Last Updated: 3/26/2024 1:06:21 PM

How do I clear cookies and cache in my browser?

Cookies are encrypted data stored in your computer which helps websites tailor your browsing experience.

What does cache mean?

For a faster browsing experience, each browser is designed to download and store information needed to view a website in a folder on your hard drive - this memory is called an "Internet cache”. An Internet cache helps browsers speed up loading time when a page is visited again. 

Why do I need to know this?

As an Internet cache stores information you may not be able to see some improvements and updates since your last visit. Refreshing the page will not clear the stored information. In this case, clearing of cookies and cache memory is recommended.

Here are simple instructions on how to clear them in Chrome, Safari, Firefox and Internet Explorer 8 & up.

Chrome

• In the browser bar, enter:chrome://history/

• Select the following: 

  • Cookies and other site and plug-in data

  • Cached images and files

• you can select specific time period or clear all your cache and cookies in the drop down menu beside “Obliterate the following.”

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

Safari

• From the Safari menu, select Reset Safari.... 

• Select the cache and cookies 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.

Firefox

• From the History menu, select Clear Recent History.

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

• From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, selects everything. 

• Next to "Details", click the down arrow to choose Cookies and cache of the history to clear.

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

Internet Explorer 8 and higher

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

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

• Deselect Preserve Favorites website data, and select: 

• Temporary Internet files or Temporary Internet files and website files

• Cookies or Cookies and website data

• History

• Click Delete. Close all browser windows and re-open the browser.

For more details about cache you can visit Refresh Your Cache