How to clear cache and reset account on MetaMask? (Troubleshooting)

Understanding Cache and Account Data in MetaMask

1. MetaMask stores local cache including transaction history, token balances, and network configurations directly in the browser’s storage or mobile app memory.

2. Account data includes private keys, seed phrases, and derived addresses—these are never stored on remote servers but remain encrypted on the device.

3. Corrupted cache can cause interface freezes, incorrect balance displays, or failure to connect to dApps.

4. Resetting an account does not delete the seed phrase unless manually erased; it only removes locally cached session states and preferences.

5. Browser extensions retain cache across restarts while mobile versions may auto-purge outdated entries during updates.

Steps to Clear Cache on Desktop Extension

1. Open MetaMask extension and click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.

2. Select Settings from the dropdown list.

3. Scroll down and click Advanced to expand troubleshooting options.

4. Locate the button labeled Reset Account and confirm the action when prompted.

5. This operation clears pending transactions, recent activity logs, and cached token lists without affecting your wallet’s cryptographic identity.

Resetting Account on Mobile App

1. Launch the MetaMask mobile application and navigate to the Account tab.

2. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to enter Settings.

3. Scroll to the bottom and select Privacy & Security.

4. Choose Clear Cache and confirm deletion of temporary files and session data.

5. To fully reset the account state, go back to Settings > Restore or Reset Wallet, then choose Reset Wallet—this preserves your seed phrase but discards all local UI preferences and transaction history.

Recovering Access After Reset

1. If you have previously backed up your 12-word seed phrase, use it to restore your wallet after resetting.

2. Do not attempt recovery using old passwords or PINs if the wallet was reset—only the original seed phrase guarantees access.

3. Imported accounts via private key retain their address and balance post-reset but require re-adding manually if removed during the process.

4. Custom RPC networks and token contracts must be re-added after clearing cache, as these settings are stored locally.

5. DApp connection permissions are revoked upon reset, requiring explicit re-approval for each site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will resetting my MetaMask account delete my ETH or tokens?A: No. Your assets reside on the blockchain, not in the app. Resetting only affects local display data—not on-chain balances.

Q: Can I clear cache without losing my saved networks?A: Yes. Clearing cache alone does not remove custom RPC endpoints; those are preserved under Network Settings unless manually deleted.

Q: Why does MetaMask still show old tokens after resetting?A: Token visibility depends on contract address registration. If a token was added before reset, its contract may persist in local storage until manually removed or overridden by new detection logic.

Q: Does resetting MetaMask affect hardware wallet connections?A: No. Ledger or Trezor integrations remain intact because device communication is established at runtime and does not rely on cached wallet state.