How to Clear Cache and Cookies on your Browser – Knowledge Base

Overview

Cache and cookies are integral to your browsing experience, ensuring quicker load times and personalized interactions. However, over time, they can slow down your device and cause issues with websites and also the Fieldwire Web App. Clearing cache and cookies is a simple and effective way to optimize your browser’s performance and resolve these issues. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand and clear your cache and cookies.

What Are Cache and Cookies?

Cache: The cache stores temporary files such as images, scripts, and other website data to help load web pages faster on subsequent visits. By saving copies of these files locally, your browser reduces load time. However, if too many files accumulate or they become outdated, it may slow down browsing.
Cookies: Cookies are small text files that websites place on your device to remember login details, preferences, or shopping cart items. While cookies improve the browsing experience, they also track your behavior online; too many cookies can clutter your browser, potentially causing issues with website functionality.

Why Should You Clear Cache and Cookies?

Free up storage space: As cached files and cookies accumulate, they take up storage space, which may slow down your browser.
Resolve loading issues: Sometimes, old or corrupted cache and cookies may prevent websites from loading correctly. Clearing them ensures you get the most up-to-date version of a website.
Improve security: Clearing cookies reduces the amount of data websites can use to track your online activities. It also helps prevent any misuse of stored login credentials.
Fix login or website issues: If you’re having trouble logging into websites or if the site seems outdated, clearing cache and cookies can resolve the problem.

How to Clear Cache and Cookies on Popular Browsers

1. Google Chrome

Open Chrome and click on the three dots (menu) in the upper-right corner.
Select History > History.
On the left side of the window, click Delete browsing data. You'll see a pop-out window, in which you can choose a time range (e.g., the last hour, last 24 hours, all time).
Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Click Clear data.

2. Mozilla Firefox

Click on the three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper-right corner.
Select Settings.
Go to the Privacy & Security panel.
Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear Data.
Check Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content.
Click Clear.

3. Microsoft Edge

Open Edge and click the three dots (menu) in the upper-right corner.
Select Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
Select a time range and check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Click Clear now.

4. Safari (Mac)

Open Safari and click on Safari in the top menu.
Select Preferences > Privacy.
Click Manage Website Data and then Remove All.
Confirm by clicking Remove Now.

5. Mobile Browsers (Chrome and Safari)

Chrome (Android/iOS):
1. Tap the three dots (menu) > Settings.
2. Go to Privacy > Clear browsing data.
3. Check Cookies, site data and Cached images and files, then tap Clear data.
Safari (iOS):
1. Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data.
2. Confirm by tapping Clear.

How Often Should You Clear Cache and Cookies?

There’s no set rule on how often you should clear cache and cookies, but a good general practice is to do so every few weeks or whenever you notice your browser slowing down or having issues. If privacy is a concern, you may want to clear cookies more frequently.

Conclusion

Clearing cache and cookies is a straightforward way to keep your browser running smoothly while ensuring better performance, security, and privacy. Whether you're troubleshooting a slow browser or just performing regular maintenance, these steps can make a noticeable difference.

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