Accumulated cache and cookies can sometimes cause issues such as slow browser performance, outdated website content, login problems, or display errors. Clearing cache and cookies is a common troubleshooting step that can resolve these issues and improve your browsing experience.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for clearing cache and cookies in the three most commonly used web browsers. Thank you to Westcliff University for these clear instructions!

Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome and click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner

• Select Settings from the dropdown menu

• Click on Privacy and security in the left sidebar

• Select Clear browsing data

• In the popup window, choose a time range (select "All time" to clear everything)

• Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files

• Click the Clear data button

• Wait for the process to complete, then restart your browser

Mozilla Firefox

• Open Firefox and click the three-line menu icon in the top-right corner

• Select Settings from the menu

• Click on Privacy & Security in the left sidebar

• Scroll down to the "Cookies and Site Data" section

• Click the Clear Data button

• Ensure both Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are checked

• Click Clear to confirm

• Restart your browser for changes to take effect

Apple Safari (macOS)

• Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top

• Select Settings (or Preferences in older versions)

• Click on the Privacy tab

• Click Manage Website Data

• Click Remove All to clear all cache and cookies

• Click Remove Now to confirm

• Close the Settings window and restart Safari

Microsoft Edge

• Open Microsoft Edge.

• Click on the Settings and more icon (three dots) in the upper right corner.

• Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

• In the left pane, click on Privacy, search, and services.

• Scroll down to the Clear browsing data section.

• Click on Choose what to clear.

• In the dialog that appears, select the time range you want to clear (e.g., Last hour, Last 24 hours, All time).

• Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.

• Click the Clear now button to delete the selected data.

Note

• Data Loss Warning: Clearing cookies will log you out of most websites and remove saved preferences. You will need to log in again to your accounts after clearing cookies.

• Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions may store their own data that is not cleared by this process.

• Mobile Devices: The steps for clearing cache and cookies on mobile browsers differ from desktop versions. Please refer to your device's specific instructions if you are using a smartphone or tablet.

• Selective Clearing: If you want to clear data for specific websites only, use the "Manage Website Data" or site-specific settings options available in each browser instead of clearing all data.

• Regular Maintenance: Consider clearing cache and cookies every few months as part of regular browser maintenance to maintain optimal performance.

Tidbit! Remember computer technology advances at a very rapid pace, often doubling its capabilities within a few years or even months. This rapid pace is known as Moore’s Law, which states that computing power roughly doubles every 18-24 months.