Captain Ratatype
To help pages load more quickly, your browser stores bits of each website: fonts, scripts, stylesheets and images. This is handy, but it also means the browser can carry on showing an outdated version of a page even after the site itself has changed.
Here's when it's worth clearing that cache:
- The website has been updated, but you're still seeing the previous layout, buttons or wording.
- Something's broken since the last update — buttons won't respond, a form refuses to submit, or the page looks jumbled.
- You're having trouble logging in or accessing your account. Clearing the cache can sometimes sort this out if a site won't let you in, keeps freezing, or displays outdated details. That said, it's usually cookies that need clearing too, or you might try opening the site in a private window instead.
Clearing your cache in each browser
Below are the quickest ways to do it, using keyboard shortcuts wherever possible.
Clearing the cache in Chrome
- Launch Chrome.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows/Linux, or Cmd + Shift + Delete on a Mac.
- Set the time range to "all time" for best results.
- Tick the box marked "Cached images and files."
- Click "Delete data."
Clearing the cache in Safari on Mac
- Launch Safari.
- Head to Safari → Settings → Advanced.
- Switch on "Show features for web developers" (also labelled "Show the Develop menu in the menu bar").
- From the menu bar, choose "Develop" → "Empty Caches" — or simply press ⌥ Option + ⌘ Command + E.
Clearing the cache in Microsoft Edge
- Launch Edge.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete on Windows, or navigate to Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data.
- Choose "all time" as your time range.
- Tick the box next to "Cached images and files."
- Select "Clear now."
Clearing the cache in Firefox
- Launch Firefox.
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security, or press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Cmd + Shift + Delete on a Mac).
- Look for "Cookies and Site Data" / "Browsing Data" and select "Clear Data."
- Choose "Everything."
- Tick "Temporary Cached Files and Pages."
- Hit "Clear."
Fancy checking things without wiping all your saved data? Open the page in "Incognito" or a private browsing window first.
And that's it — you're now clued up on clearing the cache in any browser using nothing but a few keyboard shortcuts. Whilst you're here, why not brush up on your typing speed with Ratatype too?
