Is Google Sheets taking too long to load? Or do you have problems editing the document? The solution may be to delete the cache. The benefits of deleting cache files are numerous, such as improving user experience by speeding up the opening of a document.
But, if you’ve never cleared the cache in Google Sheets, you might be confused as to where to start. Don’t worry. In this guide, you’ll learn about an easy way to delete cache in Google Sheets. Interested? Keep reading.
Two Methods to Clear Cache in Google Sheets
There are two ways to clear the cache in Google Sheets. Here they are:
Using Google Sheets
To clear cache directly from Google Sheets, here’s what you need to do:
- Open Google Sheets.
- Look for the padlock icon in the address bar and click on it.
- Select ‘Site settings’ from the drop-down menu.
- Then, you’ll see ‘Usage’ and next to it ‘Clear data.’
- You’ll see a pop-up message asking you to confirm you want to delete information. Select ‘Clear.’
Remember, you might need to wait for a while, especially if it’s the first time you’re clearing the cache.
Using the Google Docs
Clearing cache in Google Docs ensures users remove cache in Google Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc. Here’s how to do this:
- Open Google Drive.
- Then, look for the menu in the top left corner. You’ll see three-stacked lines.
- Tap on ‘Settings.’
- Next, click on ’Remove all cached documents.’ It’s under ‘Documents cache.’
- You’ll see a pop-up message asking you to confirm the deletion.
- Finally, tap on ‘OK.’
That’s it! You’ve successfully cleared cache from all Google Drive programs. They’ll perform much better now, and you won’t have issues any time soon. If you have any other problems with Google Sheets in the future, follow the steps above.
Clearing Cache on a Computer
Now that you know how to clear cache in Google Sheets, it might be a good idea to do so in order to improve the performance of your computer. To do that, you need to clear the cache on your browser.
Depending on the browser you use, the steps may be different. In the next section, you’ll learn how to clear the cache whether you use Google Chrome, Mozilla, or Safari.
Clearing Cache in Google Chrome
Those who use Google Chrome and want to remove cache should do the following:
- Launch Google Chrome.
- Look for the three dots menu on the top right corner of the screen.
- Click on it and then tap on ‘Settings.’
- Scroll down to ‘Privacy and Security.’ Under it, click on ‘Clear browsing data.’
- Here, select to delete ‘Cached images and files.’
- Under ‘Time range,’ choose to delete info from today, last week, month, etc.
- Finally, click on ‘Clear data.’
Depending on the amount of cached data, you might need to wait for a few moments.
Clearing Cache in Mozilla
Those who use Mozilla as their preferred browser and want to delete cache should do this:
- Open Mozilla.
- Click on the hamburger menu on the upper right corner and look for ‘Options.’
- Then, tap on ‘Privacy and Security.’
- Scroll down to ‘History.’
- Under it, you’ll see ‘Firefox will…’
- Choose ‘Never remember history,’
- Now, click on ‘Clear History’ next to it.
- Select ‘Cache.’
- Determine the ‘Time range to clear.’
- Tap on ‘OK.’
Clearing Cache in Safari
To clear cache in Safari, here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Safari tab.
- Select ‘Preferences’ from the drop-down menu.
- Next, click on ‘Advanced.’
- Scroll down to ‘Show develop menu in menu bar’ and tick the box next to it.
- Then, tap on the ‘Develop’ tab from the menu bar.
- Tap on ‘Empty Caches.’
The Benefits of Clearing Cache
Although cache makes it easier to retrieve information, piled up cache can cause issues. These include the slow opening of a browser or a program, or even the inability to make changes. That’s why regular maintenance is important. In this section, we’ll explore some of the benefits of removing the cache.
Improved Performance
If you often use Google Sheets and surf the web, the cache is bound to pile up. Clearing cache will boost performance and speed up both the browser and the program. When you do this regularly, there’s little chance of the program loading too slowly.
Improved Security
Another major reason for clearing cache on a browser is improving security. The cache stores sensitive data, which other users can easily access if they use your computer. To ensure they don’t have access to this information, remember to clear the cache.
Clear That Cache!
Whenever Google Sheets loads slowly or refuses to cooperate, don’t immediately assume it’s a serious issue. In most cases, the solution will be to clear the cache. Make it a habit to clear the cache often, in both Google Sheets and in the browser.
How about you? Have you ever cleared the cache? Do you find the device performs faster after you do it? Let us know in the comments section below.