Over time the internet browser you use to access websites collects and caches information from sites to provide a better experience the next time you visit. The cache captures data like:

  • Passwords
  • Frequently used images and logos
  • Documents like PDFs
  • The browsing history of sites visited

 

Clearing the browser cache can help remove stored data and old passwords that may be interfering with the log on process or causing web pages to load with issues. The process is very straight forward but is slightly different depending on the browser you are using.

 

Before attempting to clear your browser’s cache, please remember to record your usernames and passwords used in the browser in a safe place, such as a password manager outside of the browser. Clearing the cache will remove username and password data and require logging in again.

 

If you’re unable to clear your browser’s cache using the below steps, your organization may have locked down this process & you should reach out to your internal Help Desk for assistance.


Cache Clearing Process:


A quick search in your favorite search engine will produce excellent instructions on how to clear the cache. In Chrome just typing the search below will the search produces a button that allows you to access the clearing functionality directly.

 Simply search by the name of the browser and how to clear cache:

  • “Chrome How to clear cache”
  • “Edge How to clear cache”
  • “Firefox How to clear cache”

 

Below are the brief generic instructions for each that these searches return:

 

Chrome

Clearing using Google Search:

 

Graphical user interface, text, application, chat or text message Description automatically generated

 

Clearing without utilizing the search

  1. On your computer, open Chrome.
  2. In the top right corner click the three vertical dots.
  3. Click “More tools” and then “Clear browsing data”.
  4. In the “Time range” drop-down select “For all time”.
  5. Check all the boxes.
    1. NOTE: Make sure you know the credentials for your frequently visited websites, as clearing the cache will mean you need to log in again.
  6. Click “Clear data”.
  7. Close any open Chrome browsers – when you next open Chrome, your browser’s cache will be cleared.

 

Microsoft Edge

View and delete browsing history in Microsoft Edge

  1. On your computer, open Microsoft EDGE.
  2. In the top right corner, click the three horizontal dots.
  3. Select “Settings” from the drop-down menu that appears.
  4. Select “Privacy, search & services” from the menu on the left-hand side of the “Settings” screen.
  5. Under “Clear browsing data”, select “Choose what to clear”.
  6. In the “Time range” drop-down select “All time”.
    1. NOTE: Make sure you know the credentials for your frequently visited websites, as clearing the cache will mean you need to log in again.
  7. Check all the boxes.
  8. Select “Clear now.”
  9. Close any open EDGE browsers – when you next open EDGE, your browser’s cache will be cleared.

 

Firefox

To clear the cache

  1. On your computer, open Firefox.
  2. In the top right corner, click the “Menu” button (3 horizontal bars) and select “Settings” from the drop-down menu that appears.
  3. Select the “Privacy & Security” panel from the left-hand side of the “Settings” screen.
  4. In the “Cookies and Site Data” section, click “Clear Data…”.
  5. Check “Cached Web Content” & “Cookies and Site Data” and click the “Clear” button.
  6. Close the “Settings” page. Any changes you've made will automatically be saved.
  7. Close any open Firefox browsers – when you next open Firefox, your browser’s cache will be cleared.

 

Clearing old cookies, site data and cached web content can sometime help if you are experiencing log-on or authentication issues. When clearing cookies and site data, browser stored passwords will be deleted. Please remember to record your website user names and passwords in a safe place, such as password manager outside of the browser.