How to Clear Browser Cache: Complete Guide

In this guide, we will learn how to clear the cache, history, and cookies of various desktop and mobile browsers. Also, we will briefly take a look at what the browser cache is and how it works.

What is the browser cache?

The browser cache refers to temporary storage intended to make websites load faster. It works by saving static files to local computer memory. This reduces the number of requests sent to the web server that contains the files and instead loads them from local storage. Therefore, by caching elements such as HTML, CSS, JS, and images, the browser drastically reduces load time and resource usage.

What is cached data?

Cache is a term used to describe temporary storage. Therefore, the cached data are the collection of items saved within the cache storage location. When a browser is asked for a specific file, it first checks to see if the resource is available locally. If not found, the browser sends a request to the appropriate web server and saves it as cached data based on file type.

What happens when you clear the cache?

Clearing the browser cache removes all data saved in temporary storage. As a result, when you first access a website after clearing all cache, it will take longer to load. This occurs because resources cannot be retrieved locally and all of them will need to be served by the corresponding web server.

Why clear the cache?

Files collected in the browser cache can take up a large amount of disk space over time. This can cause your browser to run slower than normal and use additional resources. Also, stale resources within the cache can cause you to see incorrect content. For example, you might have difficulty seeing changes and updates made to a website. Therefore, clearing the browser cache from time to time can help prevent such problems.

How to clear browser cache on desktop platforms?

Clearing the browser cache is a relatively easy task on most desktop browsers. Let’s see how it can be done in the most popular ones.

1. Access the side menu and go to the section History > History.
2. Select the option Clear browsing data.
3. Choose the time range. Choose All time to delete everything.
4. Choose which items to delete: cache, cookies, history.
5. Press the button Delete data.

Helpful Hint:

• Users of Windows you can go to the delete tab by pressing Ctrl + Shift. + Delete.
• Users of Mac OS you can use the shortcut by pressing Command + Shift + Delete.

1. Open the side menu and go to the section Library > History > Clear recent history.
2. Select the time range. To delete everything, choose the option All time.
3. Choose which items to delete: cache, cookies, history among some others.
4. Click the button delete now.

Helpful Hint:

• Users of Windows can use Ctrl +Shift. + Delete to quickly access the delete tab.
• In Mac OS you can do the same by pressing Command + Shift + Delete.

1. Go to the tab Record in the top menu and select Delete history.
2. Choose the time frame. To delete everything, choose the option all history.
3. Safari deletes history, cache, and cookies without the ability to choose just one.
4. Click the button Delete history.

Helpful Hint:

• Users of Windows they can open the tab faster by pressing Ctrl +Shift. + delete.
• Mac OS you can perform the same action by pressing Command + Shift + Delete.

1. Click on the icon Record located at the bottom of the left side menu.
2. Press the button Clear browsing data.
3. Choose the time range. To remove everything, choose the beginning of time.
4. Select which items to remove: cached images and files, cookies.
5. Click the button Delete navigation data.

Helpful Hint:

• Users of Windows they can click Ctrl + Shift + Delete on the keyboard to access a shortcut.
• Mac OS you can use the same shortcut by pressing Command + Shift + Delete.

1. Navigate to the side menu on the top right side and go to Setting.
2. click on Choose what to delete in the section Delete navigation data.
3. Select the items you want to remove from the dropdown list.
4. Click the button Erase and wait for the process to finish.
5. You also have the option to do this automatically every time the browser is closed.

Helpful Hint:

• you can press Ctrl + Shift. + Delete on the keyboard for a shortcut.

How to clear browser cache on mobile platforms?

Mobile browsers use caching in the same way as desktop browsers. So, let’s see how to clear browser cache on most popular mobile devices.

Google Chrome (Android)

1. Access the side menu and go to the tab Record.
2. Click the button Clear browsing data.
3. Choose the time frame. To delete everything, choose the option All the times.
4. Select the items you want to delete: history, cookies, cache.
5. Click the button Delete data.

MozillaFirefox (Android)

1. Go to the side menu and open the section Record.
2. Click the button Clear browsing history on the bottom.
3. Confirm the pop-up message by pressing okay.

Opera Mini (Android)

1. Click on the Opera icon at the bottom of the browser.
2. Choose the wrench icon, which will take you to the Setting.
3. Select the option Clear browsing data.
4. Choose the items you want to delete: history, cookies, cache.
5. Confirm by pressing okay.

Safari (iOS)

1. Go to the Setting of your iOS device.
2. Find the section of Safari and open it.
3. Scroll down until you find the section Clear history and website data.
4. Confirm the pop-up screen to delete everything.

Google Chrome (iOS)

1. Access the side menu on the upper right side and go to Record.
2. Click the button that says Clear browsing data.
3. Select the elements to delete: history, cookies, cache.
4. Confirm by pressing Clear browsing data

Mozilla Firefox (iOS)

1. Open the side menu at the bottom right and go to Setting.
2. Scroll down until you find the section Clear private data.
3. Select the items you want to remove: cache, cookies, history.
4. Click the red button that says Clear private data to confirm.
5. When you see the popup, click okay.

conclusion

In this tutorial we have learned how to clear the cache in various browsers using mobile and desktop platforms. We have also seen what the browser cache is and how it works.

Please note that in some cases incorrect website content may not be the fault of the browser cache. Many website building tools, like WordPress, have their own caching mechanisms that work from the server. In that case, it would be necessary.

How to clear the cache – FAQ

What is cached data?

Cache is a temporary storage location on a device. Cached data is a collection of cached files, scripts, and other site files. Every time you visit a website for the first time, the browser sends a request to the corresponding web server and caches the resources as data. When you visit the site again, it will load faster.

What does clearing the cache do?

Clearing the browser cache deletes all website data stored in temporary storage. When you first access a website after clearing the cache, it will take longer to load as the browser will not be able to fetch resources locally.

Depending on the browser, clearing the cache will not remove passwords. If you use Chrome, passwords will not be deleted as long as you do not select Passwords and other login data when clearing the cache.

However, if you’re using Safari on iPhone, clearing the cache will also remove saved passwords.

Browsers often provide feedback on what will happen when you select the website data to be deleted. So, if you don’t want to delete your saved passwords or log out of your favorite websites, be sure to check the options when clearing your browser cache and history.

Also, clearing the cache will not delete your photos, it will only delete the site’s images stored in temporary storage.

How often should you clear the cache?

It depends on your internet usage. If you browse the Internet every day, it’s best to clear the cache after each browsing session or every 24 hours.

If you use it less frequently, clearing the cache every one or two months will be enough.

Is it safe to clear the cache?

Yes it is. The cache only stores non-essential files, which do not negatively affect the functionality of the browser. Deleting it will only free up storage space and will make sites load more slowly the first time you visit them, since the browser cannot retrieve local resources.

Will the cache slow down my computer?

Yes, he will do it. Over time, the cache can take up a lot of disk space and your files can get corrupted. This will interfere with the performance of your device, slowing down your browser or displaying outdated content. Clearing your browser cache regularly helps prevent this and improves your device’s performance.

Are cookies and cache the same?

No, cookies and cache are different. The cache stores the data and content of the site to reduce the loading time in the future, while the cookies store the choices and preferences of the users. Also, the cache must be cleared manually, while the cookies expire automatically.

Gustavo is passionate about creating websites. He focuses on the application of SEO strategies at for Spain and Latin America, as well as the creation of high-level content. When he is not applying new WordPress tricks you can find him playing the guitar, traveling or taking an online course.