How to clear the browser cache

Whether using a PC or smartphone to surf the internet or use apps, the basic content of any website or app you visit is stored in the cache. This is done to optimize your website and/or app experience, but it can also have a negative impact. If the computer is running slowly or if apps are unstable, it may make sense to delete the app and/or browser app to remove previously saved content.

Web page content stored in the cache can be removed manually. And there are several reasons why you should do this:

• If too much content accumulates in the cache, it can slow down the computer.

• If data stored in the cache is obsolete, it might be displayed instead of current content.

• Clearing the cache also removes data traces stored in the browser.

To clear the cache on Mozilla Firefox, proceed as follows:

1. Open Firefox and enter the appropriate shortcut.
2. A drop down menu opens in the “Delete recent chronicle” window. Specify which time period you want to delete.
3. To clear the entire Firefox cache, select “All” and check the box next to “Cache”. You can then remove other hooks.
4. Confirm with “Delete now” to delete the cache.

To clear the cache on Google Chrome, follow these steps:

1. Open Chrome and enter the shortcut for Windows or Mac.
2. The “Delete browser data” window opens. From the drop-down menu, select the time period you want to clear.
3. To clear the entire Google Chrome cache, select “Everything”. In the overview, check the option “Images and files in cache”.
4. Click on “Delete data” to confirm.

To clear the cache with Safari, proceed as follows:

1. Open the browser and select the appropriate shortcut.
2. A window will pop up asking whether you really want to delete the cache. Confirm this by selecting “Enter” to clear the entire cache.

Alternatively, you can also delete the Safari cache on your Mac using the Developer menu:

1. Open the Safari application and click on “Safari” at the top left of the menu bar.
2. Select the settings item and select “Advanced” in the window that opens.
3. Check “Show menu ‘developer’ in the menu bar.”
4. Select the option “Developer visible” in the menu bar and then select the option “Clear memory cache”.

Microsoft Edge replaces Internet Explorer as the default browser in Windows 10. If you want to delete the information stored in the cache, the process is different with Microsoft Edge than with Internet Explorer.

You can also restore the default settings. Activate the option “Clear on Exit” or set the hard disk space to “Off”.

To make them run faster, mobile operating systems like Android or iOS and mobile apps also store data in the cache. If large amounts of data accumulate, this can have a negative effect, just like on a desktop. If an app is unstable, it can be helpful to clear your mobile caches. The Android operating system has three caches:

• Cache partition: Stores temporary data like videos and images.
• Dalvik cache: Directory list of all installed apps. Serves as a buffer for apps that need a lot of capacity.
• App cache: Separate cache for each app.

Cache partition and Dalvik cache can only be deleted in recovery mode. The minimalist emergency operating system does not have a graphic user interface but consists of a simple text console that provides access to recovery, maintenance, and installation functions. Device manufacturers define a specific shortcut to start the smartphone in Android’s native recovery mode (stock recovery). With most smartphones, you have to press the “power button” and “volume lower” simultaneously for a few seconds. However, the keyboard shortcut may vary depending on the manufacturer. However, navigation within the minimalist menu is always identical:

• Volume button: switch between different options

• Power button: starting a function

With the option “Wipe cache partition” located directly in the main menu, you can delete the cache partition.

If you want to clear your Dalvik cache, you need to start your smartphone in custom recovery mode, and there are special apps that can help you do this. One of the best apps is the freeware ClockworkMod Recovery. The cache can be cleared through the “Advanced” menu and then selecting the “wipe Dalvik cache” option.

Individual app caches can be cleared using the smartphone’s settings:

1. In the “Settings” menu, select the “Apps” menu item. Depending on what interface and Android version you’re using, this path can vary slightly.
2. Select the app caches you want to delete from your available apps.
3. Select the “Force Stop” option.
4. Scroll further down the app menu and select the “Empty Cache” option in the “Cache” submenu.

Alternatively, you can also delete your mobile browser cache directly from the app.

1. Open the Chrome app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Click the symbol with the three superimposed points in the upper right corner
3. Select “History” and “Delete browser data” from the drop-down menu.
4. Specify the time period you want to delete in the top right-hand corner of the screen. To clear the entire cache, select the “total time” option.
5. Select the option “Images and files in cache”.
6. Confirm by clicking “Delete data”.

1. Open the Chrome app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Click the symbol with the three dots in the upper right corner.
3. Select “History” and “Delete browser data”.
4. Select the “Cache images and files” option.
5. Confirm by selecting “Delete browser data”.

1. Open the Settings menu and select Safari.
2. Select the “Delete history and website data” submenu item.
3. Confirm with “Delete history and data”.

If you delete your history, cookies, and search data from the Safari cache, it still saves the information necessary to autocomplete.