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Cache helps websites load faster by keeping reusable copies of files such as images and scripts. Cookies let websites remember information about a browser, such as a sign-in session or a preference. They are different kinds of browser data: clearing cache usually does not sign you out, but clearing cookies often does.
Cache and cookies: the difference
| Browser data | What it stores | Main purpose | What you may notice if it causes a problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cache | Reusable website resources, such as images, stylesheets, scripts, fonts, and some page responses | Speed up repeat visits and reduce repeated downloads | Old or damaged cached files can make a page look outdated or display incorrectly |
| Cookies | Small pieces of site-related data, often including an identifier or preference | Remember state, such as a login, shopping cart, or language choice | Blocked or deleted cookies can make a site forget you, lose a cart, or ask for consent again |
Cache is generally reused locally or by an intermediary rather than sent with every request. A cookie may be sent with a request when its domain, path, security attributes, expiry, browser settings, and other rules allow it. Neither is the same as browsing history, saved passwords, or bookmarks.
What is an internet cache?
An HTTP cache stores a response associated with a request and can reuse it while that response is considered fresh. Your browser’s cache is usually private to your browser profile on your device. Networks may also use shared caches, such as proxies or content-delivery networks (CDNs), to serve resources to multiple users. MDN’s guide to HTTP caching explains how browsers and shared caches handle these responses.
A site may load more quickly on a second visit because the browser can reuse files it already has instead of downloading them again. This can save bandwidth and reduce work for the site’s server. The site can tell caches how to handle responses: for example, Cache-Control: max-age=... sets a freshness period, private indicates that a response is intended for a private cache, and no-store tells caches not to store it.
#1 Best Overall
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
A cached response can become stale when its freshness period ends. The browser may then check with the server for an updated response. If a site changes a file but the browser still uses an older version, the page can show outdated text, styling, or images. Clearing the browser’s cache can help with that local copy, but it will not necessarily remove a copy held by a proxy or CDN.
Cache is not inherently unsafe, but locally stored resources can reveal some browsing-related information to someone with access to the device. Shared caches also need correct configuration: a personalized response should not be served to another user just because it was cached. A response containing a Set-Cookie header is not automatically private or uncacheable; cookie setting and cache rules are separate concerns.
What are internet cookies?
HTTP is stateless by default: each request does not automatically carry a memory of what happened in earlier requests. A website can use cookies to help maintain that state. The site sends a cookie in a response, and the browser stores it and may return it with later requests that match the cookie’s rules.
For example, a server might send Set-Cookie: session_id=abc123; Secure; HttpOnly; SameSite=Lax, where abc123 is a made-up example value. On a later matching request, the browser may send Cookie: session_id=abc123. The identifier may let the site look up account or session information on its server; the cookie itself does not have to contain a person’s name or complete browsing history.
Rank #2
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Cookies can support:
- Session management: keeping a user signed in or maintaining a shopping cart.
- Preferences: remembering a language, theme, or display choice.
- Consent: recording a privacy or cookie choice.
- Analytics and advertising: associating visits or actions with an identifier, subject to the site’s practices and browser policies.
A cookie is a logical piece of data, not necessarily a separate text file on disk. Browser implementations differ. A cookie is usually limited to about 4 KB, though the exact limits and storage behavior depend on the browser; storage mechanisms such as IndexedDB can hold more. See MDN’s guide to HTTP cookies for cookie behavior and attributes.
Cookie types and attributes
Cookie categories describe different things. “Session” and “persistent” concern duration; attributes such as Secure and SameSite govern when or how a cookie is sent. A site’s label of “essential” or “nonessential” is a policy classification, not a complete technical definition.
- Session cookies are intended to last for a browser session or until the browser removes them. Session-ending behavior can vary by browser.
- Persistent cookies have an expiration date or maximum age and can remain available longer.
