Web Browser: Clear Your Browser Cache

Learn how to clear cached files, cookies, and browsing data in Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari to help resolve common website and browser issues.

Overview

Your web browser stores temporary files, images, and cookies to help websites load more quickly. Over time, this stored data can become outdated or corrupted, causing websites to display incorrect information, load improperly, or experience sign-in issues.

This article explains how to clear your browser's cache and browsing data to resolve common website problems.

Key Information

• Clearing your browser cache removes temporary website files so your browser can download the latest version of a website.
• Clearing cookies may sign you out of websites.
• You may need to sign back in after completing this process.
• Restart your browser after clearing your browsing data for the best results.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

• Access to a supported web browser:
  • Microsoft Edge
  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Safari
• A Windows or macOS device.
• Permission to modify browser settings (if using a managed device).

Instructions

Clear the Cache in Microsoft Edge

1.  Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three dots (...), in the top-right corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Privacy, search, and services, on the left-hand side.
5. Click Clear browsing data.
6. Click Choose what to clear.
7. Select a Time range (All time is recommended).
8. Check the boxes for:
   • Browsing history (optional)
   • Download history (optional)
   • Cookies and other site data
   • Cached images and files
9. Click Clear now.
10. Restart your browser.

Clear the Cache in Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three dots (⋮), in the top-right corner.
3. Click Delete browsing data...
4. Click Advanced.
5. Select a Time range > All Time.
6. Check the boxes for:
   • Browsing history (optional)
   • Download history (optional)
   • Cookies and other site data
   • Cached images and files
7. Click Delete data.
8. Restart Google Chrome.

Clear the Cache in Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click on the three lines (☰), in the top-right corner.
3. Click Settings (or Preferences on a Mac)
4. Click Privacy and Security, on the left-hand side.
5. Scroll to Browsing data.
6. Click Clear browsing data.
7. Click the When drop-down > Everything.
8. Check the boxes for:
   • Browsing & download history (optional)
   • Cookies and site data
   • Temporary cached files and pages
9. Click Clear.
10. Restart Mozilla Firefox.

Clear the Cache in Safari

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari, in the upper left-hand corner.
3. Choose Settings (or "Preferences" in older versions).
4. Click the Privacy tab.
5. Click "Manage Website Data...".
6. Click "Remove All" then confirm.
7. Confirm your selection.
8. Restart Safari.

Troubleshooting

I'm still seeing the old version of a website

Try the following:

• Refresh the page.
• Perform a hard refresh (Ctrl + F5 on Windows).
• Close and reopen your browser.

I was signed out of a website

Try the following:

• Sign back in using your username and password.
• Verify that your credentials are correct.

I can't clear my browsing data

Try the following:

• Verify that you have permission to modify browser settings.
• If you're using a Northwood Tech-managed device, some browser settings may be managed by your organization.
• Restart your browser and try again.

I'm still experiencing issues

Try the following:

• Restart your computer.
• Test the website using a different supported browser.
• Open the website in an Incognito or Private Browsing window.
• Contact the IT Service Desk if the issue continues.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you continue to experience website or browser issues after clearing your cache, please submit an IT Service Desk ticket.