How do I clear cache and cookies?

Sometimes when a website isn't working quite right, the problem is due to old, stored information. This article explains why clearing your browser's temporary files, known as cache and cookies, is a great first step for troubleshooting. We'll walk you through how to do it on today's most popular web browsers. 

Think of cache and cookies as your browser's short-term memory. They're designed to make your web experience faster and smoother. Here's what they do:

• Cache: Stores parts of websites you visit (like images and logos) so your browser doesn't have to re-download them every time you visit. This helps pages load much faster.

• Cookies: Small files that websites place on your computer to remember things about you, such as your login information or preferences.

Occasionally, this saved data can become outdated or corrupted, which can cause loading problems, formatting issues, or other unexpected behavior on a website. Clearing them out gives your browser a fresh start and often solves these common issues.

Here’s the most direct way to clear your data in Chrome:

1. Click the three vertical dots ⋮ in the top-right corner of the browser.

2. Select Settings.

3. Go to Privacy and security on the left menu.

4. Click Clear browsing data.

5. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.

6. Set the Time range to All time to ensure everything is removed.

7. Click the Clear data button.

Follow these steps to clear your data in Firefox:

1. Click the three horizontal lines ☰ in the top-right corner.

2. Select Settings.

3. Go to Privacy & Security on the left menu.

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

5. Click the Clear Data... button.

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

7. Click Clear.

Clearing data in Safari is a two-part process. You'll need to clear your history (which includes cookies) and then empty the browser's cache separately.

1. Click Safari in the top menu bar (next to the Apple logo ).

2. Select Clear History....

3. In the dropdown menu next to "Clear," choose all history.

4. Click the Clear History button. This removes your browsing history, cookies, and other website data.

First, you'll need to make the "Develop" menu visible if you haven't already.

1. Click Safari in the top menu bar and select Settings....

2. Go to the Advanced tab.

3. Check the box at the bottom that says "Show features for web developers".

Now that the menu is enabled, you can empty the cache:

1. Click the new Develop menu in the top menu bar (it appears between Bookmarks and Window).

2. Select Empty Caches from the dropdown menu.