You have likely heard the advice “clear cache” to fix common browser-based errors.
And while it’s not a complicated process, it’s one that non-techy users aren’t familiar with it. Fortunately enough, here’s a step-by-step guide for all major browsers.
But what does clearing your browser cache actually mean, and how do you do it for your specific browser?
But, do you even know what browser cache actually is and how it works?
Don’t worry! I’ll explain it.
What Is “Browser Cache”
The cache that IT recommends you to clear, is used by popular browsers to save data from visited websites. This helps it navigate quicker on your next visit.
A clear example of this is when you download static files (stylesheets, images, or JavaScript) from a hosting server to your computer, which stays saved to reduce the overall page load time and improves your experience.
Of course, this occurs on the back-end, so in most cases, you won’t even notice it.
What you will notice is when something goes wrong with it. That’s why you’re here.
Why and When to Clear Cache
While most browsers are configured to know what content must be stored in the cache, sometimes they just fail to figure it out. This often happens due to a change of the website the cache was saved on – and you end up seeing an outdated version.
Simply, the cache might even become corrupted, so the website won’t work as intended. Here’s where the first diagnostic step to rule out assumptions enters.
You might think of encountering a huge website bug, but instead, it’s just a small issue that will go away after you “force-reload” the page. Take into account, this is a frequent problem/solution, but it won’t work at all times.
[Shortcuts] Force browser to Reload Page
Are you planning to clear the cache of your browser? Try this before!
What the Pros do, is to avoid clicking on the refresh button (to load static content), but instead using any of the following keyboard shortcuts to bypass it.
- Google Chrome on Windows & Linux: CTRL + F5
- Google Chrome on Mac: Command + Shift + R
- Firefox on Mac: Command + Shift + R
- Firefox on Windows & Linux: CTRL + F5
- Safari: Command + Option + R
- Opera on Mac: Command + Alt + R
- Opera on Windows: Shift + F5
If that doesn’t solve the problem, then you now jump to clear cache to make sure you see the real, live version of your web page. Here’s the fast-way tutorial for all major browsers:
Clear Cache in Google Chrome
Launch the Google Chrome web browser and click on the three-dot menu (top right corner). From there, go to More Tools » Clear Browsing Data.
It will launch the “Clear Browsing Data” popup inside the Chrome setting page.
Chance to “Basic Settings” and select the “All time” option you’ll see next to the time-range one.
You’ll need to check the box next to “Cached images and files.” Also, select “Clear cookies and other site data.” Doing so will delete all stored cookies in the browser’s storage. Be aware: it will log you out from all sessions of apps and websites.
To clear the Google Chrome browser cache, continue to click on “clear data.”
Clearing Cache in Mozilla Firefox
Launch the Firefox web browser on your computer and click on that hamburger-like menu in the top-right corner. Then, select “History.”
After opening the settings page, you’ll need to click on “Clear Recent History” to see the “Clear All History” popup.
Checkmark “Cache” and proceed to finish by pressing “Clear Now.”
Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge
Here’s how you clear cache on the default browser of Windows 10 computers.
Open the Edge browser and its menu on the same three-dot menu at the top-right corner. Proceed to click on “Settings.”
Then, click on “Choose what to clear” right under “Clear browsing data.”
After bringing the “Clear browsing data” panel up, click on “Cached data and files” and then, on “Cookies and website data.”
Last but not least, choose the “Clear” button to clear cache from Microsoft Edge.
Clear Cache in Opera
As always, open the mentioned web browser and click on the menu icon on the top right corner. Then, click on “More Tools” and “Clear browsing data” after that.
You’ll see a popup appear right on the screen. If you do, select the preferred time (recommended: “All time”) besides the time range dropdown menu. Then, check the “Cached images and files” box option.
The cache of your Opera browser will be cleared after you click on “Clear data.”
Clear Cache in Safari
The last on this list is the default browser on macOS. Here’s how to clear cache in Safari.
Start by opening the Safari web browser. Then click on History » Clear History… from the top menu.
All temporary data (cache, cookies, and website data) will be out now from Safari.
But if you only want to clear cache, without deleting the rest of the data, you’ll need to click on Safari » Preferences to enable the “Developer” menu.
Go there and switch to the “Advanced” tab, where you’ll see the “Empty Caches” option. Safari will now only empty the browser cache without deleting cookies and other temporary data.
Too Long; Don’t Read (TL;DR)
That’s all it takes to clear cache from all major browsers.
It’s often necessary when you experience problems while navigating… And also represents the fastest troubleshoot route to go for.
But don’t feel bad if it doesn’t work. It’s just one of the ways, and after confirming it doesn’t do the trick, then there are hundreds of solutions to specific problems.
You can contact us to get help with your computer’s troubleshooting or for more sensible topics, such as improving your business’ cybersecurity infrastructure.
Either way, our team of cybersecurity experts is ready to reply to give answers to all of your questions. Make a request and get your free consultation!