How to clear your cache (And cookies) on any browser - A simple guide

One of the first thing that many tech support agents tell you to do is clear the cache and cookies of your browser. This guide will show you exactly how to do that for the most popular desktop and mobile browsers. Be sure to skip to the correct section for your browser using the table of contents!

Alternatively, you can watch the video below and use the in-video table of contents to find the correct browser.

Why should I clear my cache and cookies?

Most people know that your web browser keeps a record of everything you do, and every website you visit (Take a look at these records by opening the History panel, CTRL+H on most desktop browsers), but did you know that your web browser also downloads a copy of each website you visit as well?

These copies of the websites you visit make up a web browser's cache, and they are used to help speed up the loading time of the website (Have you noticed that sometimes a page loads faster the second time? That is the cache at work!). However, when a website gets updated, your computer may still show you the stored (and now outdated) version from its cache, and not the new version of the website.

Your browser also stores cookies, small files that websites can save to your computer. These cookies can help websites keep track of what is in your shopping cart, and they can also be used for analytical purposes. Sometimes, websites will incorrectly read these cookies, so clearing them will give you a 'fresh restart' on the site.

By clearing your cache and cookies from your web browser, you will be able to view the newest version of that website without any interface from past visits. Thankfully, most web browsers make the process super simple, and easy to do. The sections below will be short (But still informative), so you can spend more time browsing the web.

How to clear the cache on Google Chrome's desktop version

1. Copy and paste the following URL into your navigation bar, it will take you directly to the settings page! "chrome://settings/clearBrowserData"

2. Select "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data" check-boxes. Make sure your Time Range is set to "All Time" before clicking the blue "Clear Data" button

3. That's it! If you want Google to automatically delete your browsing history from your Google Account (Only applies if you have sync turned on), turn off Web & App Activity

How to clear the cache on Microsoft Edge's desktop version

1. Copy and paste the following URL into your navigation bar, it will take you directly to the settings page! "edge://settings/clearBrowserData"

2. Select "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data" check-boxes. Make sure your Time Range is set to "All Time" before clicking the blue "Clear Data" button

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How to clear the cache on Safari's desktop version

Note that Safari will clear both your cache and cookies at the same time, so there are no separate procedures

1. Select the "History" drop-down at the top of the screen (fourth from the left)

2. Select "History"

3. Make sure the Time range is set to "All Time", then select the "Clear history"

How to clear the cache on Brave's desktop version

1. Copy and paste the following URL into your navigation bar, it will take you directly to the settings page! "brave://settings/clearBrowserData" (Tip: You can also use the keyboard shortcut "Control + Shift + Backspace" to get here)

2. Select "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data" check-boxes. Make sure your Time Range is set to "All Time" before clicking the "Clear Data" button

How to clear the cache on Opera's desktop version

1. Enter the History page with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+H

2. Set the "Time range to clear" option to "All Time"

3. Select the "Cached images and files" and "Cookies and other site data" check-boxes, the others are optional

4. Select "Clear data"

How to clear the cache on Mozilla Firefox's desktop version

1. Select the hamburger menu (three lines) in the upper right of the window and select "Options", then "Privacy and Security"

2. Set the "Time range to clear" option to "everything"

3. Select the "Cache" and "Cookies" check-boxes, the others are optional

4. Select the "OK" button to finish

5. If you have sync turned on, you may want to re-sync your changes with your other devices by selecting the "Sync" button in settings (It should be visible after clearing the cache)

How to clear the cache on Microsoft Internet Explorer's desktop version

Although you should no longer be using this browser as it is riddled with bugs and security holes (And if you are using an older version of it, this website probably looks broken as well), here are the steps to clear the cache and cookies in it.

1. Select the gear icon in the upper-left corner of the window

2. Select "Internet Options"

3. Select the tab labeled "General"

4. Click the "Delete" button, and optionally, the "Delete on exit" checkbox

How to clear the cache on Google Chome's mobile app

Note that although the "Google" app has a search feature, it does not have the option to clear data. You can delete the history linked to your Google account via the Web & App Activity page

1. Select the three dots menu

2. Select "History"

3. Select "Clear Browsing Data"

4. Set the "Time Range" to "Forever" (Some OS's will not show this option)

5. Select "Cookies, Site Data" and "Cached Images and Files"

6. If you want Google to automatically delete your browsing history from your Google Account (Only applies if you have sync turned on), turn off Web & App Activity

How to clear the cache on Microsoft Edge's mobile app

1. Select the three dots on the bottom of the screen

2. Select "Privacy and Security"

3. Select "Clear browsing data"

4. Select the "Cookies and site data" and "Cached images and files" checkboxes

5. Select "Clear"

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How to clear the cache on Microsoft Bing's mobile app

1. Select the three dots on the bottom of the screen

2. Select "Privacy and Security"

3. Select "Clear browsing data"

4. Select the "Cookies and site data" and "Cached images and files" checkboxes

5. Select "Clear"

How to clear the cache on Brave's mobile app

1. Select the three dots in the lower right-hand corner of the screen

2. Select "Settings"

3. Select "Brave Shields and Privacy"

4. Select "Clear Browsing Data"

5. Make sure the "Cookies and Site Data" and "Cached Images and Files" are selected

6. Select "Clear Data"

How to clear the cache on Safari's mobile app

1. Open the "Settings" app

2. Select "Safari" (You may have to scroll down)

3. Select the "Clear History & Website Data" (You may have to scroll down)

4. Select "Clear History and Data" in the pop-up menu

How to clear the cache on DuckDuckGo's mobile app

1. Tap the central icon

2. Select "Close Tabs and Clear Data"

How to clear the cache on Opera's (iOS) mobile app

1. Select the "O" shape icon on the bottom of the screen

2. Select "Settings"

3. Select "Clear"

4. Select "Clear browsing history" and "Clear cookies and data"

5. Select "OK"

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How to clear the cache on Opera's (Android) mobile app

1. Open the hamburger menu (three lines)

2. Select "Settings"

3. Select "Clear Browsing Data" (You may have to scroll down)

4. Select "Clear browsing history" and "Clear cookies and data"

5. Select "OK"

How to clear the cache on Firefox's (iOS) mobile app

1. Open the hamburger menu (three lines)

2. Select "Settings"

3. Select "Data Management" (You may have to scroll down)

4. Select "Clear Private Data"

5. Optionally, you can tell Firefox to stop collecting your data entirely

How to clear the cache on Firefox's (Android) mobile app

1. Select the three dots

2. Select "Settings"

3. Select "Privacy"

4. Select "Clear Private Data"

5. Check the "Cookies & active logins" and "cache" check-boxes and set the time frame to "All Time"

6. Select "Clear Data"

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide helped you clear your web browser's cache. If I missed a step or forgot your favorite browser, please send me an email!

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