How to Clear Browser Cache

Cache: Temporarily saved data stored so the site, browser, or app doesn't need to download it each time.

This guide will show you how to clear your browser's cache on a number of devices.  Click your browser below to review instructions on how to clear cache.

Note: after clearing cache, you may need to restart your browser.

DESKTOP BROWSERS

 

MOBILE BROWSERS

 

Google Chrome

  1. Click the settings icon on the top right of the address bar.  Recent versions of Chrome display three dots.  Older versions of Chrome display three bars or a wrench.
  2. Hover over the "More Tools" option.  A new menu will appear with new options.  Click the "Clear Browsing Data" option from that new list.
  3. You'll be taken to the Settings menu with the "Clear Browsing Data" window on screen.  If using most recent versions of Chrome, you are given the option to select the time range of what you're deleting.  If you want to delete your browsing history, click that box.  Be sure the box next to "Cookies and other site data" AND "Cached images and files" are checked to be sure all data needing replaced is deleted. Then click "Clear Data".
  4. If using older versions of Chrome, the window to clear cache will look like the below.  Choose your time, and what you want to delete.  Be sure that "Cookies and other site and plug-in data" and "Cached images and files" are checked.  (Image source wisc.edu).

Apple Safari

  1. Click "Safari" in the top left corner of the file bar to open the main menu.  Click "Preferences" from the list.
  2. A settings menu will open.  Click "Privacy" from the top bar of the Settings menu.  You'll see a button that says "Manage Website Data".  Click the Manage Website Data button.
  3. You'll be shown a list of websites that have stored data.  You can click each item (or groups of item) individually and click "Remove" to remove them.  You can also mass delete everything by clicking "Remove All" and confirming.  Once you are finished click "Done".

Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click the menu button, with three bars, in the top right of the address bar.  A menu will show more options.  Click the "Preferences" item from the list.
  2. The Preferences menu will show.  On the left bar an option reading "Privacy & Security" will show.  Click that option.
  3. The Browser Privacy menu will display in the body of the page.  You'll find the "Cookies and Site Data" listed in the body.  Beside it you will see a button that says "Clear Data".  Click the Clear Data button.
  4. A window will appear displaying what will be cleared.  Be sure to leave "Cached Web Content" checked.  If you would like to also clear Cookies, leave "Cookies and Site Data" checked.  When you are satisfied with your options click the "Clear" button.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Click the Menu option in the top right of the address bar.
  2. From the menu that appears click "Settings" from the bottom of the list.
  3. Under settings, you'll find an option that reads "Clear browsing data".  Click the "Choose what to clear" button.
  4. Click the box to the side of "Cached data and files", and any other data you wish to clear.  Click the Clear button.

(Screenshots from Bitdefender)

Microsoft Internet Explorer 11

  1. Click the gear in the top right of the address bar.
  2. A new menu will appear.  Click on the "Safety" option.  A submenu will then appear.  Click on the "Delete Browsing History" option from that list.
  3. A "Delete Browsing History" overlay will appear.  Click the checkboxes next to the items you'd like to remove.  Be sure to leave "Temporary Internet Files and Website Files" checked.  This is the cache.  Once you are satisfied with your choices, click the "Delete" button.

iOS Safari

  1. Open the "Settings" app.  In the list you'll find "Safari", typically below "Passwords & Accounts".  Click the Safari option.
  2. Scroll down in the "Safari" list towards the bottom.  In blue text you'll see a button reading "Clear History and Website Data".  Click that option.
  3. You'll be shown a warning prior to clearing data.  If you are satisfied with clearing website data, click the red "Clear History and Data" button.

Mobile Chrome

  1. Click the menu icon (three horizontal dots) to display the menu.  Click the "Settings" option that appears.
  2. From the "Settings" menu, click the "Privacy" menu option.
  3. At the bottom of the "Privacy" menu you'll see an option reading "Clear Browsing Data".  Click that option.
  4. In the "Clear Browsing Data" menu there is a list of items which can be cleared.  Check each option you would like to clear by touching it. Be sure to leave "Cached Images and Files" checked.  Once you are satisfied click the "Clear Browsing Data" button.

Android

  1. Go to the "Settings" Menu.  This is done by touching the cog/gear icon from the notification shade.
  2. Find the app you'd like to delete data and cache for and touch the item.  This could be Android's default browser or one downloaded from the Google Play store such as Firefox or Chrome or others.
  3. Touch the "Storage" option and buttons to Clear Data and Clear Cache will be shown.  Click the Clear Cache button to perform a cleansing.

(Screenshot taken from CNET)