Clear Browser Cache and Cookies (and When You Should)

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies is one of the most reliable fixes for a glitchy or broken-looking page, or being stuck logged in wrong. This guide shows how, on both Windows and Mac, and when it’s actually worth doing.

Clear browser cache and cookies, step by step

Clear Cache & Cookies

!A website acting weird or broken?

Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies fixes it more often than you’d think.

WHAT TO DOWe’re Naples Computers, helping Naples families with this since 1993.

Clear browser cache and cookies: A website acting weird or broken?

Windows

1Windows: Clear browsing data

In your browser, open Settings, then Privacy and security, then Clear browsing data.

WHAT TO DOPick a time range, make sure Cookies and Cached files are checked, then click Clear data.

Windows: Clear browsing data

Mac

2Mac: Safari, Clear History

Open Safari, then from the Safari menu, choose Clear History.

WHAT TO DOPick how far back, then click Clear History. It clears cookies and site data too.

Mac: Safari, Clear History

A few tips

Getting signed out is normal — Clearing cookies signs you out of most sites, you’ll just log back in
The first page load may feel slower after — The cache rebuilds itself as you browse, then speeds back up
No need to do this often — Save it for when something’s actually acting up

Recap: clear cache and cookies

Windows: Settings, Privacy, Clear browsing data
Mac: Safari, Clear History
Expect to be signed out afterward, that’s normal
Only needed when something’s actually acting up
Still broken after clearing it? Call Naples Computers

Printable quick guide

Clear Cache & Cookies (1-page quick guide PDF)

Frequently asked questions

Will clearing cookies log me out of everything?

Yes, clearing cookies signs you out of most sites you were logged into. That’s expected, just log back in afterward.

Where do I clear browsing data in Chrome or Edge?

Settings, then Privacy and security, then Clear browsing data. Pick a time range and which items to delete, then click Clear data.

How do I clear history in Safari?

Open Safari, choose Clear History from the Safari menu, pick how far back, then click Clear History. It clears cookies and site data too.

How often should I clear my cache and cookies?

There’s no set schedule needed, it’s really only worth doing when a specific site is acting up.

Clearing cookies signs you out of most sites, that’s expected, just log back in. There’s no need to do this on a regular schedule, save it for when a site is actually acting up.