Deleting Cookies and Clearing Your Web Browser Cache

Overview

When you browse the internet, your web browser saves information to help websites load faster the next time you visit. This is called your browser's cache. Think of it like temporary storage that helps improve your browsing experience.

Your browser also creates small files called cookies that remember your preferences and login information on websites. Additionally, your browser keeps a history of the websites you've visited.

While these features are helpful, they can sometimes cause problems:

• Websites may not load correctly or show outdated information
• Pages might load slowly as the cache fills up
• You might have trouble logging into websites
• Your browser may not work as smoothly as it should

Clearing your cache, cookies, and history can help fix these issues. It's like spring cleaning for your browser – it removes the old, stored information and gives your browser a fresh start. This often speeds up your browsing and resolves common website problems.

Follow the steps below based on the browser you use:

Jump to your browser: Android | Chrome | Internet Explorer 11 | Edge | Firefox | Mobile Safari | Safari

Android

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app.
2. At the top right, tap More.
3. Tap History and then Clear browsing data.
4. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
5. Next to "Cookies and site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.
6. Tap Clear data.

Learn how to change more cookie settings in Chrome.

Chrome

1. On your computer, open Chrome.
2. At the top right, click More.
3. Click More tools and then Clear browsing data.
4. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select All time.
5. Next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," check the boxes.
6. Click Clear data.

Learn how to change more cookie settings in Chrome.

Internet Explorer 11

1. Click Tools (the Gear icon), select Safety, then Delete Browsing History...
2. Deselect Preserve Favorites website data, and select Temporary Internet files, Cookies, and History.
3. Click Delete.

Edge

1. Select Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
2. Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear.
3. Choose a time range from the Time range drop-down menu.
4. Choose the types of data you want to clear. For example, you may want to remove browsing history and cookies but keep passwords and form fill data.
5. Select Clear now.

Firefox

1. In the Menu bar at the top of the screen, click Firefox and select Preferences.
2. Select the Privacy & Security panel.
3. In the Cookies and Site Data section, click Clear Data….
4. Remove the check mark in front of Cookies and Site Data. For more information, see Manage local site storage settings.
5. With Cached Web Content check marked, click the Clear button.
6. Close the about:preferences page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.

Mobile Safari (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad)

To clear cache and cookies:

1. From the home screen, tap Settings.
2. Tap Safari.
3. Tap Clear History and Data. Confirm when prompted.

To clear history:

1. From the home screen, tap Safari.
2. At the bottom of the screen, tap the Bookmarks icon.
3. Tap the Clock Icon at the top of the screen.
4. Tap Clear.
5. Select your desired time frame (All time is suggested).

Safari

1. From the home screen, tap Settings.
2. Tap Safari.
3. Tap Advanced at the bottom of the page.
4. Click Website Data.
5. Tap Remove all website data at the bottom of the page. Both cookies and cache will be cleared.

Related Information

If you continue to experience issues after clearing your cache, cookies, and history, please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.