How to Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Why clear the cache

Browsers save copies of website files (the cache) and small data files sites leave behind (cookies) to load pages faster. Over time these saved files cause problems: pages that will not update, old versions of sites that look broken, login glitches, and gigabytes of wasted storage. Clearing them forces the browser to fetch fresh copies. It does not delete your bookmarks, and on most browsers you can keep your saved passwords.

Chrome (computer)

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner, then Delete browsing data (or press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows, Command + Shift + Delete on Mac).
2. Choose a time range. All time clears everything; Last hour is enough if a site just broke.
3. Check Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data. Leave Browsing history and Passwords unchecked unless you want those gone too.
4. Click Delete data.

Chrome (Android and iPhone)

1. Tap the three dots, then Delete browsing data.
2. Pick a time range, check cached images and cookies, and tap Delete data.

Safari (iPhone and iPad)

1. Open Settings, scroll to Apps, then tap Safari.
2. Tap Clear History and Website Data, choose a timeframe, and confirm.
3. Note: this also clears browsing history on all devices signed into the same Apple Account.

Safari (Mac)

1. In the menu bar, click Safari, then Settings, then the Privacy tab.
2. Click Manage Website Data, then Remove All to clear cookies and cache for every site, or select individual sites and click Remove.

Firefox

1. Click the menu (three lines), then Settings, then Privacy and Security.
2. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data, check both boxes, and confirm.

Edge

1. Click the three dots, then Settings, then Privacy, search, and services.
2. Under Delete browsing data, click Choose what to clear, pick a time range, check cached images and cookies, and click Clear now.

What to expect afterward

• You will be logged out of most websites, since clearing cookies removes login sessions. Have your passwords ready or use a password manager.
• Sites load slightly slower the first time as the cache rebuilds, then return to normal speed.
• Site preferences reset: things like dark mode toggles, cookie consent choices, and shopping carts may revert.

When clearing the cache will not help

If your whole internet feels slow, the problem is your connection or wifi, not the cache. If only one site is broken and clearing does not fix it, try the site in a private/incognito window: if it works there, a browser extension is likely interfering.