top of page
d.alston logo.png

Understanding Cache & How to Clear It

TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION

A comprehensive guide to managing your browser's temporary storage to ensure optimal website performance and accuracy.

Your web browser stores certain website elements to help pages load faster during future visits. While this is helpful for performance, it can sometimes cause you to see outdated information. Cleaning this storage room, known as your cache, is a simple way to fix many common browsing issues.

When clearing helps

Refreshing your cache is a useful first step if: updates to a website aren’t appearing; the page layout looks distorted or broken; images fail to load correctly; or you get stuck on a loading screen. It ensures your browser fetches the most recent version of the content directly from the server.

What is browser cache?

  • Browser cache is a temporary storage area on your computer that saves copies of website files like logos, images, and fonts. Because your computer can access these files locally much faster than downloading them from the internet, it drastically reduces wait times when you revisit your favorite sites.

Before you clear your cache

Clearing your cache is safe and won't delete your personal files. However, distinguish it from 'Cookies.' While clearing cache resets site files, clearing cookies will sign you out of most accounts. Keep 'Cookies' unchecked if you want to remain logged in to your favorite websites.

How to clear browser cache

Choose your browser below. These steps apply to desktop browsers. Select only cached files unless you also want to remove other browsing data.

Mac & Windows

Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and select the three-dot menu at the top right.
  2. Choose Delete browsing data.
  3. Choose a time range, such as Last 24 hours or All time if the issue has been ongoing.
  4. Select Cached images and files. Deselect cookies, history, passwords, and other items you want to keep.
  5. Select Delete data, then reload the affected page.

Microsoft Edge (Windows and Mac)

  1. Open the three-dot Settings and more menu and choose Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy, search, and services → Clear browsing data → Choose what to clear.
  3. Choose a Time range.
  4. Select Cached images and files and deselect any other data you want to keep.
  5. Select Clear now, then reload the page.

Mozilla Firefox (Windows and Mac)

  1. Open the menu (three horizontal lines) and choose Settings.
  2. Choose Privacy & Security, then find Cookies and Site Data or Browsing data.
  3. Select Clear Data or Clear browsing data.
  4. Set When to Everything for a full reset. Select only Temporary cached files and pages.
  5. Confirm the clearing action, then reload the page.

Safari (Mac)

  1. In Safari, choose Safari → Settings → Advanced.
  2. Turn on Show features for web developers to display the Develop menu.
  3. Choose Develop → Empty Caches.
  4. Reload the page. This clears cached content without using Safari’s history and website-data removal control.

Keep in mind: Clearing cookies or website data can sign you out and reset site preferences. Cache-only clearing may make the first reload slower while fresh files download.

After clearing your cache

Once finished, restart your browser and refresh the page. You may notice it takes a few extra seconds to load initially as the browser downloads new, up-to-date versions of the files. If the issue remains, try using a private window or check your connection.

What it stores

Website assets like images, logos, and stylesheets that help elements load instantly.

What it stores

Small bits of data like login credentials, site preferences, and browsing habits.

Why it helps

Reduces loading time and data usage by keeping local copies of static content.

Why it helps

Provides a personalized experience and keeps you logged into your accounts.

What happens when you clear it

The browser re-downloads all assets, ensuring you see the most recent version of the site.

What happens when you clear it

You are signed out of websites and your specific site settings are reset to default.

Cache versus cookies: what’s the difference?

Cache

Cookies

Troubleshooting Tip

Clear cached files first to fix most loading issues. If the problem persists, remove cookies for the affected site only to avoid logging out everywhere.

bottom of page