How to Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Answer
What are browser caches and cookies?
A browser’s cache and cookies are tools that help websites load faster and remember user preferences. The cache stores temporary files, like images, scripts, and page layouts, so your browser doesn’t have to download them again each time you visit a site. Cookies are small data files that save information such as login status, settings, or items in a shopping cart.
Why is it important to clear the cache and cookies?
Over time, however, cached files or cookies can become outdated or corrupted, leading to pages loading incorrectly or not at all. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies removes these stored files, allowing your browser to load the most recent version of a website and often resolving issues such as missing content, login errors, or pages that won’t display correctly.
Google Chrome
- On your computer, open Chrome.
- At the top right, click the kabob icon (⋮) and then Delete browsing data.
- Choose a time range, like Last hour or All time.
- Select the types of information you want to remove.
- Click Delete data
Apple Safari
- Go to the Safari app on your Mac.
- Choose Safari > Settings, then click Privacy.
- Click Manage Website Data.
- Select one or more websites, then click Remove or Remove All.
Microsoft Edge
- Open Edge browser, select the meatballs icon (…) in the upper right corner of your browser window.
- Select Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
- Select Clear browsing data, then select Choose what to clear located next to Clear browsing data now.
- Under Time range, choose a time range from the list.
- Select Cookies and other site data, and then select Clear now.