Clearing your browser history

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This article explains how to clear your browser history and the files it saves on your computer (cache).

Instructions

Google Chrome

When you use a browser like Google Chrome, for example, it saves some information from websites in its cache and cookies.

Clearing them fixes certain problems, like loading or formatting issues on sites and login issues such as remembering old passwords rather than new ones. 

To clear your cache, cookies and web history on Google Chrome please follow the instructions below:

  1. On your computer, open your Google Chrome web browser. 

  2. In the top right-hand corner, click the three ellipsis dots (pictured)

  3. Click “More tools” and then “Clear browsing data”

  4. At the top, choose a time range. To delete everything, select “All time”

  5. Then make sure “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” boxes are ticked.  

  6. Then click “Clear data” to complete. 

For guides on clearing your browser history and cache for a range of other web browsers, please refer to our detailed compilation:

Microsoft Edge

The process involves going to Settings > Privacy, search, and services, and selecting "Clear browsing data now." You have the option to select the types of browsing data you wish to clear, including browsing history, cookies, and cached images and files. For a detailed walkthrough, visit Microsoft Support.

Firefox

Firefox allows for selective data clearing, letting you choose what data to keep and what to remove for privacy and speed benefits. You can clear your cache through the menu in the top right corner, under Privacy & Security settings​. For a detailed walkthrough, visit Mozilla Support.

Safari

While specifics weren't directly provided in the sources, similar steps apply to Safari as to other browsers. Typically, you can find options to clear your history and cache in the Safari menu under Preferences > Privacy. For a detailed walkthrough, visit Apple Support.

Please note that once you clear your web browser history, cache and cookies, you may now find that websites won't remember your login details and you will have to write them in again.

For other web browsers, be sure to look for the support options on their website.


Have specific questions or valuable feedback? Reach out to our team via the Service Desk.