Clearing your Web Browser cache

Summary

This article provides step-by-step instructions for clearing the cache in Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. It also includes troubleshooting tips like restarting your browser, checking for updates, disabling extensions, and ensuring a stable internet connection to help improve browser performance and resolve common issues.

Body

How to Clear Web Browser Cache

Table of Contents

  1. How to Clear the Cache in Google Chrome
  2. How to Clear the Cache in Firefox
  3. How to Clear the Cache in Internet Explorer
  4. How to Clear the Cache in Microsoft Edge
  5. How to Clear the Cache in Safari
  6. Troubleshooting Tips

While the web browser cache is beneficial, it can cause issues when data becomes outdated or corrupted. This can lead to problems with forms, logins, or webpage data. To fix this, clear the cache and let your browser rebuild it. Follow the steps below to clear your browser's cache: Google ChromeFirefoxInternet ExplorerMicrosoft Edge, and MacOS Safari.

How to Clear the Cache in Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
  2. Select "Settings" from the menu, select "Privacy and Security" and then "Delete browsing data."
  3. In the Delete browsing data window, select the time range for which you want to clear the cache. You can choose from:
  • Last hour
  • Last 24 hours
  • Last 7 days
  • Last 4 weeks
  • All time
  1. Make sure "Cached images and files" is checked.
  2. Click on the "Clear data" button to clear the cache.

How to Clear the Cache in Firefox

  1. Open Firefox and click on the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
  2. Select "Options" (or "Preferences" on macOS).
  3. In the left sidebar, click on "Privacy & Security."
  4. Scroll down to the "Cookies and Site Data" section.
  5. Click on the "Clear Data" button.
  6. Make sure "Cached Web Content" is checked.
  7. Click on the "Clear" button to clear the cache.

How to Clear the Cache in Internet Explorer

  1. Open Internet Explorer.
  2. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner to open the Tools menu.
  3. Select "Internet options."
  4. In the General tab, under Browsing history, click on the "Delete" button.
  5. Make sure "Temporary Internet files and website files" is checked.
  6. Click on the "Delete" button to clear the cache.

How to Clear the Cache in Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner.
  2. Select "Settings."
  3. Under "Clear browsing data," click on "Choose what to clear."
  4. Check the box next to "Cached images and files."
  5. Click on the "Clear" button to clear the cache.

How to Clear the Cache in Safari

  1. Open Safari.
  2. In the top menu, click on "Safari" and then select "Preferences."
  3. Go to the "Advanced" tab.
  4. Check the box next to the "Show Develop menu in the menu bar."
  5. Close the Preferences window.
  6. In the top menu, you'll now see a "Develop" option. Click on it.
  7. Select "Empty Caches" from the drop down menu to clear the cache.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Restart Your Browser: Sometimes, simply restarting your browser can resolve issues.
  • Check for Updates: Ensure your browser is up to date. Outdated browsers can have bugs that affect performance.
  • Disable Extensions: Browser extensions can sometimes interfere with caching. Try disabling them to see if it resolves the issue.
  • Clear Cookies: In addition to clearing the cache, clearing cookies can help resolve issues related to login and form data.
  • Try a Different Browser: If the problem persists, try accessing the webpage in a different browser to see if the issue is browser-specific.
  • Check Internet Connection: Ensure your Internet connection is stable. A poor connection can cause loading issues that may seem like cache problems.

Additional Resources

For more support and self-help articles and resources, visit our ITS Ticketing Service Catalog at help.maricopa.edu or you can call the District Information Technology Service support line directly at 480-731-8632

Details

Details

Article ID: 315
Created
Tue 1/28/25 11:44 AM
Modified
Thu 2/13/25 1:38 PM