How to clear Cookies, History and Cache Data in Chrome for Android

Chrome for Android works like any desktop or mobile browser. For that reason, the browser collects ample amounts of data during regular use. Everything from browsing history to cookies and even passwords are stored in the browser. Most people don't think twice about this information, but certain data should be cleared on occasion. By clearing this information, users can take advantage of various benefits.

Simple Steps To Clear Data From Chrome For Android

All Android smartphones and tablets come with Chrome for Android. Most devices feature Chrome as the stock internet browser. After launching the mobile browser, users should tap the More Options icon, which looks like a vertical ellipsis. They'll then hit Settings and navigate to Privacy and Security with another tap. The browser then offers a section labeled Clear Browsing Data, which is a user's ultimate destination.

A Basic Tab For Clearing Common Data In Seconds

By default, Chrome presents the Basic tab for these functions. Users can clear browsing history, cookies and site data, or cached images and files. The browser tends to highlight all three options by default. A time range with various options between one hour and all time is available for selection. For various reasons, an individual may want to clear data only within a certain timeframe.

Browser History, Cookies, and Cached Data

Browser history, unsurprisingly, contains the websites an individual has visited within Chrome. Cookies save browser information and remember users when they visit websites. Site data works like cookies but can serve other purposes, too. On the other hand, cached images and files are remembered by the browser to enable faster loading. Cached data doesn't need to be reloaded every time a website is visited.

An Advanced Tab For More Important Data

Also, Chrome offers an Advanced tab for clearing browsing data. Saved passwords and autofill form data get thrown into the mix here. The browser saves passwords to provide convenient and immediate access to website logins. Similarly, autofill form data remembers past text input to speed up entering text into fields. Such functions fall under the Advanced tab because users may not want to delete this data.

Why Browsing History Should Be Cleared

Users should clear their browsing history from time to time. Doing so protects a user's privacy by wiping the history slate clean. Otherwise, Chrome holds onto browsing history indefinitely, which can prove problematic from a privacy standpoint. Most people don't need to clear their browsing history every single day. Nonetheless, wiping the slate clean makes sense here and there to avoid a buildup of personal data.

Why Cookies and Site Data Should Be Cleared

Cookies and site data tend to help users more often than not. They make using websites easier and more familiar. Then again, websites might feature weird behavior from time to time. Clearing cookies from Chrome could solve these issues. It's a simple step that tends to reset websites in a way, forcing them to work like normal. For the most part, users may want to avoid clearing cookies unless absolutely necessary.

Why Cached Images and Files Should Be Cleared

Cached images and files allow websites to load more quickly. However, Chrome often chooses to store significant amounts of data as cached data. Users may want to clear the cache to free up storage space on their device. The cache size builds up over time and doesn't always automatically clear itself out. Therefore, a simple step like clearing the cache could free up significant amounts of storage space.

Should Users Clear Saved Passwords and Autofill Data?

Saved passwords and autofill data shouldn't be deleted too often. It's best to clear this data when swapping out devices. Sometimes, an individual could choose to delete individual data points in these categories. Chrome doesn't always save passwords properly, and autofill data often saves unintentionally. Clearing all of this data at once doesn't make sense for the average person, though.

Set A Schedule For Clearing Chrome For Android Data

If a user doesn't want to touch this data, they don't have to do anything. For most users, a schedule should be created to handle this task. An individual might want to check their data every 60-90 days. Privacy and security concerns should fuel this decision. In reality, few people realize the importance of their browsing history and site cookies. Saved passwords and autofill data are important for obvious reasons.

Take Care Of This Task on Chrome and Other Browsers

Chances are high a given person uses Chrome on multiple devices. Likewise, they probably use another web browser or two as well. Browser data needs to be checked and cleared every once in awhile. Users cannot let this data build up and collect over years. Without proper caution, consumers could run into various consequences. Picking up other safety and privacy actions doesn't hurt, either.

In the end, Chrome and other browsers make it easy to clear out browsing data. All of this data paints a picture of a given user. Such data could be abused by thieves and other entities. To avoid that outcome, a simple security and privacy checkup should include browser-related data. Even basic steps like this protect consumers and put themselves in control of their own data.