On-device site data in Google Chrome refers to information that websites store locally on your computer to improve performance, personalization, and functionality.
You can allow websites to temporarily save data on your device to make your experience on their website better. This is called “on-device site data,” and when turned on, it helps websites do things like keep your shopping cart active when you leave.
You can choose how a website saves data on your device:
- Allow sites to save data on your device: Sites are more likely to work as you expect.
- Delete data sites have saved to your device when you close all windows: Sites will probably work as you expect but are less likely to remember you from one visit to the next.
- Don’t allow sites to save data on your device (not recommended): Sites may not work as you expect. Choose this option if you don't want to leave information on your device about sites that you visit.
This data includes cookies, cached images and files, and other site storage such as local storage. Websites use it to remember your preferences, keep you signed in, and load content faster on return visits.
Chrome stores this data directly on your device rather than constantly fetching it from the internet. This helps speed up browsing and reduces data usage.
You can view and manage this data in Chrome by going to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > View permissions and data stored across sites. Here, you can see which sites have stored data and how much space they use.
You can delete site data for individual websites or clear all stored data. Removing it may sign you out of sites and reset preferences.
Chrome also gives you control over how data is stored. For example, you can block third-party cookies or restrict certain sites from storing data.
For temporary browsing, you can use Incognito mode, where site data is not saved after you close the session.
Set on-device site data on your device
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click More
Settings.
- Click Privacy and security
- Click Additional content settings
- Select a default behavior.
Related resources
- Delete, allow and manage cookies in Chrome
- Change site settings permissions
- Manage your ads privacy in Chrome
Additionally, Chrome periodically clears unused site data to free up storage and improve performance.
In summary, on-device site data in Chrome helps websites work efficiently and remember your preferences, while Chrome provides tools to view, control, and delete this data for better privacy and management.
