How to clear your browser cache

Open a private window and clear cached browser files.

Last updated About 3 hours ago

What is a cache?

A cache is temporary storage for frequently used data so it can be accessed faster. On your computer, this includes temporary internet files.


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Why do we sometimes ask you to open a page in incognito mode?

This helps us check whether the problem you are experiencing is caused by data stored on your computer. Incognito or private windows do not use your existing browser cache, so we can rule out old or saved data as the cause.

Follow these steps to open an incognito or private window in Chrome, Safari or Edge.

Google Chrome

  1. Open Google Chrome.

  2. Click the three vertical dots at the top right to open the menu.

  3. Select 'New Incognito window'.

  4. You can also use Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+N (Mac).
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Safari

  1. Open Safari.

  2. Open the 'File' menu in the menu bar.

  3. Select 'New Private Window'.

  4. On a Mac, you can also use Cmd+Shift+N.
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Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.

  2. Click the three horizontal dots at the top right to open the menu.

  3. Select 'New InPrivate window'.

  4. You can also use Ctrl+Shift+N (Windows).
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Why do I sometimes need to clear my cache?

Sometimes you still see an old version of a web page after it has changed, even when you reload it. Your browser may be loading the page from your computer's cache. Clearing the cached files makes the browser fetch the latest version from the server so you see the current information.

Clear the cache in Google Chrome

  • Click the menu icon (three lines) at the top of the browser.

  • Click Settings.

  • At the bottom of the page, click Show advanced settings.

  • Click Clear browsing data. A small window opens.

  • Choose the time range you want to clear (or the last option to remove all cookies).

  • Click Clear browsing data.

  • Clearing the cache in an older version of Google Chrome:

  • Click the tools icon at the top of the browser.

  • Click Clear browsing data.

  • Select or clear the options you want.

  • Then click Clear browsing data.
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Clear the cache in Safari

You can clear cached files on a Mac when the Develop menu is enabled.

To clear cached files, first enable the Develop menu in Safari.

  • Click Safari in the browser's menu bar.

  • Choose Preferences.

  • Open the last tab, Advanced.

  • Select 'Show Develop menu in menu bar' at the bottom.

  • Clear cached files.

  • To clear the cache, follow these steps:

  • Open the Develop menu.

  • Click Empty Caches.

  • The cache is cleared without further confirmation.
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