How to clear cache and cookies?

Written by: Clyde

|

|

Time to read 2 min

Cache and cookies are two common components of a web browser that help optimize website loading speeds and improve user experience.


A cache is a temporary storage area that holds frequently accessed data or web pages to speed up the loading process when a user requests them again. When you visit a website, your browser stores some of its content in a cache on your computer or mobile device, such as images, videos, and HTML files. The next time you visit the same website, your browser can quickly retrieve the cached files instead of downloading them again, which helps reduce load times.


Cookies, on the other hand, are small text files that websites store on your computer or device to remember information about your visit. Cookies are often used to store login credentials, preferences, and shopping cart items, allowing you to stay logged in or keep items in your cart between visits. Websites can also use cookies to track your browsing history and collect data for targeted advertising purposes.


Clearing cache and cookies periodically can help resolve browser issues, improve website loading speeds, and protect your privacy by removing stored information about your browsing habits.

laptop and a book on a desk

How to clear cache and cookies in your browsers?

Cache and cookies are pieces of data that are stored on your web browser while you browse the internet. Cache refers to the temporary storage of web pages and images on your computer so that they can be quickly retrieved the next time you visit the same website. Cookies are small files that websites use to store information about your activity and preferences on their site, such as login details and shopping cart items.


Clearing cache and cookies from your browser is an important routine maintenance task that can help improve the performance of your browser, free up storage space, and protect your privacy. Here are some steps you can follow to clear cache and cookies in some of the popular web browsers:


Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome and click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner.
  2. Click on "More Tools" and then "Clear browsing data".
  3. Select the time range for which you want to clear data, then check the boxes next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files".
  4. Click "Clear data" to complete the process.

Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Open Firefox and click on the three-line icon in the top right corner.
  2. Click on "Library" and then "History".
  3. Click on "Clear Recent History".
  4. Select the time range for which you want to clear data, then check the boxes next to "Cookies" and "Cache".
  5. Click "Clear Now" to complete the process.

Microsoft Edge:

  1. Open Edge and click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner.
  2. Click on "Settings" and then "Privacy, search, and services".
  3. Under "Clear browsing data", click on "Choose what to clear".
  4. Select the boxes next to "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files".
  5. Click "Clear now" to complete the process.

Safari:

  1. Open Safari and click on "Safari" in the top menu bar.
  2. Click on "Preferences" and then "Privacy".
  3. Click on "Manage Website Data".
  4. Select the websites for which you want to clear data, then click "Remove" or "Remove All".
  5. Click "Done" to complete the process.

It's important to note that clearing cache and cookies will also sign you out of websites and remove saved preferences. So, be sure to save any important data before clearing cache and cookies.

computer on a desk
women holding a smartphone

Clearing cache and cookies in your smartphones.

On an iPhone:

  1. Go to "Settings."
  2. Scroll down and select the app you want to clear cache for.
  3. Tap on "Clear Cache."

On an Android:

  1. Open the "Settings" app.
  2. Go to "Apps & notifications."
  3. Select the app you want to clear cache for.
  4. Tap on "Storage & cache."
  5. Select "Clear cache."
← Go back

Leave a comment