Clearing the browser cache is a common fix for pages that load oddly or show old content. It removes saved copies of images, scripts and pages so the browser fetches fresh versions. It does not log you out of everything, though it can remove some site data. Here is how to do it on the major browsers.
Chrome (desktop)
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
- Choose a time range, such as “All time”.
- Tick “Cached images and files”. Add “Cookies” only if you want to sign out of sites.
- Click “Clear data”.
Chrome (mobile)
Open Chrome, tap the three dots, then History, then “Clear browsing data”. Choose “Cached images and files” and a time range, then tap Clear data.
Microsoft Edge
Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, choose “Cached images and files”, and click Clear now. You can also open Settings, then Privacy, search and services, then “Clear browsing data”.
Firefox
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
- Set the time range to “Everything”.
- Tick “Cache”.
- Click “Clear Now”.
On mobile Firefox, open the menu, then Settings, then “Delete browsing data”, and select Cache.
Safari (Mac)
Open Safari, then Settings or Preferences, then the Advanced tab, and tick “Show Develop menu”. Then use Develop, then “Empty Caches”. To clear history and cookies too, use History, then “Clear History”.
Safari (iPhone and iPad)
Open Settings, then Safari, then “Clear History and Website Data”. This clears history, cookies and cache together.
When clearing the cache helps
- A site shows an old version or broken layout.
- Images or styles fail to load.
- You are testing changes to a website.
- A page keeps redirecting or shows an error.
When it does not help
Clearing the cache will not fix a slow internet connection, a server outage, or a problem with your account. If a site is down for everyone, the cache is not the cause.
Frequently asked questions
Will clearing the cache log me out?
Usually no, if you clear only the cache. Logging out happens when you also clear cookies.
How often should I clear my browser cache?
Only when you have a problem. Modern browsers manage the cache well on their own.
Does clearing the cache speed up my browser?
Sometimes, if the cache is very large or corrupted. It will not make a fast browser faster.
[…] How to Clear Browser Cache on Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari […]