How to clear your browser cache in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari and Brave
Not sure how to clear the cache and cookies in your web browser? Use this easy, step-by-step guide. We’ll show you how to clear the cache on any browser, from Firefox to Brave.
To be clear, these tips are for your computer. If you want to clear your smartphone browser’s cache, we’ve got another article that can help. Tap or click to delete all the annoying tracking cookies from your phone.
Clearing the browser cache can speed up your computer. After all, too much clutter can slow everything down. Not only that, but a cache cleanse can also protect your privacy.
1. How to clear your browser cache in Google Chrome
Removing browsing data is quick and easy with a keyboard. Here’s how to open the Clear browsing data window with keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows: Hit Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
- Mac: Command + Shift + Delete.
You can also use the following steps to clear your cache in Google Chrome. Select the three-dotted menu in your browser’s upper-right corner. (It’s to the right of your profile image.)
This opens a drop-down menu. Select History at the top.
Next, select Clear browsing data.
From there, you’ll open a pop-up that lets you delete your data. You can clear your history, cookies and cached images and files, freeing up a ton of space. Even better, you can customize the time range. We recommend selecting All time to clear everything taking up space.
When you’re done, select Clear data to cut the clutter out of your digital life.
Lastly, quit or close Google Chrome. Reopen it to save your changes.
A bug in Windows 10 means your passwords could disappear
Software: Can’t live with it, can’t work without it. It sure would be nice if all computer programs worked the way they are supposed to every time we need them, but as you’re well aware, that’s not the case.
The reality is that bugs happen, and they happen often. Any Microsoft Windows user can tell you that much. A Windows patch that was released earlier this year fixed a whopping 113 bugs — and plenty of more updates have followed.
Best internet browsers: Comparing Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge | Digital Life Hack from Kim Komando
Easier than bookmarks: Want all your tabs to open up when you start your browser? In Chrome, click the three vertical dots, then Settings. Click On startup > Continue where you left off. Steps for Safari, Firefox and Edge here.
Amazon resort, movie sound hack, Firefox fights cookies
Would you share an electric motorbike with other people? Lime thinks you should. Plus, Firefox gives total cookie protection to all users by default — and Amazon treats influencers at a luxury resort. In this 30-minute podcast, I’ll tell you about a handy site that alerts you when your favorite show comes back, along with three steps to take before you trade in or sell an old phone.
Crypto wallet trapdoor: Just do yourself a favor and don’t download any crypto extensions. Why? Over 40 sketchy extensions spoofing legit crypto wallets flooded Firefox’s store, all rigged to steal seed phrases and passwords. Thieves copied open-source code from Coinbase, MetaMask and co., then slid in exfil tools hiding behind glossy logos and fake reviews.
🌐 Faster than bookmarks: You can set your browser to reopen all tabs when it starts. In Chrome, go to Settings > On startup and select Continue where you left off. In Firefox, go to Settings > General > Startup and check Open previous windows and tabs. No more scary crashes.
📉 Pocket, zipped: Mozilla’s Pocket app — yes, the “save it for later” one — is shutting down July 8. Mozilla reasoned it needs to focus on Firefox, of all things. Data vanishes in October. If you’ve got a decade of unread articles, now’s your moment. Or just accept you’ll never finish that 2016 “Rise and Fall of Vine” op-ed.
🌐 Browser acting weird? Extensions or broken settings could be messing things up. Time for a reset. In Chrome, go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults. Using Firefox? Head to Menu > Help > More Troubleshooting information, then click Refresh Firefox and confirm.
Check this out: Library Extension shows you what’s at over 5,000 libraries while you browse the web. You can borrow books, music or audiobooks without spending a dime. Best part? You don’t need to sign up. Get it on Chrome, Firefox and Edge.
Tech Refresh: Parler banned, CES favorites, browser bug
Allie, Ben and Mike dive into the tech news of the week, including the timeline behind the Parler ban, their favorite tech of CES 2021 and a major bug impacting Chrome, Edge and Firefox. Plus, Brand New or Not True, getting your photos off Facebook and the scam of the week.