Web Browsers: How to clear the cache, delete cookies, and open a private or incognito window


Clearing cache and cookies

Clearing the browser's cache, cookies, and history may also remove data such as the following: 

  • Saved passwords 
  • Address bar predictions 
  • Shopping cart contents 
  • Browsing history 

Mobile browsers 

Safari for iOS

Chrome for iOS 

  1. See Google's support article: Clear cache & cookies for iOS
  2. After clearing browser data, quit and re-open the Chrome app

Chrome for Android

  1. See Google's support article: Clear cache & cookies for Android
  2. After clearing browser data, quit and re-open the Chrome app

Other browsers for Android

The steps to clear the cache, cookies, and history may differ depending on the model of Android device and preferred browser. Clear the cache and data from the application management settings menu as follows: 

  1. Go to Settings and choose Apps or Application Manager
  2. Swipe to the All tab
  3. In the list of installed apps, find and tap the web browser. Tap Clear Data and then Clear Cache
  4. After clearing browser data, quit and re-open the browser app

Desktop browsers 

Chrome for Windows and macOS

  1. In the browser bar, enter: 
    chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
  2. At the top of the "Clear browsing data" window, click Advanced
  3. Select the following:
    • Browsing history 
    • Download history 
    • Cookies and other site data 
    • Cached images and files
  4. From the "Time range" drop-down menu, select the period of time for which to clear cached information. To clear the entire cache, select All time. 
  5. Click Clear data
  6. Quit the and re-open the Chrome app:
    • Windows users: Exit/close all Chrome windows then re-open the app
    • Mac users: From the Chrome menu, select Quit Google Chrome then re-open the app 

Firefox for Windows and macOS

  1. From the History menu, select Clear Recent History
    • Tip for Windows users: 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 the entire cache, select Everything. 
  3. Check all five boxes (Browsing & download history, Cookies and site data, Temporary cached files and pages, Saved form info, Site settings)
  4. Click OK 
  5. Quit and reopen the Firefox app:
    • Windows users: Exit/close all Firefox windows then re-open the app
    • Mac users: From the Firefox menu, select Quit Firefox then re-open the app

Microsoft Edge for Windows and macOS

CAUTION! This will clear data across all synced devices signed into your Microsoft account. To clear browsing data only from the device you're currently using, go to Settings > Profiles > Sign out before continuing.

  1. In the browser bar, enter:
    edge://settings/clearBrowserData
  2. Select the following:
    • Browsing history
    • Cookies and other site data
    • Cached images and files
  3. Click Clear
  4. Quit and re-open the Microsoft Edge app
    • Windows users: Exit/close all Microsoft Edge windows then re-open the app
    • Mac users: From the Micosoft Edge menu, select Quit Microsoft Edge then re-open the app 

Opera for Windows and macOS

  1. See Opera's support article: How to clean your browser and remove trackers 
  2. After clearing browser data, quit and re-open the Opera app
    • Windows users: Exit/close all Opera windows then re-open the app
    • Mac users: From the Opera menu, select Quit Opera then re-open the app

Safari for macOS

Delete cookies

  1. In the Safari app, choose Safari > Preferences
  2. Click Privacy
  3. Click Manage Website Data
  4. Select one or more websites then click Remove or Remove All
    • Note: Removing the data may reduce tracking, but may also log you out of websites or change website behavior.
  5. From the Safari menu, select Quit Safari then re-open the app

Empty cache

  1. In the Safari app, choose Safari > Preferences
  2. Click Advanced. Check the box next to Show Develop menu in menu bar
  3. Close the Preferences window 
  4. In Safari, go to Develop > Empty Caches
  5. From the Safari menu, select Quit Safari then re-open the app

Manage cookies, website data and history

If you are still experiencing problems using Safari, see the following Apple support articles:

Opening a private or incognito window

Safari: iPhone and iPad

  1. Start your browser.
  2. Tap on the Tab Overview button (looks like two overlapping squares.
  3. Tap on Private

Chrome: Android/iPhone

  1. Start your browser.
  2. Tap Menu (Three dots on browser nav bar).
  3. Tap New incognito tab

Firefox: Android/iPhone

  1. Start your browser.
  2. Tap the tab button to the right of the search/address bar option.
  3. Select the mask tab
  4. Tap the + Private (Android) or + (iOS) button to open a new tab.

Chrome

  1. Open Chrome/ChromeOS.
  2. Click the browser settings button (Three vertical dots) in upper right corner.
  3. Select the option for New Incognito window.

Firefox

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Click on the Open Application Menu button (Three horizontal lines) in upper right corner.
  3. Select the option for New private window.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Microsoft Edge
  2. Click the Settings and more button in the upper-right corner (Three horizontal dots).
  3. Select the option for New InPrivate window.

Safari: MacOS

  1. Open Safari
  2. Click on the "File" menu at the top of the screen to open the File menu.
  3. Select the option for New Private Window.