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


If websites are not loading correctly, sign-in pages are failing, or you are experiencing unexpected browser behavior, clearing your browser cache and cookies may help resolve the issue.

Important: Clearing browser data may remove:

Clear cache and cookies

Chrome (Windows and macOS)

  1. Enter chrome://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar.
  2. Select Advanced.
  3. Select:
    • Browsing history
    • Download history
    • Cookies and other site data
    • Cached images and files
  4. For Time range, select All time.
  5. Select Clear data.
  6. Close all Chrome windows and reopen Chrome.

Firefox (Windows and macOS)

  1. Open History > Clear Recent History.
  2. For Time range to clear, select Everything.
  3. Select:
    • Browsing and download history
    • Cookies and site data
    • Temporary cached files and pages
    • Saved form information
    • Site settings
  4. Select OK.
  5. Close and reopen Firefox.

Microsoft Edge (Windows and macOS)

Caution: If Edge sync is enabled, clearing data may also remove browsing data from other synced devices.

  1. Enter edge://settings/clearBrowserData in the address bar.
  2. Select:
    • Browsing history
    • Cookies and other site data
    • Cached images and files
  3. Select Clear now.
  4. Close all Edge windows and reopen Edge.

Mobile browsers

Safari (iPhone and iPad)

See Apple's support article: Clear the history and cookies from Safari.
After clearing data, close and reopen Safari.

Chrome (iPhone, iPad, and Android)

See Google's support article: Clear cache and cookies in Chrome.
After clearing data, close and reopen Chrome.

Other Android browsers

  1. Open Settings > Apps.
  2. Select your browser.
  3. Select Storage.
  4. Tap Clear Cache and Clear Data.
  5. Close and reopen the browser.

Open a private or incognito window

If clearing browser data does not resolve the issue, try opening the site in a private or incognito window.

BrowserSteps
ChromeMenu (⋮) → New Incognito Window
FirefoxMenu (☰) → New Private Window
Microsoft EdgeMenu (...) → New InPrivate Window
Safari (Mac)File → New Private Window
Safari (iPhone/iPad)Tap Tabs → Private
Chrome (Mobile)Menu (⋮) → New Incognito Tab
Firefox (Mobile)Tabs → Private → +