How to Clear Browser Cache

Clearing browser cache is 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. Clearing the cache is a way we can be sure that any issues you may come across are actually specific to the website, rather than inconsistencies caused by using different browsers.

Select the appropriate link for your device type for instructions to clear the cache on your preferred web browser.

Desktop Browsers

Keyboard Shortcuts

For Internet Explorer, Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox you can quickly clear cache using the keyboard shortcut below

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Chrome

  1. From the browser bar, select the menu icon Crome located on the right side of address bar. Note: If the icon does not appear, press Alt+F or Alt+E to open the menu.
  2. Select Settings from the menu.
  3. Scroll down the window. Click Advanced.
  4. Scroll down and select Clear browsing data.
  5. At the top of the "Clear Browsing data" window, click Advanced.
  6. From the "Time range drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cache information. To clear your entire cache, select "All time".
  7. Select the following:
    Browsing History
    Download history
    Cookies and other site data
    Cached images and files
  8. Click CLEAR DATA.
  9. Exit/ quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

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Firefox

  1. From the History menu, select Clear Recent History. Note: If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
  2. From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select "Everything".
  3. Next to "Details", click the down arrow to choose which elements of the history to clear. To clear your entire cache, select all items.
  4. Click Clear Now.
  5. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

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Microsoft Edge

  1. In the top right , click the hub icon media-element file-default ( looks like three horizontal lines).
  2. Click the History icon ( looks like a clock) and then select Clear all history .
  3. Select Browsing history.
  4. Select Cookies and saved website data.
  5. Select Cached data and files.
  6. Click Clear.
  7. After the "All Clear!" message appears, exit/quit all browser windows and re-reopen the browser.

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Internet Explorer 11

  1. Select Tools > Safety > Delete browsing history.... Note: If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
  2. Uncheck Preserve Favorites website data
  3. Select the following:
    Temporary Internet files or Temporary Internet files and website files
    Cookies or Cookies and website data
    History
  4. Click Delete. You will see a confirmation at the bottom of the window when the process is complete.
  5. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

**Click here for step by step instructions (with pictures) on clearing cache for IE11.

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Safari 10

  1. From Safari menu, select Clear History... or Clear History and Website Data...
  2. Select the desired time range, and then click Clear History.
  3. Go to Safari > Quit Safari or press Command-Q to exit the browser completely.

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Mobile Browsers

Android

The steps to clear your cache, cookies, and history may differ depending on the model of your Android device and your preferred browser. However, you should be able to clear your cache and data from your application management settings menu:

  1. Go to Settings and select Apps or Application Manager.
  2. Swipe to the All tab.
  3. In the list of installed apps, find and tap your web browser. Tap Clear Data and then Clear Cache.
  4. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

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Chrome for Android

  1. Tap Chrome menu > Settings.
  2. Tap (Advanced) Privacy.
  3. From the "Time Range" drop-down menu, select All Time.
  4. Check Cookies and Site data and Cached Images and Files.
  5. Tap Clear data.
  6. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

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Safari for iOS

  1. Open your Settings app.Setting
  2. Tap Safari.
  3. Tap Clear History and Website Data and confirm.
  4. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

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Chrome for iOS

  1. Tap Chrome menu > Settings.
  2. Tap Privacy.
  3. Tap Clear Browsing Data.
  4. Choose the data type you want to clear.
  5. Tap Clear Browsing Data.
  6. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

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