How to Clear Your Browser Cache (and Why You Should)

What is a Browser Cache?

Your browser cache is kind of like a short-term memory for the internet. It stores bits and pieces of websites you’ve visited, like images, scripts, and other files, so they load faster next time. Pretty handy, right?

Why You Might Need to Clear Your Cache

As helpful as it is, sometimes the cache can get in the way, especially if you’re working on building or updating a website.

The Cybernautic team might make a code or structural change to your website and tell you it's ready to review, but when you check it out yourself you can't see the changes. That’s often because your browser is loading the old, cached version instead of fetching the latest updates.

Clearing your cache is a quick way to make sure you're seeing the most recent version of a site. Here's how to do it in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

How to Clear Your Cache in Google Chrome

In Google Chrome, you can either clear cache for a single page or clear the entire browser cache.

CLEAR CACHE FOR A SINGLE PAGE

HARD RELOAD

You can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows) or Command + Shift + R (Mac) to complete what's called a "hard reload" for a single webpage. When you do this instead of a normal reload:

• Chrome forces the browser to reload everything from the server.

• It bypasses the cache, ensuring that you're seeing the latest version of all files.

HARD RELOAD + EMPTY CACHE

If a hard reload still doesn't show you what you're looking for, try a hard reload & empty cache using Chrome's developer tools. Open the Developer Tools window (F12 or Ctrl + Shift + I on Windows or Command + Option + I on Mac) and right-click or click and hold the reload button, you'll see:

• Normal Reload

• Hard Reload

• Empty Cache and Hard Reload (most thorough)

The last option clears the cache and reloads everything from scratch. It's perfect for when you're debugging tricky issues on a site you are working on. 

CLEAR THE ENTIRE BROWSER CACHE

1. Click the three dots in the top-right corner of your browser window.

2. Find and click Delete browsing data…

3. In the popup that appears:

   • Choose a time range (we recommend "All time" if you want a full reset).

   • Check the box for Cached images and files.

   • (Optional: Leave everything else unchecked if you don’t want to clear cookies or history.)

4. Click Clear data.

✅ Pro Tip: You can also press Ctrl + Shift + Del (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac) to open the Clear Browsing Data window directly.

How to Clear Your Cache in Microsoft Edge

1. Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of Edge.

2. Select Settings.

3. Click on Privacy, search, and services from the sidebar.

4. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.

5. In the popup:

   • Pick a time range.

   • Check Cached images and files.

   • Click Clear now.

You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Del (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac).

How to Clear Your Cache in Firefox

1. Click the three horizontal lines (aka the "hamburger menu") in the upper-right corner.

2. Click History and then Clear Recent History…

3. In the window that appears:

   • Choose a time range to clear.

   • Click the arrow next to Details to expand more options.

   • Check Cache.

   • Click OK to clear it.

Shortcut for fast access: Ctrl + Shift + Del (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac).

Wrapping Up

Clearing your cache is a simple trick that can save you a lot of frustration, especially when you're expecting to see changes that aren’t showing up. It only takes a few clicks, and now you know exactly how to do it!

Let us know if you have questions or need help with any of the steps.