Securecookies are sent only over HTTPS connections.HttpOnlycookies are not exposed to ordinary client-side JavaScript throughDocument.cookie, reducing some script-based theft risks.SameSitecontrols whether cookies are sent in cross-site situations. Common values areStrict,Lax, andNone.DomainandPathhelp determine which requests can receive a cookie.
These attributes reduce or control particular risks; they do not make a cookie harmless. They cannot by themselves prevent account compromise, a server-side breach, fingerprinting, or misuse by the site.
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First-party and third-party cookies
A first-party cookie is associated with the site you are visiting. A third-party cookie is associated with a different site or domain involved in the page, such as an embedded advertising, analytics, social, or payment component. The distinction depends on the relationship between the top-level site and the resource setting or receiving the cookie; “third-party” does not automatically mean malicious. MDN’s overview of third-party cookies describes the distinction and browser controls.
Rank #3
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Browser behavior is not uniform or permanent. Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection includes Total Cookie Protection, which isolates third-party cookies by site. Safari applies tracking-prevention measures through Intelligent Tracking Prevention. Chrome, Edge, and Brave have their own policies and controls, and behavior can differ by version, mode, settings, extensions, site exceptions, and regional policy. Do not assume that every browser blocks all third-party cookies—or allows them all. Firefox’s current privacy features are described in its privacy and security guide.
Are cache and cookies safe?
Cache: mainly a performance feature
Cache is not a virus and is normally useful. Its practical concerns are stale or corrupted files and the possibility that someone with access to your device could inspect some stored site data. Separately, a poorly configured shared cache can expose personalized responses. These are distinct issues: clearing your own cache does not fix a server’s cache configuration.
Cookies: functionality, privacy, and session security
Cookies generally cannot directly install software. Their privacy implications depend on what identifiers are used, which sites or embedded services receive them, browser restrictions, and whether you are signed in. Cookies can support cross-site tracking, but they do not necessarily record everything you do online.
An active session cookie can be sensitive: if an attacker obtains it, they may be able to impersonate the user until the session expires or is invalidated. HTTPS and attributes such as Secure, HttpOnly, and appropriate SameSite settings help address specific risks, but account security also depends on the website’s session handling. Avoid copying or sharing authentication cookies.
Rank #4
- 5 in 1 Connectivity: The USB C Multiport Adapter is equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 100W USB C PD port, a 5 Gbps USB A data port, and two 480 Mbps USB A ports
What happens when you clear cache or cookies?
If you clear cached files
- The browser removes locally stored reusable resources; the next visit may take longer while files are downloaded again.
- A site may display its current files if an old local copy was the problem.
- Passwords, bookmarks, browsing history, and saved form data are not automatically deleted unless you select those categories separately.
A site can ask a supporting browser to clear data for its origin using the Clear-Site-Data response header. Its "cache" directive applies to the browser’s cache for that origin, not necessarily to intermediary caches. See MDN’s Clear-Site-Data reference.
If you clear cookies or site data
- You may be signed out and need to sign in again.
- A shopping cart, preferences, or consent choice may be removed.
- The site may no longer recognize the previous browser session.
Clearing cookies alone may differ from clearing all site data, which can include other information stored by the site. Browser controls distinguish these categories; for example, Mozilla explains the options in its guide to clearing cookies and site data in Firefox.
Which should you clear? Troubleshoot by symptom
| Symptom | First step |
|---|---|
| Page looks old, styles are missing, images are wrong, or part of the site will not load | Try a hard refresh, then clear that site’s cached files if needed. |
| Repeated sign-outs or an account error | Check cookies and site data for the affected site; clear that site’s data and sign in again. |
| A consent banner keeps returning | Check whether consent cookies are blocked or automatically deleted. |
| A shopping cart disappears | Allow cookies the site requires and check whether privacy software deletes its site data. |
| Login works in a private window but not a normal one | Suspect profile-specific site data or an extension; test those before clearing data for every site. |
| A site breaks after third-party cookies are blocked | Check whether the browser offers a site exception or storage-access option for the required component. |
| Your concern is tracking rather than a broken page | Review third-party-cookie, tracker-blocking, site-data, and extension settings; clearing cache alone does not address tracking identifiers. |
Cache clearing will not fix a server outage, DNS problem, account or subscription issue, broken extension, current site-code error, or an intermediary cache that has not expired. Cookie clearing will not fix data stored in local storage, IndexedDB, or a service-worker cache, nor a server-side account block or a problem affecting all users.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →How to clear cache or cookies
Use the browser’s built-in controls and choose only the category you need. Labels vary among Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox, mobile browsers, operating systems, and managed work devices.
