How to Clear Your Web Cache

How do I clear my web browser's cache, cookies, and history?

Notes

• In most computer-based web browsers, to open menus used to clear your cache, cookies, and history press Ctrl-Shift-Delete. If this doesn't work, follow the appropriate instructions below.
• If you don't see instructions below for your specific version or browser, search your browser's Help menu for "clear cache." If you're unsure what browser version you're using, from the Help menu, select About [browser name]. In Internet Explorer and Firefox, if you don't see the menu bar, press Alt.

On this page:

• About cache, cookies, and history
• Android
• Apple iOS
• Chrome
• Firefox
• Internet Explorer 8 and higher
• Opera
• Safari

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About cache, cookies, and history

Browser Cache: A temporary storage area in memory or on disk that holds the most recently downloaded Web pages. As you jump from Web page to Web page, caching those pages in memory lets you quickly go back to a page without having to download it from the Web again. In order to ensure that the latest page is displayed, the browser compares the dates of the cached page with the current Web page. If the Web page has not changed, the cached page is displayed immediately. If the Web page has changed, it is downloaded, displayed and cached.

When you quit the browser session, the cached pages are stored on disk. Settings in your Web browser let you set the amount of space to use for the cache, which is essentially a disk folder, and the length of time to hold the pages. 

Browsing History: The list of web pages a user has visited recently—and associated data such as page title and time of visit—which is recorded by web browser software as standard for a certain period of time.  

Cookie: A small text file (up to 4KB) created by a website that is stored in the user's computer either temporarily for that session only or permanently on the hard disk (persistent cookie). Cookies provide a way for the website to recognize you and keep track of your preferences.  Websites use cookies to maintain your session when you are logged in and keep track of things like shopping cart contents.

Android

Note: The steps to clear your cache, cookies, and history may differ depending on the model of your Android device and your preferred browser.

You should be able to clear your cache and data from your application management settings menu:

1. Go to Settings and choose 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. Close all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Apple iOS

Note: The following steps apply to the newest version of Mobile Safari for iOS. If you need instructions for older versions, you might find them in Apple Support's Safari web settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Tap Safari.
3. Tap Clear History and Website Data and confirm. Close all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Chrome

1. In the browser bar, enter: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select the following:
   • Browsing history
   • Download history
   • Cookies and other site and plug-in data
   • Cached images and files

   From the Obliterate the following items from: drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, select the beginning of time.

3. Click Clear browsing data. Close all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Firefox

1. From the History menu, select Clear Recent History.

   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. Click Clear Now. Close all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Internet Explorer 8 and higher

1. From the Tools or Safety menu, select Delete browsing history...

   If the menu bar is hidden press Alt to make it visible.

2. Deselect Preserve Favorites website data and select:
   • Temporary Internet files or Temporary Internet files and website files
   • Cookies or Cookies and website data
   • History
3. Click Delete. Close all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Opera

1. From the Opera menu, select Settings and then Delete Private Data....
2. In the dialog box that opens, select the items you want to clear and then click Delete. Close all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Safari

1. From the Safari menu, select Reset Safari....
2. Select the items you want to reset and then click Reset. As of Safari 5.1, Remove all web site data includes both cookies and cache. Close all browser windows and re-open the browser.