Clearing your browser cache usually removes temporary website files, so sites may load a bit slower the first time afterward, but it can also fix display or loading problems. It does not erase your bookmarks or personal files, though if you clear cookies too, you may be signed out of websites.

What changes

  • Your browser deletes saved temporary files like images, scripts, and page assets.
  • The next visit to a site may be slower because those files need to be downloaded again.
  • It can help resolve outdated content, broken layouts, or weird page glitches.

What usually stays

  • Bookmarks stay intact.
  • Personal files on your device stay intact.
  • Your saved passwords usually stay unless you also clear cookies or other site data, depending on the browser settings you choose.

Common side effects

  • Some websites may ask you to sign in again if cookies or session data are cleared.
  • Sites may briefly use more data on the next load because assets have to be fetched fresh.
  • You may recover a little storage space, though cache is usually not a major source of space savings.

Practical example

If a website looks old or broken, clearing the cache can force your browser to fetch the newest version instead of using a stored copy.

TL;DR: clearing cache is mostly a refresh step, not a reset of your whole browser, and the main tradeoff is a slower first load afterward.