When you visit a website, your web browser stores files for later use. One example is browser cache files. These files include the content from that site—including pictures, videos, and text. This allows your browser to display that content much faster when it visits that site again, since the browser is accessing files from your computer rather than downloading them from the Internet. Your browser also stores another type of file when you visit a website, called a cookie. Cookies are used to remember user preferences and log-in information.
Given the amount and nature of the dynamic content you will visit during your time at Relay, this process of storing files may result in a mismatch of content or functionality. When you write to the Tech Team about a problem, one of our first suggestions will be to clear your cache and cookies. This document will walk you through how to clear your cache and cookies.
To begin, find your web browser name below. You can find out which browser you're using by going here.
Google Chrome
1. To clear your cache and cookies in Google Chrome, begin by clicking on the menu icon. From the drop-down list, select “Tools,” and then “Clear Browsing Data…”
2. The settings tab will appear, with a box on top titled “Clear Browsing Data.” For “Obliterate the following items from,” select “the beginning of time.” In the list below, check off “Empty the cache” and “Delete cookies and other site and plug-in data.”
3. Once you click “Clear browsing data,” the box will disappear. Your cache and cookies have been cleared!
Mozilla Firefox for Windows
1. To clear your cache and cookies in Firefox (version 16 and above) for Windows, begin by clicking on the “Firefox” menu. From the menu, select “History” and then “Clear Recent History…”
2. A box titled “Clear All History” will appear. Click on the drop-down box next to “Time range to clear,” and set it to “Everything.” In the box below, make sure the “Cookies” and "Cache" options are checked. You may need to select the arrow next to “Details” to see the list.
3. Once you click “Clear Now,” the box will disappear. Your cache and cookies have been cleared!
Mozilla Firefox for Mac
1. To clear your cache in Firefox (version 16 or above) for Mac, begin by clicking on the "Tools" menu located in the application menu bar. From the drop-down list, select "Clear Recent History."
2. A new screen titled "Clear All History" will appear. Click on the drop-down box next to "Time range to clear" and set it to "Everything." In the box below, make sure the “Cookies” and "Cache" options are checked. You may need to select the arrow next to “Details” to see the list.
3. Once you click "Clear Now" the box will disappear. Your cache and cookies have been cleared!
Apple Safari
1. To clear your cache and cookies in Apple Safari, begin by clicking on the "Safari" menu located in the application menu. From the drop-down list, select "Preferences."
2. A new screen will appear. Select the “Privacy” tab, and then click on “Remove All Website Data.”
3. Select “Remove now” from the confirmation box. Your cache and cookies have been cleared!
