How to Clear Cache and Cookies in Chrome Edge and Firefox
Share this post
How to Clear Cache and Cookies in Chrome Edge and Firefox
A website shows an old version, won't load properly, keeps logging you out, or shows an error only on your computer. Clearing the browser's cache and cookies is one of the first fixes support teams suggest - and it takes less than a minute. This guide shows how in Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Firefox, on a computer and on a phone, and what to expect afterwards.
Cache vs Cookies - What You're Deleting
- Cached images and files: copies of pages and pictures your browser saves so sites load faster. An outdated or damaged copy can make a page look broken. Clearing it is harmless - sites just load a little slower the first time.
- Cookies and site data: small files websites use to remember you - sign-ins, settings, shopping carts. Clearing them signs you out of most sites.
Leave Passwords and Autofill data unticked unless you really mean to delete them.
The Shortcut That Works in All Three
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete in Chrome, Edge or Firefox. It opens the clearing page directly. (On a Mac: Command + Shift + Delete in Chrome and Firefox.)
Google Chrome (Computer)
- Select the three-dot menu at the top right.
- Choose Delete browsing data (called Clear browsing data in older versions).
- Pick a Time range - All time for a full clean, or a shorter range if the problem just started.
- Tick Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Select Delete data.
Microsoft Edge (Computer)
- Select the three-dot menu > Settings.
- Open Privacy, search, and services and find Delete browsing data (older versions say Clear browsing data).
- Select Choose what to clear.
- Pick a Time range, tick Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
- Select Clear now.
Mozilla Firefox (Computer)
- Select the menu button (three lines) > Settings.
- Open Privacy & Security.
- Under Cookies and Site Data, select Clear Data.
- Tick Cookies and site data and Temporary cached files and pages (wording varies slightly by version), then select Clear.
Clear Data for Just One Website
If only one site misbehaves, you don't need to sign out of everything:
- Chrome and Edge: open the site, select the icon to the left of the address (padlock or tune icon), choose Site settings or Cookies and site data, and delete that site's data.
- Firefox: select the padlock in the address bar and choose Clear cookies and site data.
Chrome on Android
According to Google:
- Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu.
- Tap Delete browsing data.
- Choose a time range and tap Delete data, or tap More options to pick exactly what to delete (Cookies and site data, Cached images and files).
Google notes that if you're signed in and syncing, deleting data can remove it from all devices signed in to the same Google account.
Chrome and Safari on iPhone
- Chrome: tap the three-dot menu > Delete browsing data, choose the items and time range, then confirm.
- Safari: open Settings > Apps > Safari (on older iOS, Settings > Safari) and tap Clear History and Website Data. This also clears history.
After Clearing: What to Expect
- You'll be signed out of most sites - have your passwords (or password manager) ready.
- Pages load a bit slower on the first visit, then normal speed returns.
- Site preferences such as language or cookie choices may be asked again.
Still Not Fixed?
If a page still won't load after clearing the cache, the problem is probably the connection or the browser itself:
- Error pages like
ERR_CONNECTION_TIMED_OUT- see this site can't be reached in Chrome. - Browser freezing or tabs crashing - see Chrome keeps crashing or freezing.
- Pop-ups claiming your PC is infected don't go away by clearing the cache - see fake virus warning pop up in browser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the shortcut to clear cache in Chrome, Edge and Firefox?
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete in any of the three browsers. It opens the page where you choose a time range and what to delete.
Will clearing cookies delete my passwords?
No, as long as you leave 'Passwords' unticked. Clearing cookies signs you out of most websites, so you'll need to sign in again.
Should I clear cache or cookies?
For a page that looks broken or out of date, cached images and files is usually enough. Clear cookies too when a site won't let you sign in or keeps showing errors after sign-in.
How often should I clear my browser cache?
Only when something goes wrong. The cache makes sites load faster, so clearing it all the time just slows browsing down.
Comments