How it works
The browser cache reuses downloaded resources such as images, styles and scripts. Freshness rules determine whether a saved response can be used directly or must be checked with the server.
A practical example
After a website update, a cached stylesheet may make the page look outdated even when its text is current. Reloading or a targeted cache refresh can distinguish stale resources from a website error.
What to check
First compare another browser or a private window. If clearing cached files, distinguish them from cookies and saved passwords, since those are separate data categories in browser settings.
A reload and deleting all browser data are different actions. Start with the smallest change that tests the suspected stale resource. If every browser shows the same outdated information, investigate the website or an intermediary cache; repeatedly deleting local files will not correct its published content.
Limits and safe use
Clearing the cache makes subsequent visits download resources again. It does not delete provider-held data, remove every browsing trace or repair an underlying server, connection or account problem.