How to Clear Web Browser Cache and Cookies

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The following article details the steps required to clear your web browser's cache and cookies.

Please note that the course layout, steps, and screenshots shown below may differ slightly for your campus.

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Jump to: Google Chrome

Jump to: Mozilla Firefox

Jump to: Safari

Jump to: Microsoft Edge

The temporary Internet files and cookies, which make up the “browser cache," are what help the browser keep track of the information that is displayed on a web page. Normally they are updated each time a page is viewed, but from time to time, the folder is filled or the files themselves can become outdated or corrupt. Erasing these files will have no effect on other data stored on the computer. Before clearing the cache, make sure all other browser windows are closed except one. Once the cache has been cleared, the browser must be closed and restarted.

Note: Manually logging out of Brightspace, rather than simply closing the browser when you are finished working, can help prevent future cache issues.


Google Chrome

  1. Click the Customize and Control Google Chrome buttonin the upper right corner of the browser window.
  2. Click on "Delete browsing data..".
  3. Click on More, and select All Time.
  4. Ensure that only the following options are checked: Cookies and other site data and Cached Images and Files.
  5. Click Delete data.
  6. Close all Chrome windows and tabs, and then reopen Chrome to complete the process.

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Mozilla Firefox

  1. Click the menu button  , and select Settings in the upper right corner of the browser window.
  2. Select the Privacy & Security option from the list on the left.
  3. Find the Cookies and Site Data section, and click the 'Clear Data...' button.
  4. Ensure that both Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are both checked.
  5. Click the blue Clear button.
  6. Close all Firefox windows and tabs, and then reopen Firefox to complete these steps.

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Safari

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Click Safari in the top-left menu bar, and then select Settings.
  3. Click Privacy.
  4. Click Manage Website Data.
  5. Click Remove All, then click Remove Now
  6. Close Safari, and then reopen Safari to complete these steps.

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Microsoft Edge

  1. Click on the Settings and more button  in the upper right corner of the browser window.
  2. Click Delete browsing data. Alternatively, press the Ctrl + Shift + Delete keys together to bring up the window to clear your browser cache.
  3. Ensure the Time Range is set to All time, and that only Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are checked.
  4. Click Clear Now.
  5. Close Edge, and then reopen Edge to complete these steps.

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If you need further assistance or have additional questions please contact:
SUNY Online Support Services HelpDesk
1-844-673-6786 | sunyonlinehelp@suny.edu

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