How to clear your Gmail cache to fix issues and make the email client run more efficiently

Gmail stores a variety of files on your computer in a temporary cache. 

This permits your computer to run Gmail faster and more efficiently. It also lets you access your Gmail and draft messages offline without internet access if you've already enabled offline email in Gmail. 

If you use Gmail in any other browser, the steps to clear the cache are a little different. In Firefox, follow the steps to clear your cache in Firefox. If you use Gmail in Microsoft Edge, follow the steps to clear your cache in Edge. 

In Chrome, it's not necessary, but it's best to turn off Gmail's offline email feature if it's enabled. This way, additional cached files will not be saved to your computer as you work, and Gmail will delete its existing email cache when the feature is disabled. 

Once you've done this, you can clear your Gmail cache and delete all Gmail files from your computer in just a few clicks. 

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How to clear your Gmail cache using Chrome

 1. Open Gmail in Chrome. 

2. Click the Settings icon, shaped like a gear. 

3. Choose "See all settings."

4. At the top of the page, select "Offline."

5. If offline mail is enabled, clear the checkmark, and click "Save Changes." 

6. Your cached email should be deleted automatically, but continue with the following steps to be sure everything is removed. 

7. In Chrome, select the three-dot menu. 

8. Choose "More Tools."

9. Click "Clear browsing data."

10. In the Time range menu, choose "All time." 

11. Ensure "Cookies and other site data" as well as "Cached images and files" are checked.

12. Choose "Clear data." 

13. In Chrome's address bar, type "chrome://settings/siteData" and press Enter. 

14. Scroll down until you find "mail.google.com" and select the trash can icon to delete it. 

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• How to get desktop notifications for Gmail on your computer, so you won't miss important messages

• How to search Gmail for any email or sender on desktop or mobile, and use advanced search options

• How to clear your Gmail search history on a computer or mobile device