How Do I clear my Browser's Cache?

Modified on Tue, 2 Feb, 2016 at 2:19 PM

Browsers use caching to store webpage elements such as images and style sheets to improve end user performance and allow pages to load more quickly. On occasion, it is necessary to clear that cache to tell the browser to load new versions of these cached items. The following article explains how to clear your cache on your particular browser.

Chrome

In the browser bar, enter:
```
  chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
```
Select the following:
- Browsing history
- Download history
- Cookies and other site and plug-in data
- Cached images and files
From the Obliterate the following items from: drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, select the beginning of time.
Click Clear browsing data.
Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Firefox

From the History menu, select Clear Recent History.
If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select Everything.
Next to "Details", click the down arrow to choose which elements of the history to clear; to clear your entire cache, select all items.
Click Clear Now.
Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Internet Explorer 9 and higher

Note:

As of January 12, 2016, Microsoft has ended support for Internet Explorer versions prior to version 11, unless you are running Windows Vista SP2 or certain versions of Windows Server; for a complete list of exceptions, see Microsoft Support Lifecycle. We strongly recommends that you upgrade to a new operating system if your current system does not support Internet Explorer 11 and is not on Microsoft's list of exceptions.

Select Tools (via the Gear Icon) > Safety > Delete browsing history....
If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
Deselect Preserve Favorites website data, and select:
- Temporary Internet files or Temporary Internet files and website files
- Cookies or Cookies and website data
- History
Click Delete. You will see a confirmation at the bottom of the window when the process is complete.
Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Opera

From the Opera menu, select Settings, and then Delete Private Data....
In the dialog box that opens, select the items you want to clear, and then click Delete.
Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Safari

Safari 8

From the Safari menu, select Clear History and Website Data....
Select the desired time range, and then click Clear History.
Go to Safari > Quit Safari or press Command-Q to exit the browser completely.

Safari 7 and below

From the Safari menu, select Reset Safari....
Select the items you want to reset, and then click Reset. As of Safari 5.1, Remove all website dataincludes both cookies and cache.
Go to Safari > Quit Safari or press Command-Q to exit the browser completely.