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How to Clear Web Browser Cache and Cookies

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How to Clear Web Browser Cache and Cookies

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are updated each time a page is viewed, but from time to time, the folder is filled or the files themselves can become outdated or corrupt.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 Blackboard or Brightspace should be used when finished working, rather than simply closing the browser. Logging off will help prevent any future cache issues.

Google Chrome

  1. Use the “X” on the Chrome tab to close all *but* one tab.
  2. In the top right corner of Chrome, click the More button:More.
  3. Click on More tools, then Clear browsing data.
  4. At the top of the pop-up window, click Advanced.
  5. Click on the option next to Time Range, and select All Time.
  6. Under the time range, ensure that only the following options are checked: Cookies and other site data and Cached Images and Files
  7. Click Clear data.
  8. Close all Chrome windows and tabs, and then reopen Chrome to complete these steps.

Mozilla Firefox 88 and below

  1. Use the “X” on the Chrome tab to close all *but* one tab.
  2. Click the Bookshelf button at the top of the window, then History and Clear Recent History.
  3. In the Clear All History box, Set Time range to clear to Everything and check only the boxes for
    • Browsing & Download History
    • Cookies
    • Cache
    • Active Logins
  4. Click Ok.
  5. Close all Firefox windows and tabs, and then reopen Firefox to complete these steps.


Mozilla Firefox 89+

  1. Click the menu button: Fx89menuButton , and select Settings.
  2. Select the Privacy & Security option from the list on the left.
  3. In the Cookies and Site Data section, 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.

Safari

  1. Close all Safari tabs but one.
  2. Click on Safari, then click Preferences
  3. Click the Privacy tab, then Manage Website Data
  4. Select Remove All, then Remove Now, then Done
  5. Click Safari, then click Preferences
  6. In the Preferences window, click the Advanced tab and make sure the checkbox next to “Show Develop menu in menu bar” is selected.
  7. Select Develop in the menu bar on the top of the screen, then click Empty Caches.

  8. Close the browser.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Use the “X” on the Edge tab to close all *but* one tab:
  2. Click the Settings and more button, then History
  3. Click More Options button on the History menu, then Clear browsing data
  4. Change the time range to All Time; select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files; then click on Clear now.
  5. Close all Edge windows and tabs, and then reopen Edge to complete these steps.

Internet Explorer

Support for IE has been phased out. It is no longer supported by Microsoft. Its use is not supported by Blackboard or Brightspace.

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

Updated 2/1/2023

Details

Article ID: 106849
Created
Tue 5/5/20 5:10 PM
Modified
Wed 2/1/23 5:06 PM