🧹 How to Clear Your Web Browser Cache

This article walks you through how to clear the cache in all of the major browsers (as of late 2022.)

 

What is a Web Browser Cache?

Your browser cache stores parts of web pages—like images and scripts—to help them load faster on future visits. While this speeds up browsing, outdated or corrupted cache can cause issues with website functionality.

Why Should I Clear It?

Clearing your cache ensures you're viewing the most recent version of a website and can resolve loading or formatting problems, especially after site updates.

How to Clear Cache in Major Browsers

🔵 Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome.

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).

3. In the "Clear browsing data" window:

   • Set Time range to All time.

   • Check Cached images and files.

4. Click Clear data.

Alternatively:

• Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

• Go to More tools > Clear browsing data.

• Follow steps 3 and 4 above.

🍎 Safari (macOS)

1. Open Safari.

2. Click Safari in the menu bar, then select Settings.

3. Navigate to the Advanced tab.

4. Check Show features for web developers.

5. A Develop menu will appear in the menu bar.

6. Click Develop > Empty Caches.

Alternatively:

• Press Option + Command + E.

🟦 Microsoft Edge

1. Open Edge.

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

3. In the "Clear browsing data" window:

   • Set Time range to All time.

   • Check Cached images and files.

4. Click Clear now.

Alternatively:

• Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.

• Go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.

• Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.

• Follow steps 3 and 4 above.

🦊 Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox.

2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.

3. In the "Clear Recent History" window:

   • Set Time range to clear to Everything.

   • Expand Details and check Cache.

4. Click OK.

Alternatively:

• Click the three-line menu in the top-right corner.

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.

• Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data….

• Check Cached Web Content and click Clear.

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💡 Tips

• Keyboard Shortcut: Most browsers support Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac) to quickly access cache clearing options.

• Restart Browser: After clearing the cache, restart your browser to ensure changes take effect.

• Regular Maintenance: Clearing your cache periodically can improve browser performance and resolve unexpected issues.