Clearing your browser's cache deletes the temporary files it saves to load pages faster. It's the first thing to try when a site looks broken, won't update, or keeps showing an old version. Here's how in every major browser.
What you'll need
- A web browser
Step by step
- Open your browser's settingsIn Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, click the menu (the three dots or lines) in the top-right corner and open Settings.
- Find Privacy or HistoryLook for the section called 'Privacy and security' in Chrome and Edge, or 'History' in Firefox.
- Choose Clear browsing dataClick 'Clear browsing data' (Chrome/Edge) or 'Clear Data' (Firefox).
- Tick only Cached images and filesSelect 'Cached images and files'. Leave passwords, history, and cookies unticked unless you specifically want those cleared too.
- Pick a time range and confirmChoose 'All time' for a full clear, then click 'Clear data'.
Handy tips
- The shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+Delete (Mac) opens the clear-data window in most browsers.
- To reload just one page fresh without wiping everything, press Ctrl+F5 on Windows or Cmd+Shift+R on Mac.
FAQ
Will clearing the cache log me out of websites?
No — clearing only the cache won't. It's clearing cookies that logs you out, so leave the Cookies box unticked to stay signed in.
Will I lose my saved passwords or bookmarks?
No. Those are separate options you would have to tick on purpose. Clearing the cache leaves them alone.
How often should I clear the cache?
Only when something is misbehaving. Day to day, the cache is what makes sites load quickly, so there's no need to clear it regularly.