- Clearing browsing history removes records of visited websites but won’t affect downloaded files.
- To clear Chrome browsing history, press Ctrl + Shift + Del on Windows or Command + Shift + Delete on Mac.
What Counts as Browsing Data in Chrome
When you browse the web using Google Chrome, the browser collects various types of data related to your internet activities. This may include information such as your browsing history, cookies, cache files, and other site-specific data.
- Browsing history: A record of websites you’ve visited.
- Download history: A detailed log of files you’ve downloaded.
- Cookies and other site data: Small files that help sites remember login sessions and user preferences.
- Cached images and files: Stored files that help Chrome load sites faster on future visits.
- Passwords and other sign-in data: Credentials saved in Chrome’s built-in password manager.
- Autofill form data: Information such as form entries, addresses, and saved credit card details.
- Site settings: Permissions related to websites, like camera, microphone, and download permissions.
- Hosted app data: Local data saved offline by Chrome Web Store apps.
Note: The mobile version of Chrome does not include the ‘Download history’ and ‘Hosted app data’ categories.
What Happens When You Clear Browsing Data
When you clear browsing data in Google Chrome, the browser removes all the data mentioned above. This process deletes stored information and resets your browsing session.
Browsing History
Clearing your browsing history removes records of websites you’ve visited. Now you won’t see any suggestions when typing a website address in the address bar.
Download History
As the term suggests, clearing download history removes the log of files you’ve downloaded. However, it does not delete the actual files from your device.
Cookies and Other Site Data
Requires you to sign in to websites again; sites may also lose your preferences. It clears tracking cookies and prevents sites from recognizing you in subsequent visits. You may also end up freeing disk space (around 500 megabytes in most cases).
Cached Images and Files
Cached images and files help Chrome load sites faster when revisiting them. Clearing these files may slow down loading times for previously visited sites. You can also delete cached images and files for one site only .
Passwords and Other Sign-in Data
Removes passwords that you’ve saved to Chrome’s built-in password manager. Before deleting them, make sure to export your passwords to a CSV file or import them to another browser or password manager.
Autofill Form Data
Autofill data includes saved form entries, addresses, and credit card details. Clearing this data may require manual entry of information when filling out online forms.
Site Settings
Site settings control access to features like a camera, microphone, or downloads. Clearing these settings will reset all website permissions and require you to grant them again the next time you visit.
Hosted App Data
Hosted app data is offline data from Chrome Web Store apps. Clearing this data will remove all saved information for these applications.
Chrome Syncs Plays a Factor
If you’ve got Chrome Sync turned on, deleting certain forms of data will also cause the browser to delete them from other devices. That specifically affects the passwords, autofill data, and browsing history data categories.
If you don’t want that to happen, turn off Chrome Sync for those particular data types before deleting your data.
To manage Chrome Sync, head over to Settings > Sync and Google Services > Manage What You Sync. To prevent Chrome Sync from deleting your browsing history on all devices, for example, turn off the switch next to History.
