What is Cache?

Pronounced like the homonym 'cash', web browser cache is a collection of web pages, including the text, images, and other media, that is stored on your computer hard drive or cell phone storage. This stored data allows the web sites and pages you visit to load more quickly upon your next visit because the same information doesn't have to be downloaded from the Internet yet again. 

Why Clear Browser Cache?

Although cache helps to make your web browser experience more efficient, occasionally you may need or want to 'clear' or delete the stored data. In addition to freeing up storage space, clearing your cache forces the web browser to load the most recent version of the web pages you visit. It can also help address 404 errors (webpage or site cannot be found), 502 errors (bad gateway--network error between servers on the internet) and other errors that may indicate your cache is corrupted.

How to Clear Popular Web Browsers' Cache/History:

NOTE: Restart your web browser following the Cache reset.

Deleting cache in Internet Explorer (IE) varies based on your installed version of IE and Windows operating system. Typically, from IE menubar, click Tools (Internet Options or Safety) > Browsing History.

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Firefox for PC:

  1. From Firefox menubar, click History > Clear Recent History (PC keyboard shortcut: Ctrl +Shift+Del)
  2. From the Time range to clear: dropdown list, select the amount/duration of data you want to delete. Select Everything to delete everything.
  3. Click the Details arrow and then select the checkboxes for the types of information you want to remove.
  4. Click Clear Now

-or-

  1. From Firefox menubar, click Tools > Options
  2. Under the Advanced options, click Network
  3. Under Cached Web Content, click Clear [Cache/Now]

Firefox for Android/iOS:

  1. In the Firefox app, tap the menu icon on the top-right corner (resembles a line of 3 vertical dots).
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap Clear private data.
  4. Select the checkboxes for the types of information you want to remove.
  5. Tap Clear Data.

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Chrome for PC:

  1. From Chrome toolbar, click the Customize icon > Point to History > Click History from the sidemenu (PC keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+H; Mac keyboard shortcut: Cmd+Y)
  2. Click Clear browsing data
  3. From the Obliterate the following items from: dropdown list, select the amount/duration of data you want to delete. Select the beginning of time to delete everything.
  4. Select the checkboxes for the types of information you want to remove.
  5. Click Clear browsing data

-or-

  1. From Chrome toolbar, click the Customize icon > click Settings
  2. Click Show advanced settings...
  3. Under Privacy, click Clear browsing data...
  4. From the Obliterate the following items from: dropdown list, select the amount/duration of data you want to delete. Select the beginning of time to delete everything.
  5. Select the checkboxes for the types of information you want to remove.
  6. Click Clear browsing data

Chrome for Android/iOS:

  1. In the Chrome app, click the menu icon on the top-right corner (resembles a line of 3 vertical dots).
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap Privacy.
  4. Tap Clear browsing data.
  5. Select the checkboxses for the types of information you want to remove.
  6. Tap Clear data.

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Safari for Mac:

  1. From Safari menubar, click History > Clear History
  2. From the Clear: dropdown list, select the amount/duration of data you want to delete.
  3. Click Clear History

Safari for iOS:

  1. On your home screen locate and tap the Settings app.
  2. Tap Safari.
  3. Tap Clear History and Website Data. You will be prompted to confirm this decision.

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