Best Value
- Portable and powerful USB-C HUB: BENFEI USB Type-C HUB, with super-soft and knot-free silicone woven design cable, meets most mobile office needs. Compact, lightweight, stylish, and powerful portable USB C Hub equipped with 1 x HDMI port, 1 x 100W charging, and 3 x USB ports. 18-month warranty, 24-hour response, to ensure you feel at ease when using our product.
- Design centered on comfort and reliability: Thanks to BENFEI's end-to-end in-house cable production capability, in-house PCBA and assembly capability, using the industry's most advanced silicone woven design and process, 20cm cable in length, no knots, super-soft, the HUB is easy to use in all scenarios: laptop, tablet, stand etc. Super-soft, 25000+ life cycles, to meet your daily carrying and office needs.
- 100W Charging: Support up to 90W USB C pass-through charging via Type-C port to keep your laptop powered. 10W is reserved for other interface operations. No data and video function on the Type-C port.
- 4K HDMI Display: The HDMI port supports media display at resolutions up to 4K 30Hz, keeping every incredible moment detailed and ultra vivid. Please note that the C port of the Host device needs to support video output.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Transfer files and from your laptop at speeds up to 10 Gbps with USB A 3.2 port. Extra 2 USB A 2.0 ports are perfectly for your keyboards and mouse.
- Open the browser’s Settings or Preferences.
- Find Privacy, Privacy and security, or Browsing data.
- Choose a time range, if the browser offers one.
- Select only Cached images and files to clear cache, or Cookies and other site data (or its equivalent) to clear cookies.
- Review the other selected categories before confirming. Avoid selecting passwords, history, or other data unless you intend to remove it.
- Reopen the affected site; if its cookies were cleared, sign in again if needed.
In Firefox, Mozilla’s documented route is to open the menu, choose Settings, select Privacy & Security, then find Cookies and Site Data or the browsing-data controls. To avoid signing out of unrelated websites, look for an option to remove data for the affected site rather than clearing every site’s data.
Private browsing, cookie blocking, and other site storage
Private browsing is not anonymity
Private browsing mainly changes what the local browser retains. It generally discards private-session cookies when the private windows close, but a website can still collect information during the session. Private mode does not automatically hide your IP address, prevent account-based tracking or fingerprinting, or stop employers, schools, internet providers, and network operators from observing network activity. Downloads, bookmarks, screenshots, and information you submit can remain. See Mozilla’s explanation of private browsing in Firefox.
Blocking all cookies can break sites
Blocking every cookie may interfere with logins, carts, payments, embedded services, consent tools, and multi-domain authentication. A practical starting point is to restrict third-party cookies while allowing the first-party cookies a site needs, then use a site-specific exception if a feature fails. Exact options and effects depend on the browser and site.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDeleting cookies can remove an identifier, but it does not erase your online history or guarantee anonymity. Sites may also use account data, IP addresses, browser or device characteristics, local storage, and server-side records.
Cookies are only one kind of browser storage
Websites can also store data in localStorage, sessionStorage, IndexedDB, and service-worker caches. Unlike cookies, Web Storage and IndexedDB are generally intended for larger client-side data and are not automatically sent with every HTTP request. Browser history, saved passwords, and autofill data are separate again. Consequently, clearing cookies may not remove every site preference or offline file.
Technical users can inspect cookies and other site data in Firefox Developer Tools’ Storage Inspector or Chrome DevTools’ Application panel.
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