How do I clear my browser cache and cookies?

1. Overview

Your web browser stores temporary data, known as cache and cookies, to improve your Browse experience.

• Cache: Stores parts of websites (images, scripts, CSS files) so they load faster on subsequent visits, reducing the need to download the same information repeatedly.

• Cookies: Small text files stored by websites on your computer. They are used to remember information about you (like login status, site preferences, shopping cart contents) and to track your Browse activity across sites.

While beneficial, an accumulated or corrupted cache and outdated cookies can sometimes lead to issues such as:

• Websites not loading correctly or appearing outdated.

• Login problems or errors.

• Slow browser performance.

• Security concerns (though less common for cache).

Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can often resolve these issues and improve browser performance.

2. Important Considerations Before Clearing

• Logins: Clearing cookies will log you out of most websites you are currently signed into. You will need to re-enter your credentials.

• Site Preferences: Custom settings or preferences for websites might be reset.

• Auto-fill Data: Some auto-fill data (like payment info, not typically usernames/passwords if saved separately) might be cleared.

3. General Steps for All Browsers (Common Shortcut)

For most modern browsers, you can often open the "Clear Browse data" menu directly using a keyboard shortcut:

• Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete

• macOS: Press Command + Shift + Delete

This shortcut typically opens a pop-up window where you can select what to clear.

4. Browser-Specific Instructions

Here are the step-by-step instructions for the most popular web browsers:

4.1. Google Chrome

1. Click the three vertical dots (Customize and control Google Chrome) in the top-right corner of the browser window.

2. Go to More tools > Clear Browse data...

3. A new tab will open:

   • Time range: Select a time range (e.g., "Last hour," "Last 24 hours," "All time"). For troubleshooting, "All time" is usually best.

   • Check the boxes for:

     • Cookies and other site data

     • Cached images and files

   • You can uncheck "Browse history" if you wish to keep it.

4. Click the Clear data button.

5. Close and reopen Chrome for changes to take full effect.

4.2. Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the three horizontal lines (Open Application Menu) in the top-right corner of the browser window.

2. Go to Settings (or "Options" on older versions).

3. In the left-hand menu, select Privacy & Security.

4. Scroll down to the "Cookies and Site Data" section.

5. Click the Clear Data... button.

6. Ensure both Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are checked.

7. Click Clear.

8. A confirmation dialog will appear; click Clear Now.

9. Close and reopen Firefox.

4.3. Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three horizontal dots (Settings and more) in the top-right corner of the browser window.

2. Go to Settings.

3. In the left-hand menu, select Privacy, search, and services.

4. Under the "Clear Browse data" section, click Choose what to clear.

5. A pop-up window will appear:

   • Time range: Select a time range (e.g., "Last hour," "All time"). "All time" is generally recommended for troubleshooting.

   • Check the boxes for:

     • Cookies and other site data

     • Cached images and files

6. Click Clear now.

7. Close and reopen Edge.

4.4. Apple Safari (macOS)

Safari handles clearing cache and cookies separately or combines them differently than other browsers.

• Clearing Cache (Developer Menu - Recommended):

  1. Go to Safari menu > Settings (or "Preferences" on older versions).

  2. Click the Advanced tab.

  3. At the bottom, check the box for "Show features for web developers" (or "Show Develop menu in menu bar").

  4. Close Settings.

  5. Now, in the Safari menu bar, click Develop > Empty Caches. This will clear the cache without affecting cookies or history.

• Clearing Cookies and Website Data (also clears cache):

  1. Go to Safari menu > Settings (or "Preferences" on older versions).

  2. Click the Privacy tab.

  3. Click the Manage Website Data... button.

  4. You can either:

     • Click Remove All to remove all stored cookies and website data.

     • Select specific websites and click Remove.

  5. Click Done.

5. When to Clear Cache and Cookies

• Troubleshooting: As a first step when a website isn't displaying correctly or you're experiencing login issues.

• Privacy: To remove tracking cookies and Browse data.

• Performance: Occasionally to free up disk space and potentially improve browser speed, though modern browsers are quite efficient at managing this.

• After Updates: Sometimes after a website or application updates, clearing the cache can help ensure you see the newest version.

6. Need Further Assistance?

If clearing your browser cache and cookies does not resolve your issue, please consult other relevant KBAs or contact our IT Support Team.