How to Clear Cache on Any Browser
Exact steps to clear your browser cache on Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge — and why it actually helps.
2 min read · Updated 2026-04-01
General information only. This article may include AI-assisted content. While we aim for accuracy, verify important details before acting on them.
Clearing your browser cache fixes a surprising number of problems: pages not loading correctly, outdated content showing up, login issues, and general slowness. Here's how to do it on every major browser.
What Is a Cache and Why Clear It?
Your browser stores copies of website files (images, scripts, stylesheets) so pages load faster on repeat visits. That's the cache. The problem is that cached files can become outdated, corrupted, or just accumulate to the point where they cause issues.
Clearing the cache forces your browser to download fresh versions of everything.
Google Chrome
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac)
- Set time range to All time
- Check Cached images and files
- Click Clear data
Quick version: Press Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows) or Command + Shift + R (Mac) to do a hard refresh on the current page — this bypasses the cache for that page without clearing everything.
Safari (Mac)
- In the menu bar, click Safari → Settings (or Preferences)
- Click the Advanced tab
- Check Show Develop menu in menu bar
- Now go to Develop → Empty Caches
Alternatively: Safari → Clear History — this clears cache, cookies, and history together.
Safari (iPhone / iPad)
Settings → Safari → scroll down → Clear History and Website Data → Confirm
Note: this also clears your browsing history and cookies.
Firefox
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac)
- Set time range to Everything
- Check Cache
- Click Clear Now
Microsoft Edge
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete
- Set time range to All time
- Check Cached images and files
- Click Clear now
What to Check Before Clearing
Clearing your cache won't delete your passwords, bookmarks, or saved form data — unless you specifically check those boxes. Cookies are separate from cache, though you can clear both at the same time.
If you're trying to fix a specific issue on one site, try a hard refresh first (Ctrl/Command + Shift + R) before clearing your entire cache.
After Clearing
The first time you visit sites after clearing cache, they'll load slightly slower than usual as your browser re-downloads everything. This is normal and temporary.