Clear Cache and Cookies in your Web Browser

Owned by David Blood
Last updated: Jul 25, 2023 by Chris Sandefer
5 min read



Clearing the Cache and Cookies from a web browser an important first-step for almost any troubleshooting for internet browsing.

The cache is a tool used by your internet browser to speed up the page loading process. However, sometimes it can cause a problem when websites are updated and developed as files saved in the cache may conflict with what's actually coded into the website. Cookies are pieces of data that store your session information on each website you visit, including if you are signed in to that site. Clearing Cache and Cookies is a way to ensure website issues you may come across are not caused by stale data in your browser.

If you clear your cookies, you will need to sign in again to all the sites you were signed in to.

Keyboard Shortcut for Most Browsers

If you are using Internet Explorer, Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox you can quickly clear cache with a keyboard shortcut. While in your browser, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (MacOS) simultaneously on the keyboard to open the appropriate window.

IMPORTANT: Be sure and close/quit the browser and restart it after clearing the cache and cookies.

Browser Directions

click to expand

  1. Click the Tools menu (three dotted lines in the upper-right corner).

  2. Select History. 

  3. Select Clear Browsing Data from the left-hand side. Set the Time Range set to All Time. Check-mark Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files and select Clear Data.

  4. If on a Windows computer, close and re-open Chrome to save your changes. If on a Mac, go to the Chrome menu on the top menu bar and select Quit for the changes to take effect.



  1. Click on the Tools bar.

  2. Click on Options (older versions) or Settings (newer versions)

  3. On the menu to the left, select Privacy & Security.

  4. Under the Cookies and Site Data option, click the "Clear Data..." button.

  5. Select only the two options and hit clear now.

  6. If on a Windows computer, close and re-open Firefox to save your changes. If on a Mac, go to the Firefox menu on the top menu bar and select Quit for the changes to take effect.



  1. Click on Safari on the top menu bar.

  2. Click Preferences.

  3. Click the Privacy tab.

  4. Click Manage Website Data...

  5. Click Remove All.

  6. Click Remove Now.

  7. Go to the Safari menu on the top menu bar.

  8. Select Quit to close Safari and save your changes.



  1. Click the Tools menu (three dotted lines in the upper-right corner), and open the Settings menu.

  2. Click Privacy, search, and services on the left-side menu.

  3. Under the section Clear browsing data, Click Choose what to clear.

  4. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.

  5. Click Clear Now.

  6. Close Microsoft Edge completely for your changes to take effect.



  1. Click on the Settings menu in the upper-right corner.

  2. Click Internet options.

  3. Under the General tab on the upper-left-hand side, scroll down to Browsing history.

  4. Select Delete...

  5. Check the Temporary Internet files and website files, Cookies and website data, History, and Download History boxes.

  6. Select Delete.

  7. Close Internet Explorer and reopen it for changes to take effect. 











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