In desktop Chrome, click the Reload icon beside the address bar or press F5 or Ctrl+R on Windows and Linux, or Command+R on Mac. If you need Chrome to reload while ignoring cached content, use Shift+F5 or Ctrl+Shift+R on Windows and Linux, or Command+Shift+R on Mac.
Refresh a page with Chrome’s Reload button
- Open the page you want to reload.
- Click the Reload icon beside the address bar. Chrome requests the current page again.
Use the Chrome refresh shortcut
| Action | Windows and Linux | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Reload the current page | F5 or Ctrl+R | Command+R |
| Reload while ignoring cached content | Shift+F5 or Ctrl+Shift+R | Command+Shift+R |
Google describes the second action as “Reload the current page, ignoring cached content.” It is useful when a page seems to show an older version. It does not clear all browser data or resolve problems on the website’s server. Google’s Chrome keyboard-shortcut reference lists these desktop shortcuts.
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What to do if refreshing does not work
A reload is a first step, not a fix for every loading problem. Chrome’s guidance notes that errors can stem from the address, connection, browser state or resources, device or network settings, or the website itself. Google’s connection and loading-error guidance covers these possibilities.
Check the address and connection
- Confirm the URL is correct, then click Reload again.
- Check whether other websites load. If they do not, investigate the internet connection; if only one site fails, the site itself may be unavailable.
Try an Incognito window
Open the affected page in an Incognito window. If it loads there, Chrome recommends deleting cached images and files and cookies, then trying again. Clearing cookies can sign you out or affect saved site preferences, so use it as a troubleshooting step—not as part of every ordinary refresh. See Google’s page-crash and loading-error steps.
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Free up resources or investigate extensions
If Chrome may be short of memory, close unnecessary tabs and apps. You can also close unnecessary extensions to help isolate whether one is contributing to the problem. Google includes these steps in its loading-error guidance.
Follow the steps for the specific error
If the page still crashes or will not load, use Chrome’s error-specific guidance. Depending on the problem, Google also recommends steps such as restarting the computer or updating Chrome; they are not necessary after every failed reload. See Google’s advice for Chrome crashes and startup problems.
Or skip the browser setup
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does refreshing Chrome clear cookies?
No. A normal refresh reloads the page; clearing cookies is a separate troubleshooting step.
Are the listed shortcuts for Chrome on phones?
No. These are desktop shortcuts. The cited Chrome guidance does not establish current mobile refresh gestures or menu steps.
Quick Recap
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