Chrome

This guide explains how to completely remove stored website data in Google Chrome, including cookies, cache, local storage, service workers, and Progressive Web App (PWA) data.

What Gets Removed

Depending on the method used, Chrome can remove:

  • Cookies
  • Cached files
  • localStorage
  • sessionStorage
  • IndexedDB
  • Cache Storage
  • Service Workers
  • Background Sync data
  • Push notification data
  • Installed PWA/app data

Method 1 — Remove Site Data via the Lock Icon

Fastest method for most websites.

Step 1 — Open the Website

Open the target website in Google Chrome.

Step 2 — Open Site Information

Click the icon to the left of the address bar:

  • Lock icon
  • Site settings icon
  • Information icon

Step 3 — Open Site Settings

Click:

Site settings

Step 4 — Clear Website Data

Select:

Clear data

or

Delete data

Confirm the action when prompted.

Method 2 — Remove All Website Storage via Developer Tools

Recommended for web applications and PWAs.

Step 1 — Open Developer Tools

Open the website.

Press:

F12

or

Ctrl + Shift + I

Step 2 — Open the Application Tab

In Developer Tools, select:

Application

Step 3 — Clear Site Storage

In the left navigation pane:

Storage

Click:

Clear site data

Enable all available checkboxes.

Click:

Clear site data

Data Removed by This Method

This method also clears:

  • Cache Storage
  • WebSQL
  • Service Workers
  • Background Sync
  • Push messaging data
  • Manifest-related storage

Method 3 — Remove Site Data via Chrome Settings

Useful when the website cannot be opened.

Step 1 — Open Chrome Site Data Settings

Open:

chrome://settings/content/all

Step 2 — Search for the Website

Use the search field to locate the website domain.

Example:

example.com

Step 3 — Remove Stored Data

Select the website entry.

Click:

Clear data

or use the trash/delete icon.

If the Website Is Installed as a PWA or Chrome App

Installed applications may retain additional data.

Step 1 — Uninstall the Application

Use one of the following methods:

Start Menu → Right-click App → Uninstall

or remove it from Chrome Apps.

Step 2 — Clear Website Data

Use either:

  • Method 1
  • Method 2
  • Method 3

Step 3 — Reinstall the Application (Optional)

Reinstall the PWA or Chrome app if required.

Hard Refresh for a Single Website

A hard refresh reloads website files without using cached content.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows / Linux

Ctrl + F5

or

Ctrl + Shift + R

macOS

Cmd + Shift + R

Important Notes

  • Clearing site data signs you out of the website.
  • Offline data and saved preferences may be removed.
  • PWAs may require reinstallation after cleanup.
  • Some enterprise-managed browsers may restrict data removal options.

Security Recommendations

  • Clear stored site data when troubleshooting authentication or caching issues.
  • Remove old service workers after application upgrades.
  • Periodically clear unused PWA data on shared systems.
  • Avoid clearing all browser data unless necessary.