What does clear data mean?
Definition
Clear data means deleting the information your browser or app has saved on your device, such as browsing history, cookies, cached files and autofill entries. It doesn't remove data that websites and companies already hold about you.
- Category
- Privacy
- Also called
- clear browsing data, delete browsing data, clear cache and cookies
- Last updated
When you use a browser, it saves things on your device so the web loads faster and feels familiar. Clearing data deletes some or all of that. In Chrome, the "Delete browsing data" menu lets you pick a time range, from the last hour to all time, and the types of data to remove.
According to Google's Chrome Help, you can remove:
- Browsing history: the addresses you've visited, plus the shortcuts and address bar suggestions built from them.
- Cookies and other site data: small files websites create to keep you signed in and remember preferences.
- Cached images and files: parts of pages Chrome keeps so they open faster next time.
- Autofill form data: saved entries, including addresses and cards stored in the browser.
- Site settings: permissions you gave sites, such as camera or location access.
Some things stay. Your Google search history and other Google activity live in your Google Account and have to be deleted separately. Saved passwords, extensions and the files you downloaded aren't removed either.
What it does for your privacy, and what it doesn't
Clearing data helps on your own device. Someone who borrows your laptop sees less, and cookie-based tracking resets. The cost: you'll be signed out of sites that remember you, and your saved preferences go too. If you're signed in to Chrome with sync on, deleting data removes it from your other devices and your Google Account as well.
It does nothing about copies held elsewhere. A data broker or people-search site that already lists your address keeps it, however often you clear your browser. Clearing data is hygiene on your device. Getting your information taken down from the sites that hold it is a different job.
How to protect yourself
- 1
Clear cookies and site data on a schedule
In Chrome, open the three-dot menu, choose Delete browsing data, pick a time range, tick Cookies and other site data and confirm. Expect to sign in again on sites afterwards.
- 2
Clear it on shared or borrowed devices
Use All time on a device other people use, and sign out of Chrome first so you don't wipe or sync data you wanted to keep.
- 3
Delete your Google activity separately
Search and other activity saved to your Google Account isn't cleared with browsing data. Delete it from your Google Account's activity settings.
- 4
Block third-party cookies
In Chrome settings, go to Privacy and security, then Third-party cookies, and choose Block third-party cookies. That limits cross-site tracking so there's less to clear.
- 5
Deal with what's held about you elsewhere
Clearing your browser doesn't touch data brokers or people-search sites. Serus finds where your address and phone number are listed and removes them.
See where your personal data is exposed
Serus finds it on data brokers and people-search sites and removes it.
Frequently asked
Does clearing data delete my passwords?
Not by default in Chrome. Passwords and passkeys are saved in Google Password Manager and are deleted separately, unless you tick the passwords option when you clear data.
Will clearing data sign me out of websites?
Usually yes. Deleting cookies signs you out of sites that remember you, and your saved site preferences can be deleted too.
Is clearing data the same as clearing the cache?
No. The cache is one type of data (saved images and files that speed up pages). Clearing data can also include history, cookies, autofill entries and site settings.
Does clearing browsing data make me anonymous online?
No. It removes what's stored on your device. Websites, advertisers and data brokers can still hold data about you, and your IP address is still visible while you browse.
Sources
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