If you’ve been using Google Chrome daily, you might be aware of the storage that keeps piling up and taking up an exponential amount of space on your Mac. Clearing these files on a regular basis is essential for maintaining optimal browser performance and protecting privacy. This guide will walk you through the process of clearing Chrome cache, history, and cookies on your Mac. Let’s get started.
It is advised to regularly clear out your browser’s cache, history, and cookies. If you tend to use Chrome as your default browser, this practice will reduce the amount of storage occupied by your browser.
However, before jumping into the process, it’s vital to be aware of the terms.
- Cache: Every content that has been previously accessed, like web pages, images, and online streaming services, acts out as cache memory. This data is locally stored in your browser’s memory, thereby leading to slower performance.
- History: It can be referenced as a logbook that keeps track of your activities. The record of your internet presence might come in handy for future preference but is extremely volatile too. Your browser history can reveal a ton of sensitive information and compromise privacy.
- Cookies: Unlike its name, cookies are used to keep track of user behavior across multiple websites. It contains crucial information like login credentials, preferences, and much more. While cookies provide a personalized experience, they are equipped with tracking information.
You must realize that these files are temporary and will not affect your browsing experience. On the contrary, clearing this temporary data will reduce the risk of ID theft and keep cyber-attacks at bay.
How to delete cache, history, and cookies in Chrome on Mac
- Launch Google Chrome on your Mac → Click the three vertical dots to access the browser menu.
- Navigate to History → Press History to proceed.
Alternatively, you can use the CMD + Y key combination to access browser history.
- Next, click Clear browsing data and let the system load.
- A small menu will appear on your screen, allowing you to completely remove Cache, History, and Cookies from your browser.
- You can select the entities you wish to wipe out from Google Chrome.
- Additionally, you can set a desired time range to simplify the procedure and press Clear Data once you’re ready.
In a few seconds, your web browser will be cleared of every piece of information ever stored in your device.
Advanced options to clear Chrome data on Mac
Upon accessing the interface for Clearing browsing data, you can shift to the Advanced option feature.
This enables you to tinker with the features on a much larger scale. Let’s have a detailed breakdown of the same:
- Time range: Access the drop-down menu to select the duration for which you desire to clear out data.
- Browsing History: This feature signifies your search history categorized according to your day-to-day activities.
- Download History: It keeps a record of your previously downloaded files or documents.
- Cookies and other site data: It is responsible for storing your website preferences and tracking your internet presence.
- Cached images and files: These allow you a smooth and fast surfing experience. Chrome stores your web browsing searches on your Mac.
- Passwords and other sign-in data: If allowed, Chrome can store your Passwords and other login credentials so that you can quickly access the same websites in the future.
- Auto-fill form data: If you’ve ever filled in details like your name and address on the web browser, Chrome can store that information for future reference. In addition, you can change these details if you desire from the settings.
- Site settings: Accessing websites that require permissions, like location and contacts, are saved as personal preferences for the same website. Hence, you’re not prompted with such alerts upon accessing the website in the future.
- Hosted app data: This stores the information about the added third-party add-ons through the Chrome web store.
The advanced features of clearing out Chrome data allow you to make a choice with all the above-described factors. You can select the ones you wish to forget and press Clear Data to conclude the process.
FAQs
Yes, clearing your cache, history, and cookies will delete your saved passwords.
No, clearing your cache, history, and cookies on your Mac will only affect your browsing history on that specific device. Your browsing history on other devices will not be affected.
No, clearing your cache, history, and cookies will not delete your bookmarks. Your bookmarks are stored separately from your browsing data and will remain intact.
Happy browsing
The procedure of clearing cache, history, and cookies from your Chrome browser is not as hard as it seems. The steps mentioned above will ensure that your confidential information is safeguarded at all times. Remember to perform this task regularly to keep your browser running smoothly and prevent potential privacy issues.
I hope you find this tutorial helpful. If so, don’t hesitate to drop your thoughts in the comments below.
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