Clear cookies and cache in web browser

Overview

Websites store temporary files in the browser, in the form of cache and cookies. These files can become damaged or corrupted, so clearing them may resolve issues when a web site is not loading or displaying correctly.

Solution

Most browsers have multiple ways to clear cache and cookies. The list below covers some of these methods for the major browsers.

Google Chrome

  1. In Windows, press CTRL-SHIFT-DEL. On Macs, press CMD-SHIFT-DEL
  2. Select an appropriate time frame from the drop-down menu
  3. Make sure Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are checked
  4. Click the Clear data button

Mozilla Firefox

  1. In Windows, press CTRL-SHIFT-DEL. On Macs, press CMD-SHIFT-DEL
  2. Select an appropriate time frame from the drop-down menu
  3. Under History (Windows) or Details (Mac), make sure Cookies and Cache are checked
  4. Click the OK button

Microsoft Edge

  1. In Windows, press CTRL-SHIFT-DEL. On Macs, press CMD-SHIFT-DEL
  2. Select an appropriate time frame from the Time range drop-down menu
  3. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files
  4. Click the Clear now button

Safari (Mac only)

  1. In Safari, go to the Safari menu and choose Preferences
  2. Click the Privacy tab
  3. Click Manage Website Data
  4. Select individual sites and click Remove or click Remove All to clear all cookies and cache

Internet Explorer (Windows only)

  1. Press CTRL-SHIFT-DEL
  2. Make sure Temporary Internet files and website files and Cookies and website data are checked
  3. Click the Delete button
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