How To Clear Browser’s Cache? [PC And Phone]

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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A browser’s cache stores information from every website you visit on your device. Thus, whenever you revisit the same websites, the browser will use preloaded data, such as images and stylesheets. Thanks to cache storage, a reduced amount of data is transmitted over your network when launching websites, which helps them load quickly even with slow internet.  Therefore, it is important for you to understand how to clear your browser’s cache so you can enhance your browsing experience. 

On Computer

There is a similar procedure for erasing the cache on different browsers on your PC, be it Chrome, Edge, Opera, or Mozilla Firefox. Though, the method is entirely unique for the Safari browser.

Google Chrome

1. Launch Google Settings: Open the web browser > Locate the Three-Dot (⋮) symbol at the extreme right corner of the top panel > Click on it > Settings.

   

2. Go To Clear Data Section: Highlight Privacy And Security in the left bar > Clear Browsing Data.

   

3. Remove Cache: Select the Basic section > Put a mark next to Cached Images And Files > Set the Time Range as All Time > Clear Data.

   

Opera

1. Access Opera Settings: Wait for the Opera Homepage to load > Click the Opera Logo (O) on the top left of the screen > Settings.

   

2. Expand Clear Browsing Data: Go to the Privacy And Security > Clear Browsing Data.

   

3. Delete Cache: Stay on the Basic tab > Set the Time Range as All Time > Tick the box Cached Images And Files > Clear Data.

   

Microsoft Edge

1. Open Menu: Head to Microsoft Edge’s Homepage > Click the Three-Dots (⋯) on the top bar. 

   

2. View More Options: Hover your cursor on the small arrowhead at the bottom of the drop-down to see more options.

   

3. Go To Edge Settings: Next, choose Settings. It will take you to the next page.

   

4. Open Clear Data Section: On your left, highlight Privacy, Search, And Services > Clear Browsing Data > Press the Choose What To Clear.

   

5. Eliminate Cache: Again, maintain the Time Range as All Time > Select Cached Images And Files > Clear Now.

   

Mozilla Firefox

1. Get To Firefox Settings: Go to your Mozilla Firefox browser > Select the Hamburger Menu (≡) on the upper right edge > Settings.

   

2. Click Clear Data Box: Head to the Privacy And Security > Clear Data.

   

Safari (macOS)

1. Head To Preferences: Launch Safari on your macOS computer > Click the Safari menu on the top panel > Preferences.

   

2. Modify Menu Bar: Pick Advanced > Mark the box next to the message, Show Develop Menu In Menu Bar.

   

3. Empty Cache: Choose Develop in the top panel > Empty Caches.

   

On Mobile Phone

When facing slow browser performance or website loading issues on mobile devices (Android or iOS), I often resolve the problem by deleting the browser cache. It eliminates outdated or corrupted cached data, improving the browser’s functionality and ensuring the retrieval of the latest website resources. 

Google Chrome

I had to erase Chrome’s cache as it frequently crashed during regular usage. The two methods discussed in this section were equally effective and took almost the same time to get done with.

Via Browser

1. Find Google Settings: Open Chrome browser on your mobile phone > Tap on the Three-Dot (⋮) menu on the right corner of the top bar > Settings.

   

2. Select Privacy Section: Go to Privacy And Security.

   

3. Navigate Cache Options: Tap the first option, Clear Browsing Data.

   

4. Clear Cache Data: Select Cached Images And Files > Keep the Time Range as All Time > Clear Data.

   

Via Phone Settings

1. Open App List: Access the App Screen > Go to the phone’s Settings > Apps.

   

2. Pick Chrome: Find Chrome and tap on it.

   

3. Pick Storage: Access the browser’s Storage menu from the list.

   

4. Remove Cache Data: Tap Clear Cache on the bottom menu.

   

Safari (iOS)

Cleaning the cache on your Safari browser will sign you out of any websites you are currently logged into. Make sure you remember all your passwords.

1. Access General Settings: Tap the Settings icon on your App Screen > General.

   

2. Move To Storage: Scroll and find iPhone Storage.

   

3. Pick Safari: Select Safari from the list of installed apps.

   

4. Tap Website Data: Choose Website Data to view the browser cache and saved sites.

   

5. Clear Browser Data: Press the last option, Remove All Website Data.

   

When Does It Become Necessary To Clear Browser Cache?

Certain situations call for a cache clearing, for example, when

• Experiencing a slower performance than usual.
• The browser keeps freezing or crashing.
• You cannot use online streaming sites on the browser.
• Facing hindrances while performing a search or saving new data.
• Resolving website errors and security concerns.
• There is insufficient space to store recent data. 

Does Cleaning Cache Remove Errors?

In most cases, deleting the browser’s cache will fix persistent errors. This happens because clearing the cache will eradicate the buildup of unused files and data from the storage, hence wiping out any glitches or bugs. As a result, the source of errors can be swiftly removed. It proved to be an effective troubleshooting method in fixing the CapCut network error and audio renderer error on a Windows 11 PC.

Pros And Cons Of Clearing Browser Cache

Final Words

After clearing my browser’s cache, I saw a more stable browser performance and could load the problematic websites without prior issues. However, it took a bit longer when I first accessed the sites after cache clearing because they had to re-download the content, and my saved username and passwords were also gone. Therefore, try this quick fix when faced with poor browser performance or other errors before you move on to the more difficult solutions. 

Related Articles

• How To Clear PC Cache?
• How To Clear The DNS Cache?
• How To Clear Cache On Xbox? 

Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com