How to Clear Your Browser Cache

Your browser saves temporary website files called cache to help pages load faster. Sometimes those saved files become outdated, which can cause an older version of a website to keep loading even after changes were made. Clearing your cache forces the browser to download the newest version of the site files.

Important to know before you clear cache

Clearing cache usually removes temporary website files only, but depending on the browser and which options are selected, it can also remove cookies or other website data. That may sign you out of some websites or reset site preferences. The first time you visit a site afterward, it may also load a little more slowly.

Google Chrome

Chrome on Desktop

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Click Delete browsing data.
4. At the top, choose a Time range.
   Select All time if you want to fully clear cached files.
5. Check Cached images and files.
6. Uncheck anything else you do not want to remove.
7. Click Delete data.

Chrome on Android

1. Open the Chrome app.
2. Tap the three dots.
3. Tap Delete browsing data.
4. Choose a Time range.
5. Select Cached images and files.
6. Uncheck any other items you do not want to clear.
7. Tap Delete data.

Chrome on iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Chrome app.
2. Tap the three dots.
3. Tap Delete Browsing Data.
4. Choose a Time Range.
5. Select Cached Images and Files.
6. Uncheck other data types if you only want to clear cache.
7. Tap Delete Browsing Data again to confirm.

Safari

Safari on Mac

Safari does not offer a simple button labeled “clear cache only” in the main menu. To clear cached website files without using the general history option:

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari in the top menu.
3. Click Settings.
4. Go to the Advanced tab.
5. Turn on Show features for web developers if it is not already enabled.
6. In the top menu bar, click Develop.
7. Click Empty Caches.

Safari on iPhone or iPad

On iPhone and iPad, Safari does not provide the same separate cache-only option as desktop Safari. The available built-in option clears website data more broadly, not just cached files.

Microsoft Edge

Edge on Desktop

1. Open Edge.
2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Privacy, search, and services.
5. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
6. Choose a Time range.
7. Check Cached images and files.
8. Uncheck any other boxes if you only want to clear cache.
9. Click Clear now.

Edge on Mobile

1. Open the Edge app.
2. Tap the menu button.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Privacy and security.
5. Tap Clear browsing data.
6. Select Cached images and files.
7. Uncheck anything else you do not want to remove.
8. Tap Clear or Clear now.

What happens after clearing cache?

After cache is cleared, websites should load fresh files instead of older saved ones. This often fixes problems like outdated page layouts, missing updates, or pages not displaying correctly. The first load may be slower than normal, and if cookies or site data were also cleared, users may need to sign back in.