Browsers store cache (temporary website files) and cookies (site data like logins and preferences) to improve performance and user experience. Over time, this data can become outdated or corrupted, leading to issues such as:
- Pages not loading correctly
- Old or incorrect data appearing
- Login or session problems
- Website features not working as expected
Clearing your cache and cookies is often the fastest way to resolve these issues.
What to Know Before Clearing Cookies
When you clear cookies:
- You will be logged out of most websites
- Saved site preferences may reset
- Passwords are not removed unless explicitly selected
⚠️ If you only want to refresh site content, you may clear cache only. If you are experiencing login or session issues, clear both cache and cookies.
Google Chrome (Windows / macOS / Chromebook)
- Open Chrome.
- Click the three dots ⋮ in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings → Privacy and security.
- Click Clear browsing data.
- Choose a Time range (recommended: All time).
- Check:
- ✅ Cached images and files
- ✅ Cookies and other site data
- Click Clear data.
Keyboard Shortcut
- Windows:
Ctrl + Shift + Delete - Mac:
⌘ + Shift + Delete
Mozilla Firefox (Windows / macOS)
- Open Firefox.
- Click the menu ☰ in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings → Privacy & Security.
- Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
- Check:
- ✅ Cookies and Site Data
- ✅ Cached Web Content
- Click Clear.
💡 You can also use Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or ⌘ + Shift + Delete (Mac).
Microsoft Edge (Windows / macOS)
- Open Edge.
- Click the three dots ⋮ in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings → Privacy, search, and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
- Select a Time range (recommended: All time).
- Check:
- ✅ Cookies and other site data
- ✅ Cached images and files
- Click Clear now.
Safari (macOS)
Safari clears cache and cookies together.
- Open Safari.
- Click Safari in the top menu.
- Select Preferences → Privacy.
- Click Manage Website Data….
- Click Remove All (or select specific sites).
- Click Remove Now, then Done.
💡 For advanced users, enable the Develop menu and select Develop → Empty Caches to clear cache only.
Opera (Windows / macOS)
- Open Opera.
- Click the O menu in the top-left corner.
- Select Settings → Privacy & Security.
- Click Clear browsing data.
- Choose a Time range.
- Check:
- ✅ Cookies and other site data
- ✅ Cached images and files
- Click Clear data.
Shortcut
- Windows:
Ctrl + Shift + Delete - Mac:
⌘ + Shift + Delete
Best Practices
- ✅ Clear cache and cookies when websites behave unexpectedly
- ⚠️ Expect to log back in after clearing cookies
- 🔄 Restart your browser after clearing data for best results
Frequently Asked Questiosn (FAQ)
What is browser cache?
Cache is temporary data stored by your browser, such as images, scripts, and website files. It helps websites load faster when you revisit them.
Over time, cached files can become outdated or corrupted, which may cause:
- Pages not loading correctly
- Old content appearing
- Visual or formatting issues
What are cookies?
Cookies are small data files stored by websites to remember:
- Login sessions
- User preferences
- Site settings
Cookies help improve usability, but they can also cause issues if they become outdated or conflict with new site updates.
When should I clear cache and cookies?
You should clear cache and cookies if you experience:
- Pages not loading or displaying correctly
- Changes not appearing after an update
- Login or session issues
- Buttons or forms not working
- Website errors or unexpected behavior
Clearing both is often recommended when troubleshooting.
Will clearing cache and cookies delete my passwords?
No. Clearing cache and cookies does not delete saved passwords unless you specifically select an option such as “Passwords” or “Autofill data” when clearing browser data.
Will I be logged out of websites?
Yes. Clearing cookies will log you out of most websites. You will need to sign in again the next time you visit those sites.
Will clearing cache and cookies delete my bookmarks?
No. Bookmarks, favorites, and saved links are not affected when clearing cache or cookies.
How often should I clear cache and cookies?
There is no strict rule, but common recommendations include:
- When a website is not working correctly
- After major website updates
- Every few months as routine maintenance
If you browse frequently, clearing cache occasionally can help prevent issues.
Can I clear cache without clearing cookies?
Yes, in most browsers (such as Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera), you can choose to clear cached images and files only without clearing cookies.
⚠️ Safari clears cache and cookies together unless you use advanced settings.
Do I need to restart my browser after clearing data?
It is recommended. Restarting your browser ensures all cached data is fully cleared and allows websites to reload fresh content properly.
Does clearing cache and cookies fix all website issues?
Clearing cache and cookies resolves many common issues, but not all. If problems continue:
- Try a different browser
- Disable browser extensions
- Check your internet connection
- Contact the website’s support team
Which browsers support clearing cache and cookies?
All major browsers support this, including:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Opera
Each browser provides options within its Privacy or Security settings.
Is it safe to clear cache and cookies?
Yes. Clearing cache and cookies is safe and commonly recommended by support teams. The only side effect is needing to log back into websites and re-apply some preferences.