How to Clear Browser Cache
Fix loading issues, outdated content, and free up storage by clearing your browser cache. Works for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Atlas Browser.
Last updated: December 2025
-Quick Keyboard Shortcuts
Works in most browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Atlas.
What is Browser Cache?
Browser cache is a temporary storage location on your computer where your browser saves copies of web pages, images, scripts, and other files. When you revisit a website, the browser loads these cached files instead of downloading them again, making pages load faster.
While caching improves performance, it can sometimes cause problems:
- Outdated content: You might see old versions of websites
- Loading errors: Corrupted cache files can break pages
- Storage issues: Cache can consume gigabytes of disk space
- Privacy concerns: Cached data reveals your browsing history
Clear Cache by Browser
🔵 Google Chrome
- Click the three-dot menu (- in the top right corner
- Go to Settings -Privacy and security
- Click Delete browsing data
- Select Time range: All time
- Check Cached images and files
- Click Delete data
🟠 Mozilla Firefox
- Click the hamburger menu (- in the top right
- Go to Settings -Privacy & Security
- Scroll to Cookies and Site Data
- Click Clear Data...
- Check Cached Web Content
- Click Clear
-Safari (Mac)
- Click Safari in the menu bar
- Select Settings... (or Preferences)
- Go to the Advanced tab
- Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar
- Click Develop -Empty Caches
🔷 Microsoft Edge
- Click the three-dot menu (- in the top right
- Go to Settings -Privacy, search, and services
- Under "Delete browsing data," click Choose what to clear
- Select Cached images and files
- Click Clear now
🟣 Atlas Browser
Recommended- Click the Atlas menu or use keyboard shortcut
- Go to Privacy -Clear Browsing Data
- Select Cache (cookies are separate for privacy)
- Choose time range and click Clear
When Should You Clear Cache?
-Good Times to Clear
- -Website not loading correctly
- -Seeing outdated content after updates
- -Running low on disk space
- -Monthly maintenance routine
- -After visiting untrusted websites
⚠️ Things to Know
- -First load after clearing will be slower
- -May need to re-download media files
- -Won't delete passwords (separate setting)
- -Won't fix all website issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between cache and cookies?
Cache stores website files (images, scripts, styles) to speed up loading. Cookies store small data files like login sessions and preferences. Clearing cookies will log you out of websites; clearing cache usually won't.
Will clearing cache delete my bookmarks?
No. Bookmarks, saved passwords, and autofill data are stored separately. Clearing cache only removes temporary website files.
How much space does cache typically use?
Browser cache can range from a few hundred MB to several GB depending on your browsing habits. Heavy media consumption (videos, images) increases cache size significantly.
Can I set cache to clear automatically?
Yes! Most browsers have an option to clear cache on exit. In Chrome: Settings -Privacy -Clear browsing data on exit. Atlas Browser offers this plus per-profile automatic clearing.