Manage Your Web Browser Cache and History

Quick Universal Method

For most desktop and laptop browsers, you can quickly access clearing options by pressing:

• Windows: Ctrl + Shift + Delete
• Mac: Command + Shift + Delete

This opens a menu that allows you to clear cookies, history, and cache data.

Important Considerations Before Clearing Data

What you might lose when clearing browser data:

• Saved passwords
• Shopping cart contents
• Search bar predictions (Firefox and Chrome)
• Auto-fill information
• Website preferences

Recommended preparation:

• Save important information elsewhere before clearing your history
• Consider using private/incognito browsing as a temporary alternative
• Export bookmarks if needed

Mobile Browser Instructions

Android Devices

General Android Method:

1. Go to your device Settings
2. Select "Apps" or "Application Manager"
3. Navigate to the "All" tab
4. Find your browser in the installed apps list
5. Tap "Clear Data" and "Clear Cache"
6. Close all browser windows and reopen the browser

Chrome for Android:

1. Open Chrome and tap the menu (three dots)
2. Select "Settings"
3. Choose "Privacy and Security"
4. Select "Clear Browsing Data"
5. Choose your preferred time range and data types
6. Tap "Clear Data"
7. Close and reopen Chrome

iOS Devices

Safari for iOS:

1. Open your device Settings
2. Scroll down and select "Safari"
3. Tap "Clear History and Website Data"
4. Confirm by tapping "Clear History and Data"
5. Close Safari completely and reopen it

Chrome for iOS:

1. Open Chrome and tap the menu (three dots)
2. Select "Settings"
3. Choose "Privacy and Security"
4. Select "Clear Browsing Data"
5. Choose the types of data to clear
6. Tap "Clear Browsing Data"
7. Close and reopen Chrome

Desktop Browser Instructions

Google Chrome

Method 1 - Direct URL:

1. Type chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar
2. Select your desired time range (choose "All time" for complete clearing)
3. Check the boxes for:
   • Browsing history
   • Cookies and other site data
   • Cached images and files
4. Click "Clear Data"
5. Close and reopen Chrome

Method 2 - Manual Cookie Removal:

1. Go to Settings > Advanced > Privacy and Security > Site Settings
2. Select "Cookies and Site Data"
3. Click "See All Cookies and Site Data"
4. Choose "Remove All" to delete all cookies

Mozilla Firefox

1. Open the "History" menu (press Alt if menu bar is hidden)
2. Select "Clear Recent History"
3. In the time range dropdown, select "Everything"
4. Click "Details" to expand options
5. Check the boxes for items you want to clear:
   • Browsing & Download History
   • Cookies
   • Cache
   • Active Logins
6. Click "Clear Now"
7. Close and reopen Firefox

Microsoft Edge

1. Click the menu (three dots) in the top-right corner
2. Select "Settings"
3. Choose "Privacy, Search, and Services"
4. Under "Clear Browsing Data," click "Choose What to Clear"
5. Select your time range and data types
6. Click "Clear Now"

Safari (macOS)

For Safari 8 and higher:

1. Open Safari and go to the "Safari" menu
2. Select "Clear History and Website Data"
3. Choose the time period for clearing data
4. Click "Clear History"
5. Close Safari completely (Command + Q) and reopen it

Internet Explorer (Legacy)

Note: Microsoft discontinued support for Internet Explorer. We recommend switching to Microsoft Edge or another modern browser.

For legacy systems still using IE 11:

1. Press Alt to show the menu bar
2. Go to "Tools" > "Safety"
3. Click "Delete Browsing History"
4. Uncheck "Preserve Favorites website data" if you want to clear everything
5. Select:
   • Temporary Internet files and website files
   • Cookies and website data
   • History
6. Click "Delete"

Alternative Solutions

Private Browsing Mode

Instead of repeatedly clearing your browser data, consider using private browsing:

• Chrome: Incognito mode (Ctrl + Shift + N)
• Firefox: Private browsing (Ctrl + Shift + P)
• Safari: Private browsing (Command + Shift + N)
• Edge: InPrivate browsing (Ctrl + Shift + N)

Automatic Clearing

Most modern browsers offer options to clear data when you close the browser. Check your browser's privacy settings to enable this feature.

Troubleshooting

If the above methods don't work:

1. Check your browser's "Help" menu for specific instructions
2. Verify your browser version in the "About" section
3. Update your browser to the latest version
4. For hidden menu bars, try pressing the Alt key

Remember to regularly clear your browser data to maintain privacy and optimal performance, but always save important information before doing so.