How do I clear my web browser's cache, cookies, and history?
Notes:
- If you don't see instructions below for your specific version or browser, search your browser's
Help
menu for "clear cache". If you're unsure what browser version you're using, from theHelp
menu, selectAbout [browser name]
. In Internet Explorer and Firefox, if you don't see the menu bar, pressAlt
.
- When troubleshooting issues with any web site, after clearing your browser's cache and cookies, exit your browser completely before attempting to access the site again. In Windows, close all your browser windows; in Mac OS X, quit (
Command-q
) your browser.
On this page:
- About cache, cookies, and history
- Android
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Internet Explorer 8 and higher
- Internet Explorer 7
- Mobile Safari for iOS (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad)
- Opera
- Safari
About cache, cookies, and history
Each time you access a file through your web browser, the browser caches (stores) it. By doing this, the browser doesn't have to newly retrieve files (including any images) from the remote web site each time you click Back
or Forward
. You should periodically clear the cache to allow your browser to function more efficiently.
A cookie is a file created by a web browser, at the request of a web site, that is then stored on a computer. These files typically store user-specific information such as selections in a form, shopping cart contents, or authentication data. Browsers will normally clear cookies that reach a certain age, but clearing them manually may solve problems with web sites or your browser.
A browser's history is a log of sites that you visit. When you use a browser's Back
button, you are moving back one entry in the history log. Browsers will normally clear the history at regular intervals, but you may want to clear it manually for privacy.
Android
- Start your browser.
- Tap
Menu
, and then tapMore
.
- Select
Settings
.
- Under "Privacy settings", select
Clear cache
,Clear history
, orClear all cookie data
as appropriate, and then tapOK
to accept (orCancel
to cancel) the deletion.
Chrome
- In the browser bar, enter: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
- Select the items you want to clear (e.g.,
Clear browsing history
,Clear download history
,Empty the cache
,Delete cookies and other site and plug-in data
).From the
Obliterate the following items from:
drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, selectthe beginning of time
. - Click
Clear browsing data
.
Firefox
- From the
Tools
orHistory
menu, selectClear Recent History
.If the menu bar is hidden, press
Alt
to make it visible. - From the
Time range to clear:
drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, selectEverything
.
- Click the down arrow next to "Details" to choose which elements of the history to clear. Click
Clear Now
.
Internet Explorer 8 and higher
- From the
Tools
orSafety
menu, selectDelete browsing history...
.If the menu bar is hidden, press
Alt
to make it visible. - Deselect
Preserve Favorites website data
, and select:
-
Temporary Internet files
orTemporary Internet files and website files
-
Cookies
orCookies and website data
History
-
- Click
Delete
.
Internet Explorer 7
- From the
Tools
menu in the upper right, selectDelete Browsing History...
.
- To delete your cache, click
Delete files...
.To delete your cookies, click
Delete cookies...
.To delete your history, click
Delete history...
. - Click
Close
, and then clickOK
to exit.
Mobile Safari for iOS (iPhone, iPod touch, iPad)
To clear cache and cookies:
- From the home screen, tap
Settings
, and then tapSafari
.
- At the bottom of Safari's settings screen, tap
Clear cookies and data
, orClear Cookies
andClear Cache
. Confirm when prompted.
To clear history:
- From the home screen, tap
Safari
.
- At the bottom of the screen, tap the
Bookmarks
icon.
- In the lower left, tap
Clear
.
- Tap
Clear History
.
Opera
- From the
Opera
menu, selectSettings
, and thenDelete Private Data...
.
- In the dialog box that opens, select the items you want to clear, and then click
Delete
.
Safari
- From the
Safari
menu, selectReset Safari...
.
- From the menu, select the items you want to reset, and then click
Reset
. As of Safari 5.1,Remove all website data
covers both cookies and cache.