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How to clear cache, cookies, and reset settings in every browser

Why should I clear cache, cookies, and browsing history?

Knowing how to clear cache, cookies, and browsing history is an important part of maintaining your internet privacy. It can also help keep your ad blocker working as intended. Why do we suggest clearing your browser cache and cookies, resetting your browser settings, or updating your browser when you're seeing unblocked ads?

  • Your browser cache may retain information from a previous visit to a website with ads. If you delete the cache, they can no longer load.

  • A website may have created cookies on your computer that interfere with ad blocking.

  • Malware can change your browser settings to keep your ad blocker from working.

  • Browsers sometimes have bugs that make it difficult to block ads properly. Updating your browser ensures it has any recent bug fixes.

 

How to clear your browser cache and cookies

Chrome

  1. Click the 3 vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of your browser.

  2. Select Delete Browsing Data.

  3. Select Cookies and other browser data.

  4. Click Delete data.

Firefox

  1. Click the Library button in the upper right-hand corner of the browser, select History, then select Clear Recent History.

clear1.png

  1. Select the time frame and which data you want to clear then click OK.

Edge

  1. Click the More menu (...), then select Settings.

  2. Go to Privacy, Search and Services and under Clear browsing data, click Choose What to Clear.

  3. Select the time frame and which data you want to clear then click Clear Now.

Safari (Mac)

This helpful article from OSXDaily.com includes where to find and how to clear the web caches for different versions of MacOS and a few additional tips for troubleshooting Safari.


Reset your browser settings

Do this only if clearing your cache and cookies doesn't fix the issue.

Warning: Be sure to back up your saved passwords and bookmarks first! If you're not sure how, search for "backup saved passwords and bookmarks [your browser name]" in your favorite search engine, replacing "[your browser name]" with your browser as appropriate.

Chrome

  1. Click the 3 vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of your browser.

  2. From the Chrome menu, click Show advanced settings.

  3. Under Reset, click Reset, and then click Reset again to confirm.

Firefox

  1. Click the 3 horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of your browser.

  2. Click Help and select Troubleshooting Information (you may also enter about:support in the address bar to bring up the Troubleshooting Information page).

  3. Click Refresh Firefox at the top right corner of the page.

  4. Firefox will close. After the refresh process completes, click Finish in the window that opens.

Edge

For help with Edge, choose the article below that matches your OS version.

Safari (Mac)

  1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced.

  2. Select the option Show Develop menu in menu bar.

  3. Go to Develop > Empty Caches.

 

Update your browser

Chrome

  1. Click the 3 vertical dots in the upper right-hand corner of your browser

  2. Click Update Google Chrome. If you don't see this, you're already on the latest version

  3. Click Relaunch

Firefox

  1. Click the 3 horizontal lines in the upper right-hand corner of your browser

  2. Click Help, and then select About Firefox. If an update is available, it will download automatically.

  3. When the update is ready, click Restart Firefox to Update

Edge

Edge is built into Microsoft Windows. To update Edge, update Windows:

  1. Click the Windows button, then click the gear icon (Settings).

  2. Click Update and Security.

  3. In the left side menu, click Windows Update.

  4. If an update is available, click Install now.

Safari (Mac)

To get the latest version of Safari, simply install the latest macOS.
To keep Safari up to date for an earlier macOS, install the latest updates for that macOS.