Clear Browser Cache
Internet browsers save tiny bits of information on the computer user's machines in order to track where they've been and what passwords they've used. This process is called caching. Cached information can corrupt online interactions. The first step in troubleshooting any issue involving cached data is to clear out this data from the user's computer. Follow the instructions below the learn how to clear cached data.
Windows PC Internet Browsers
- Internet Explorer
- Firefox
- Chrome
Apple Computer Internet Browsers
- Safari
- Firefox
- Chrome
INTERNET EXPLORER (PC):
1. Open "Internet Explorer".
2. Click on the Gear icon at the upper right of the Internet Explorer window.
3. Select the "Safety" option on the drop down menu.
4. Click the "Delete browsing history..." option.
5. To just delete the cache, check the boxes in the following way and then click the “Delete” button.
CHROME (PC)
1. Open Chrome
2. At the upper right there is an icon with three horizontal lines. Please click on it.
3. Select the option that says "Tools". A new drop down will appear.
4. Select the option that says "Clear Browsing Data".
5. On the new tab, by default, all the options may be checked. You may uncheck the ones you would not like to delete by clicking the tick boxes. Similarly, you can adjust the time frame for which you would like to clear the cache. After making these adjustments (if any), click the “Clear browsing data” button.
FIREFOX (PC)
1. Open Firefox
2. Click on the tab at the upper left of Firefox that says "Tools".
3. Click on "Options".
4. Select the "Advanced" tab at the top of the window.
5. Click on the "Network" tab under the Advanced menu.
6. Click on the "Clear Now" button which should be the second section down. (It might look like it freezes the computer. Please wait for a few minutes until things act normal again)
7. Press "OK" at the bottom of the page
SAFARI (MAC)
1. Open Safari
2. Click on the "Safari" Tab at the far upper left of the screen.
3. Select the "Reset Safari" option from the pull down menu.
4. On the new window, make sure all boxes are checked and Click "Reset".
FIREFOX (MAC)
1. Open Firefox
2. On the top panel, click "Firefox" and then "Preferences". (Alternatively, you can press “⌘ and ,” together to get the same menu - like below.)
3. Select the "Advanced" tab at the top of the window.
4. Click on the "Network" tab under the Advanced menu.
5. Click on the "Clear Now" button which should be the second section down. (This might look like it freezes the computer. Please wait for a few minutes until things act normal again)
CHROME (Mac)
1. Open Chrome
2. In the address bar, type in chrome://settings/clearBrowserData and hit enter.
3. The following options should appear.
4. On the new tab, by default, all the options may be checked. You may uncheck the ones you would not like to delete by clicking the tick boxes. Similarly, you can adjust the time frame for which you would like to clear the cache. After making these adjustments (if any), click the “Clear browsing data” button.
Support
For further assistance, please contact the Technology Help Desk at 215-951-4648 or by Email at HelpDesk@PhilaU.edu