This article covers how to clear cache and cookies in Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox as a troubleshooting step, including why Finalsite Support may request it and website caching delays to expect.
đź’ˇ Quick answers
- How do I clear cache and cookies in a browser? Browser menus change frequently; see the table below for a link to each browser's official, up-to-date instructions.
- Why does Finalsite Support request clearing the cache? Website caching can occasionally cause a browser to behave erratically, and clearing the cache and cookies is a common troubleshooting step Support uses to rule out stale local data as the cause.
- How long does it take for website changes to appear after caching? There is a general delay of up to 15 minutes after changes are made due to website caching, which is implemented to ensure overall site stability and cannot be expedited.
- What is the difference between cache and cookies? Cache is the browser's stored copy of webpage data so it does not need to be re-downloaded on every visit, while a cookie is a file that stores user-specific information for a site, such as form selections or saved settings.
- Do the steps differ between the computer and mobile versions of a browser? Yes, in some cases; Safari on a Mac, for example, uses a different process than Safari on an iPhone or iPad. The table below links to the official instructions covering both versions.
Each time a webpage or file loads in a browser, the browser stores a copy in memory so the same data does not need to be downloaded again on the next visit. This storage is known as the cache.
A cookie is a file created by the web browser that stores user-specific information about a particular site. These can include form selections, saved settings, a record of the last page visited, and similar preferences.
⚠️ Important Note
- There is a general delay of up to 15 minutes after any changes are made due to website caching.
- This delay is implemented to ensure overall website stability.
- This process cannot be expedited. Patience is appreciated while changes take effect.
- On rare occasions, these caching features may cause a browser to behave erratically.
- Finalsite Support is skilled at recognizing when this might have happened and often requests clearing the browser's cache and cookies as a troubleshooting step.
Clear browser cache and cookies by type
Browser menus change frequently, so exact click-paths go stale fast. The table below links to each vendor's official, up-to-date instructions instead.
| Browser | Official instructions |
|---|---|
| Google Chrome | Clear cache and cookies |
| Microsoft Edge | How to manage and clear your cache and cookies |
| Apple Safari | Clear the history, cache, and cookies from Safari |
| Mozilla Firefox | How to clear the Firefox cache |
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