How to Clear your Browser Cache: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve never cleared your web browser’s cache, you’re not alone. The cache isn’t as commonly discussed as it used to be and is frequently forgotten about. If brought up, it’s rarely explained why you should clear your cache. So let’s dig into what a cache is and why it's good to clear it out once in a while.

What is a browser cache?

A browser cache is a kind of pocket of memory where web browsers store copies of web pages. This usually allows for quicker load times since the browser can access this cache instead of having to re-download data from the actual website.

Why you should clear your browser cache

• To prevent websites from tracking online activities: Clearing the cache can help disrupt the ability of some trackers to monitor browsing habits.
• To clear any form data that has been submitted in the past from being used by anyone else in the future: Personal information entered into forms on websites is sometimes saved in the cache, and clearing it helps protect online privacy.
• It can improve speed performance issues: An overloaded cache can slow down browsing speed; clearing it can free up space and potentially improve performance.
• Sometimes a website will serve a cached or old version of a webpage: Clearing the cache ensures that all websites are the most current version, as it forces the browser to download the latest data.
• To fix any browser or website issues: Clearing the cache can resolve display problems and functionality errors on websites by removing outdated or corrupted files.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing Your Cache on Major Browsers:

• Google Chrome:

• Click the three dots in the upper right corner to open the menu.

• Go to "Clear browsing data."

• Choose the time range and make sure 'Cached images and files' is selected.

• Click 'Clear data.'

Photo: Eric Franklin

• Mozilla Firefox:

• Click the menu button in the upper right-hand corner and select 'Settings.'

• Go to Privacy & Security and scroll to 'Cookies and Site Data.'

• Click 'Clear Data...' and select 'Cached Web Content.'

• Confirm by clicking 'Clear.'

Photo: Eric Franklin

• Safari (for Mac):

• Open Safari and click 'Safari' in the menu bar, in the upper left-hand corner.

• Select 'Settings,' then go to the 'Privacy' tab.

• Click Manage Website Data.

• Click Remove all.

• Click Remove Now.

• Wait a few moments, then click Done.

• Microsoft Edge:

• Click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner to access the menu.

• Select Settings > Privacy, search, and services.

• Scroll down and under 'Clear browsing data now' click 'Choose what to clear.'

• Select 'Cached images and files' and click 'Clear now.'

Photo: Eric Franklin

Whether you're trying to keep your browsing private or speed it up, clearing your browser cache is fast, easy, and useful.

Eric Franklin worked at CNET for over two decades, eventually becoming Editorial Director of CNET's Tech Reviews team. He now runs his own SEO Consulting firm called ELF Consulting.