How to Clear Facebook Cache on Chrome Desktop (2026 Privacy Sandbox Update)

If Facebook is loading slowly, failing to display images, or acting buggy on your desktop, it’s time to clear your cache. However, in 2026, the process looks slightly different than before. With Google Chrome’s major pivot regarding the Privacy Sandbox and the full rollout of Tracking Protection, the menu options for managing site data have shifted.

Unlike the “nuclear option” of clearing all your browsing data (which signs you out of everything), this guide focuses on clearing only Facebook’s data so you can keep your other browsing sessions intact. Here is the updated method for Chrome 2026.

Why the Process Changed in 2026

In late 2025 and early 2026, Google updated Chrome’s settings to reflect a new approach to third-party cookies and user privacy. The old “Cookies and other site data” menu has largely been absorbed into a unified “Tracking Protection” and “Site Data” interface. This change separates “on-device site data” (which you want to clear to fix glitches) from the broader privacy settings.

Method 1: The “Site-Specific” Clear (Recommended)

This is the best method to fix Facebook glitches without losing your login status on Gmail, Amazon, or other sites.

1. Open Facebook: Navigate to facebook.com on your Chrome browser.
2. Click the “Tune” Icon: Look at the left side of your address bar (URL bar). In 2026, the old “Lock” icon has been replaced or joined by a “Tune” or “Settings” slider icon representing Page Insights and Permissions.
3. Select “Site Settings”: In the dropdown menu, click on Site settings. This will open a new tab dedicated to Facebook’s permissions.
4. Locate Usage Data: At the very top of this page, under the “Usage” section, you will see how much storage Facebook is using (e.g., “150 MB stored on this device”).
5. Click “Delete Data”: Click the Delete data or Clear data button. Chrome will ask you to confirm.
6. Refresh Facebook: Go back to your Facebook tab and reload the page. You will likely be signed out and need to log in again, but the corrupt cache will be gone.

Method 2: The Deep Clean via Privacy Settings

If you cannot access the Facebook page to use Method 1, you can dig into the main Chrome settings. Note the new path for 2026:

• Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of Chrome.
• Select Settings > Privacy and security.
• Click on Third-party cookies (or Tracking Protection depending on your specific version build).
• Select See all site data and permissions.
• In the search bar at the top right, type “facebook”.
• Click the Trash Can icon next to facebook.com to wipe all locally stored data for the site.

Troubleshooting: Still Having Issues?

If clearing the cache didn’t fix the problem, the 2026 Chrome updates might have reset your Hardware Acceleration preferences. Try going to Settings > System and toggling “Use graphics acceleration when available” off and on again. This often resolves visual glitches on media-heavy sites like Facebook.

By following these steps, you ensure your browser runs smoothly while adapting to the latest web privacy standards of 2026.