How to Clear Your Browser's Cache

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Many issues with web-based applications and web pages can be cured simply by clearing your browser’s cache.

The browser cache keeps old copies of viewed web pages and other information on your local computer. Since data is not downloaded every time you visit a page this may speed up your browsing experience. It can also, sometimes, lead to problems — especially when new data is available but not being updated by your browser. Clearing your browser’s cache forces it to download all new data.

Although the instructions below may vary depending on your operating system and browser version, we have some general procedures to suggest. Here’s how to clear your browser’s cache:

Chrome (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)

The instructions here may vary depending on your operating system.

  1. Start Chrome.
  2. Click the three stacked dots icon at the top right of the Chrome window.
  3. Click Settings > Privacy and security > Delete browsing data. (Or just press Ctrl-Shift-Delete in Windows or Shift-Command-Delete on a Mac.) This will open the Delete browsing data dialog box.
  4. Change the time range to All time.
  5. Make sure the following options are selected:
    1. Browsing history
    2. Cookies and other site data
    3. Cached images and files
  6. Click the Clear Data button.
  7. Restart Chrome.

Firefox (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)

The instructions here may vary depending on your operating system.

  1. Start Firefox.
  2. Click the hamburger icon (three horizontal lines) at the top right of the Firefox window.
  3. Click the History link (or click History in the Firefox menu, if visible).
  4. Click the Clear History or Clear Recent History, as appropriate. A dialog box will open. (Or just press Ctrl-Shift-Delete in Windows or Shift-Command-Delete on a Mac.) This will open the Delete browsing data dialog box.
  5. Under time range to clear dropdown menu, choose Everything.
  6. In the options or details area below that, make sure the following are selected:
    1. Browsing and Download History
    2. Cookies and site data
    3. Temporary cached files and pages
    4. Saved form info
  7. Click the Clear button.
  8. Restart Firefox.

Safari (Mac OS and iOS)

Safari on macOS:

  1. Start Safari.
  2. In the top menu, click Safari > Settings > Privacy.
  3. Click Manage Website Data > Remove All
  4. Restart Safari.


Safari on iOS:

  1. Tap the iOS Settings icon.
  2. Scroll down to Apps >  Safari 
  3. Scroll down to the Clear History and Website Data link and tap it.

Edge (Windows 11)

  1. Start the Edge browser.
  2. Click the three horizontal dots icon at the top right of the Edge window.  (Or just press Ctrl-Shift-Delete in Windows or Shift-Command-Delete on a Mac.) This will open the Delete browsing data dialog box.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and click Settings.
  4. On the left-hand side of the Settings window, select Privacy, search, and services > Clear browsing data > Choose what to clear.
  5. Make sure the following are selected:
    1. Time range is set to 'All Time'
    2. Browsing history
    3. Cookies and other site data
    4. Cached images and files
  6. Click the Clear now button.
  7. Restart Edge.

 

Questions? Submit a support request via Mines Help Center “Helpdesk” at https://helpdesk.mines.edu. Or call the IT Service Desk at 303-278-HELP (4357). Or walk into the Service Desk (CT156) during regular business hours.

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