When a website updates but Chrome on Android keeps showing the old version, it’s usually not “the internet” being slow—it’s your browser reusing saved files (cache), old login/session data (cookies), or an offline layer (service worker).
This guide focuses on Chrome-first fixes, with notes on what’s different in Firefox and Samsung Internet so you don’t waste time doing the wrong reset.
Before you start: if the problem is only one site, keep your changes site-specific first. Clearing everything works, but it’s the most disruptive option.
1. Confirm it’s a Chrome-only cache problem (fast cross-browser check)
Do a quick comparison so you know whether to focus on the browser or the website.
- Open the same page in another browser on your phone (Firefox or Samsung Internet).
- Try mobile data vs Wi‑Fi once (just to rule out a network cache/proxy).
- If another browser shows the updated page immediately, this is almost always Chrome’s stored data for that site.
Why this matters: Chrome and Samsung Internet are both Chromium-based, so if both show the same “old” page, the issue may be server-side caching or a CDN—while Firefox behaving differently can point to a Chrome/Chromium storage issue.
2. Hard refresh the page (Chrome mobile’s closest equivalent)
Desktop browsers have “hard reload.” On Chrome for Android, the practical equivalent is to force a full re-fetch.
- Tap the three dots menu and enable Desktop site, then reload once (sometimes triggers different caching paths).
- Open the page in an Incognito tab and compare.
- If Incognito looks correct, your normal profile’s cookies/cache for that site are likely the cause.
Incognito is a great diagnostic: it avoids most existing cookies and uses a clean-ish cache context.
3. Clear cache for Chrome (least risky “reset”)
If pages are stale but you don’t want to sign out of everything, clear the app cache (not storage/data).
- Android Settings → Apps → Chrome → Storage.
- Tap Clear cache (avoid Clear storage for now).
This removes temporary files and can fix stubborn outdated assets (old CSS/JS/images) without removing cookies, saved logins, or bookmarks.
4. Clear site-specific data in Chrome (targets cookies + site storage)
If the site is still wrong—or you’re stuck in an “old layout,” “stale login,” or “redirect loop”—clear only that site’s data.
- In Chrome, open the site.
- Tap the padlock (or tune icon) in the address bar → Site settings.
- Tap Clear data (or Reset permissions if the issue is permission-related).
This is the most effective middle-ground fix: it clears cookies and local storage for one site, which is often where “old experience” flags and session state live.
5. If the site is a PWA or “offline-capable,” remove its service worker effect
Some sites install an offline layer (service worker) that can keep serving old files even after a normal reload.
- If you installed the site to your home screen, open it and try removing it (uninstall that web app icon) and revisit in Chrome.
- Then do the site-specific clear (Step 4) again and reload.
Not every site uses service workers, but when they do, they’re a common reason one browser stays “stuck” while another updates.
6. Know what’s different in Firefox and Samsung Internet (so you pick the right fix)
Here are the practical differences that explain why the same site can behave differently across browsers.
- Chrome vs Samsung Internet: both are Chromium-based, but Samsung Internet sometimes manages site data and content blockers differently. If Chrome is stale but Samsung Internet is fine, it often points to Chrome’s per-site storage being corrupted or overgrown—Step 4 tends to fix it.
- Chrome vs Firefox: Firefox uses a different engine and storage implementation. If Firefox is correct but Chrome isn’t, it’s usually cached assets/cookies/service worker on Chrome (Steps 3–5). If Chrome is correct but Firefox is wrong, do Firefox-specific site data clearing in Firefox settings instead of touching Chrome.
- Tracking protection/ad blocking: Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection (and Samsung Internet content blockers) can change what loads. That can look like “old” pages when it’s actually blocked scripts. Temporarily disable protection for that site to test.
If you’re troubleshooting for someone else, this comparison step saves a lot of back-and-forth.
7. Last resort: clear all Chrome browsing data (and avoid the common mistake)
If multiple sites are stale, or you suspect the whole profile is misbehaving, you can clear broader browser data.
- Chrome → three dots → Settings → Privacy and security → Delete browsing data.
- Start with Cached images and files only.
- If needed, then include Cookies and site data (this will sign you out of many sites).
Common mistake: using Android’s Clear storage on the Chrome app immediately. That’s much more disruptive and can wipe app-level data; use it only if Chrome is crashing or severely broken, not just for one stale website.
Final thoughts
When Chrome on Android shows an outdated page, the fix is usually to clear the right layer: cache first, then site data, then anything “offline” like a PWA/service worker.
If another browser looks fine, keep your changes scoped to Chrome and to the specific site—you’ll fix the issue without logging yourself out everywhere.