How do I clear my web browser’s cache, cookies and history?

In most computer-based web browsers, to open menus used to clear your cache, cookies and history, press Ctrl-Shift-Delete (Windows) or Command-Shift-Delete (Mac). If this doesn’t work, follow the appropriate instructions below.

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 the Help menu or your browser’s menu, select About [browser name]. In Internet Explorer and Firefox, if you don’t see the menu bar, press Alt.

Chrome

1. In the browser bar, enter:

    chrome://settings/clearBrowserData

2. Select the following:
   • browsing history
   • download history
   • cookies and other site and plug-in data
   • cached images and files

   From the drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, select the beginning of time.

3. Click “Clear Browsing Data.”
4. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Firefox

1. From the History menu, select “Clear Recent History.” If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
2. From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select everything.
3. Next to “Details”, click the down arrow to choose which elements of the history to clear; to clear your entire cache, select all items.
4. Click “Clear Now.”
5. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Microsoft Edge

1. In the top right, click the Hub icon (looks like three horizontal lines).
2. Click the “History” icon, and then select “Clear All History.”
3. Select “Browsing” history, then “Cookies and Saved Website Data,” and then “Cached Data and Files.” Click “Clear.”
4. After the “All Clear!” message appears, exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Internet Explorer 9 and higher

1. Select Tools (via the Gear Icon) > Safety > Delete browsing history… If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible.
2. Deselect “Preserve Favorites” website data, and select:
   • temporary internet files or temporary internet files and website files
   • cookies or cookies and website data
   • history
3. Click “Delete.” You’ll see a confirmation at the bottom of the window when the process is complete.
4. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Opera

1. From the operations menu, select “Settings,” and then “Delete Private Data.”
2. In the dialog box that opens, select the items you want to clear and click “Delete.”
3. Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.

Safari

Safari 8

1. From the Safari menu, select “Clear History and Website Data.”
2. Select the desired time range and click “Clear History.”
3. Go to Safari > Quit Safari or press Command-Q to exit the browser completely.

Safari 7 and below

1. From the Safari menu, select “Reset Safari.”
2. Select the items you want to reset and then click “Reset.” As of Safari 5.1, remove all website data includes both cookies and cache.
3. Go to Safari > Quit Safari or press Command-Q to exit the browser completely.