How to clear cache and cookies in your browser: a complete guide

Cookies and cache are files that browsers save on your computer when visiting websites. They help pages load faster but can accumulate over time and slow down performance. This guide shows how to clear cache and cookies in five main browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge, and Safari.

Why You Should Regularly Delete Cache and Cookies

Deleting cache and cookie files is beneficial for several reasons. First, it frees up space on your hard drive and can improve browser performance. Second, it helps protect your privacy since cookies contain information about your online activities. Third, sometimes clearing browser data resolves issues with website loading or content display.

How to Clear Cache in Google Chrome

Google Chrome allows you to quickly delete unnecessary files. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Chrome on your computer.
2. Click the three dots icon (menu) in the top right corner.
3. In the dropdown menu, select More tools, then Clear browsing data.
4. In the window that appears, set the time range at the top. To delete everything, choose All time.
5. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
6. Click Clear data.

Afterward, the browser will restart and work faster.

How to Delete Files in Firefox

Firefox provides an easy way to manage cache and cookies. Follow these steps:

1. Launch Firefox on your computer.
2. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
3. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.
4. On the left panel, go to Privacy & Security.
5. Find the Cookies and Site Data section and click Clear Data.
6. Check the boxes for Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content.
7. Click Clear.

Clearing Browser Data in Brave

Brave is a fast browser with built-in ad blocking. Clearing cache here works similarly:

1. Open Brave browser.
2. Click the menu button (three lines) in the top right corner.
3. Select More tools, then Clear browsing data.
4. Set the time range at the top. Choose All time to clear everything.
5. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
6. Click Clear data.

How to Clear Cache in Microsoft Edge Chromium

Microsoft Edge is based on Chromium, so the process is similar to Chrome:

1. Launch Edge on your PC.
2. Click the three dots in the top right corner or press ALT + F to open the menu.
3. Go to Settings (at the bottom).
4. Select Privacy, search, and services on the left.
5. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
6. Set the time range to All time.
7. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
8. Make sure Browsing history is checked if you want to delete it.
9. Click Clear now.

Reset Cookies and Cache in Safari

Safari on Mac has a slightly different interface for managing cache:

1. Open Safari.
2. In the menu bar at the top, click Safari, then select Clear History.
3. In the dialog box, choose all history.
4. Click Clear History.

Alternatively, for more thorough data removal:

1. Open Safari.
2. Go to Safari > Preferences.
3. Click the Privacy tab.
4. Click Manage Website Data.
5. Click Remove All to delete all stored cookies and data.

Tips for Keeping Your Browser Clean

To maintain optimal browser performance, it’s recommended to clear cache and cookies regularly—at least once a month. You can also set browsers to automatically delete data upon closing. Most modern browsers have an option like “Delete cookies and site data on exit,” which helps protect your privacy and keep your browser running smoothly without extra effort.