How to Clear Browser Cache

Overview

This article contains information to help guide you through clearing your browser's cache.

Table of Contents

Clearing your browser cache can be beneficial for several reasons:

  1. Improves Performance: Over time, cached data can accumulate and slow down your browser.

  2. Frees Up Space: Cached files can take up significant disk space.

  3. Resolves Loading Issues: Sometimes, outdated or corrupted cached files can cause websites to load incorrectly or not at all.

  4. Enhances Security and Privacy: Cached data can include sensitive information. Clearing the cache helps protect your privacy and ensures that personal data is not stored unnecessarily.

  5. Fixes Display Problems: Changes made to websites (such as updates or redesigns) may not display correctly if the old versions are still in the cache.

Performing the following steps will help if a website such as GEMS, FAST, or any other website is not displaying correctly.

Microsoft Edge

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. At the top right, select the three dots.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. In the left -hand column, select Privacy, search, and services.
  5. Under Clear browsing data, select Choose what to clear
  6. Under Time range, choose a time range (USF IT recommends selecting All Time)
  7. Place a check mark next to Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files
  8. Select Clear now
  9. Close and reopen Edge 

Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome.
  2. At the top right, select the three dots.
  3. Select Delete browsing data.
  4. Choose a Time range, like Last hour or All time. (USF IT recommends selecting All Time)
  5. Place a check mark next to Cookies and other site data and Cache images and files.
  6. Select Delete data.
  7. Close and reopen Google Chrome.

Firefox

  1. Open FireFox.
  2. At the top right, select the three lines.
  3. Select Settings
  4. In the left-hand column, select Privacy & Security.
  5. Under Cookies and Site Data, select Clear Data.
  6. Place a check mark next to Cached Web Content.
  7. Select Clear.
  8. Close and reopen FireFox. 

Safari (for macOS)

  1. Open Safari.
  2. At the top toolbar, select History.
  3. Select Clear History.
  4. Choose a time range, like Last Hour or All History. (USF IT recommends selecting All History)
  5. Select Clear History.
  6. Close and reopen Safari.


If you are unable to solve your issue with this knowledge base article, please contact the USF IT Service Desk by using Chat at itchat.usf.edu, calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu. 

If you find any errors or omissions in any knowledge base article, please contact and inform the USF IT Service Desk by calling (813) 974-HELP (4357) or emailing help@usf.edu.