues where out-of-date saved files cause a site to look broken or refuse to load new content. ### What clearing the cache does Chrome saves copies of images, scripts and page files to help websites open faster on subsequent visits. Users should only clear the cache on a Chromebook when something goes wrong, as Chrome manages the cache on its own the rest of the time. - **Cached images and files:** These are safe to delete at any time. Pages will load slightly slower the first time afterwards. - **Cookies and other site data:** Deleting these signs users out of most websites, though Google notes that users stay signed in to the Google Account synced with Chrome. - **Browsing history:** This is only deleted if the option is ticked. - **Your files:** Files in the Files app and Google Drive, as well as saved passwords, are never touched unless passwords are deleted separately. ### How to clear cache on Chromebook 1. **Open** Chrome. 2. **Select** the **More** icon (three dots) at the top right. 3. **Choose** **Delete browsing data**. 4. **Choose** **All time** next to **Time range** (or a shorter range if the problem only just started). 5. **Tick** **Cached images and files**. Add **Cookies and other site data** only if a site still won't load or sign you in. 6. **Select** **Delete data**. 7. **Close** Chrome and open it again, then reload the site. Users can reach the same window from **Settings** > **Privacy and security** > **Delete browsing data** inside Chrome, or by typing **chrome://settings/clearBrowserData** in the address bar. Google's help page on [clearing cache and cookies in Chrome](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?hl=en) lists the same steps. ### Keyboard shortcuts that save time | Shortcut | What it does | | --- | --- | | Ctrl + Shift + Backspace | Opens the Delete browsing data window | | Ctrl + Shift + R | Reloads the current page without using cached content | | Ctrl + Shift + N | Opens an Incognito window, which starts with no cookies or cache from your normal browsing | The hard reload (Ctrl + Shift + R) is listed in Google's [Chromebook keyboard shortcuts](https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/183101?hl=en) and is the quickest fix when only one page looks stale. If a site works fine in an Incognito window but not in a normal one, the cache, cookies or an extension is likely the cause. ### Check extensions and apps If a website still looks the same after clearing the cache, close and reopen Chrome, then press Ctrl + Shift + R on the page. If the issue persists, clear cookies, try an Incognito window, or check for faulty extensions. A broken or outdated extension can break pages in ways that mimic a cache problem. Type **chrome://extensions** in the address bar, switch extensions off one at a time, and reload the site after each. Remove any unrecognised extensions. The website itself may also be experiencing problems. #### Android apps on a Chromebook Apps installed from Google Play keep their own data separate from Chrome, so clearing Chrome's cache does not affect them. If an Android app keeps misbehaving, the surest fix is to right-click its icon in the launcher, select **Uninstall**, install it again from the Play Store, and sign back in. ### School and work Chromebooks On a Chromebook managed by a school or employer, the administrator controls many settings. Some schools prevent students from deleting browsing history or data, and users cannot Powerwash a managed Chromebook themselves. If the Delete browsing data options are missing or greyed out, users should ask their school's IT team. ### Last resort: Powerwash (factory reset) Restarting a Chromebook frees memory and can fix temporary glitches, but Chrome's cache stays on the device until deleted. If the Chromebook remains slow or glitchy after clearing the cache, a Powerwash resets it to factory settings. This process erases all local data, including everything in the Downloads folder, so users must back up files to Google Drive or a USB drive first. Files already in Google Drive are not deleted. 1. **Sign out** of your Chromebook. 2. **Press** and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R. 3. **Select** **Restart**. 4. **Select** **Powerwash** in the box that appears, then **Continue**. 5. **Follow** the steps and sign in with your Google Account. Google's [Powerwash help page](https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/183084?hl=en) provides full details. Passwords saved to a Google Account return upon signing in again, but exporting Chrome passwords first is recommended to be safe. ## Sources - [quickonlinetips.com](https://www.quickonlinetips.com/archives/2026/10/how-to-clear-cache-on-chromebook/)