How to Clear Cookies and Cache: An Easy-to-Use Guide for All Browsers and Devices in 2024
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of clearing cookies and cache on your browser, computer, or phone. Cookies are small files created by websites you visit, stored on your device to ensure a seamless user experience. Cache stores data locally to improve loading speeds. Additionally, this guide will provide valuable tips on how to browse the web more securely and enhance your online security with VPNs.
Understanding Cookies and Cache
Cookies facilitate various functions on websites, often being added to your computer after you enter a site or perform specific interactions. They typically expire after a certain period. Cache, on the other hand, accumulates much more data on your computer, which can significantly reduce free disk space.
Clearing cookies and cache periodically is good practice for both privacy and performance. This guide offers step-by-step instructions for deleting browser cookies and cache on all devices and browsers.
Clearing Cookies on Different Browsers
Chrome
- Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner to access the Customize and control Google Chrome menu.
- Hover over More tools and select Clear browsing data.
- Check only Cookies and other site data if you don’t want to clear history or cache.
- Select a Time range from the drop-down menu. All time is recommended.
- Click Clear data.
Firefox
- Click the menu icon (☰) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Click on Privacy and Security.
- Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and select Clear Data.
- Choose what you wish to remove and click Clear Now.
Microsoft Edge
- Click the three dots in the top right corner to access Settings.
- Click Cookies and site permissions on the left side.
- Select Manage and delete cookies and site data.
- Go to See all cookies and site data.
- Choose what to clear or select Remove all.
Safari
- Open Safari and go to Preferences.
- Click Privacy.
- Choose Manage Website Data.
- Optionally, select specific websites to keep and remove others manually.
- Click Remove All.
Clearing Cache and Cookies on Computers
Mac
- Locate the Library folder on your Mac.
- Go to the Cache subfolder and delete everything inside, without deleting the folder itself.
- Open Finder and navigate to
Users/your_username
. - Select View and then Show View Options.
- Check Show Library Folder and close the window.
- Locate the visible
~Library
folder and clear its Cache subfolder.
Windows 10 and Windows 11
Clearing Cookies
Option 1: Internet Explorer
- Open Internet Explorer and click the Tools cogwheel.
- Hover over Safety and select Delete browsing history.
- Check Cookies and website data and click Delete.
Option 2: Control Panel
- Search for the Control Panel app.
- Open Network and Internet and go to Internet Options.
- Under Browsing history, select Delete browsing history on exit and hit OK.
- To delete cookies only, click the Delete… button and untick other boxes.
Clearing Cache
- Press the Windows key and search for Disk Cleanup.
- Select the drive you want to clean up, usually C:.
- Check Temporary files and optionally other data.
- Click OK.
Clearing Cookies and Cache on Mobile Devices
iPhone
Clearing Cookies
- Open Settings and scroll to Safari.
- Tap Advanced and then Website Data.
- Select Remove All Website Data or edit to select cookies individually.
Clearing Cache
- Go to Settings and tap General.
- Select iPhone Storage and choose the app to clear cache.
- Opt for Offload App if you want to keep the data but remove the app itself.
Android
Clearing Cookies
- Open Chrome and tap the three dots at the top right.
- Select History and then Clear browsing data.
- Choose a Time range and deselect other options if you only want to clear cookies.
- Tap Clear data.
Clearing Cache
- Go to Settings and tap Storage.
- Select Other apps and choose the app to clear cache.
- Tap Clear cache.
Should You Accept Cookies?
Cookies can enhance your browsing experience by remembering your preferences and login details. However, they also pose privacy risks. It’s advisable to clear cookies regularly to protect your data.
How Often Should You Clear Cookies?
To maintain privacy and browser performance, it’s recommended to clear cookies at least once a month on personal devices. Public computer users should clear cookies and other data after each session.
Reasons to Clear Cookies
- Increased Security Risk: Cookies can be hijacked by hackers.
- Decreased Performance: Accumulated cookies can slow down your browser.
- Increased Privacy Risk: Cookies store personal data that can be used for tracking.
- Account Protection: Clearing cookies prevents unauthorized access to your accounts.
Types of Cookies
Session Cookies
These remain on your computer until you close your browser, useful for functions like online shopping carts.
Persistent Cookies
These stay on your device from session to session, often storing login credentials or tracking your visits.
Third-Party Cookies
These are added by third parties on websites you visit and pose significant privacy risks.
The Bottom Line
Understanding and managing cookies and cache is crucial for a secure and efficient online experience. Regularly clearing cookies and cache helps maintain privacy, improve performance, and protect your data. For enhanced security, consider using a VPN and browsing in private mode when necessary.