Clearing Cache in Popular Browsers and Mobile Devices: A Guide for Amarillo College Students and Staff

When web pages don’t appear as expected, it might be due to stored information in your browser cache. Cache stores images, scripts, and other parts of websites to load faster during future visits, but an outdated or corrupted cache can cause display issues. Clearing your browser cache is a simple solution to ensure pages load correctly.

This guide explains how to clear cache in the most popular browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari. Additionally, we’ll cover how to clear cache on mobile devices, both Android and iOS.

Clearing Cache in Google Chrome (Desktop)

  • Step 1: Access Settings
    • Open Chrome and click the three dots (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
    • Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
  • Step 2: Navigate to Privacy and Security
    • In the Settings menu, scroll down and click “Privacy and security.”
    • Select “Clear browsing data.”
  • Step 3: Clear Cache
    • Choose the time range (e.g., “Last hour,” “Last 24 hours,” “All time”).
    • Check the box next to “Cached images and files.”
    • Click “Clear data.”

Clearing Cache in Microsoft Edge (Desktop)

  • Step 1: Open Settings
    • Click the three dots (⋮) in the upper-right corner of the Edge window.
    • Select “Settings.”
  • Step 2: Navigate to Clear Browsing Data
    • Click “Privacy, search, and services” on the left-hand side.
    • Under “Clear browsing data,” click “Choose what to clear.”
  • Step 3: Clear Cache
    • Choose a time range.
    • Check “Cached images and files.”
    • Click “Clear now.”

Clearing Cache in Mozilla Firefox (Desktop)

  • Step 1: Open Preferences
    • Click the three horizontal lines (≡) in the top-right corner.
    • Select “Settings.”
  • Step 2: Go to Privacy & Security
    • In the left-hand menu, click “Privacy & Security.”
    • Scroll down to the “Cookies and Site Data” section.
  • Step 3: Clear Cache
    • Click “Clear Data.”
    • Check the box next to “Cached Web Content.”
    • Click “Clear.”

Clearing Cache in Safari (Mac)

  • Step 1: Open Preferences
    • Open Safari and click “Safari” in the top menu.
    • Select “Preferences.”
  • Step 2: Clear Cache
    • Go to the “Advanced” tab.
    • Check “Show Develop menu in menu bar” at the bottom.
    • In the top menu, click “Develop,” then select “Empty Caches.”

Clearing Cache on Mobile Devices

Clearing Cache on Chrome (Android)

  • Step 1: Open Chrome
    • Open Chrome on your Android device.
    • Tap the three dots (⋮) in the upper-right corner.
  • Step 2: Clear Browsing Data
    • Tap “History,” then “Clear browsing data.”
    • Select the time range.
    • Check “Cached images and files.”
    • Tap “Clear data.”

Clearing Cache on Safari (iOS)

  • Step 1: Open Settings
    • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
    • Scroll down and select “Safari.”
  • Step 2: Clear Cache
    • Scroll down and tap “Clear History and Website Data.”
    • Confirm by tapping “Clear History and Data.”

Clearing Cache on Microsoft Edge (Android & iOS)

  • Step 1: Open Edge
    • Open Edge on your mobile device.
    • Tap the three dots (⋮) at the bottom of the screen.
  • Step 2: Clear Browsing Data
    • Go to “Settings,” then “Privacy and security.”
    • Tap “Clear browsing data.”
    • Choose the time range and select “Cached images and files.”
    • Tap “Clear.”

Clearing Cache on Firefox (Android & iOS)

  • Step 1: Open Firefox
    • Open Firefox on your mobile device.
    • Tap the three horizontal lines (≡) in the bottom-right corner.
  • Step 2: Clear Cache
    • Go to “Settings,” then “Delete browsing data.”
    • Check the “Cached images and files” option.
    • Tap “Delete browsing data.”

Why Clearing Cache Matters

For Amarillo College students and staff, clearing your browser cache can solve issues such as web pages not displaying the latest information or certain elements not loading properly. It ensures that you’re accessing the most up-to-date content on course websites, student portals, and online resources. If you encounter loading issues, clearing cache is a simple first step to try before seeking further assistance.

By Thomas de Jesus
6 months ago