Clearing Browser Cache

This KB Article References: PeopleSoft, Zoom, Blackboard, Google Drive, Qualtrics
This Information is Intended for: Instructors, Researchers, Staff, Students
Created: 07/15/2013 Last Updated: 12/12/2023

Web browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari) store some data from web pages in your computer in what's called the cache.

Why Clear Your Cache?

You may need to clear this cache in the following situations:

  • After a PeopleSoft/SOLAR upgrade
  • Errors when using Work-At-Home VPN
  • When experiencing unexpected behavior from a website or browser-based software (e.g., Google Mail/Calendar/Drive, Zoom within Google)
  • Browser is slow or unresponsive

How To Clear Your Cache

To clear the cache, first access the cache settings and then select the appropriate options for your browser.  Once you clear cache, close and reopen the browser:

Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer

  1. Open Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer and press the following on your keyboard:
    • PC: Ctrl + Shift + Delete
    • Mac: Command + Shift + Delete (use the Delete key next to the +)
  2. Based on the browser you are using, select the appropriate options:
    • In Chrome chrome icon,  for Time Range, select All time; then check/select Browsing historyCookies and other site data, and Cached images and files and click Clear Data.
      chrome clear browser cache
    • In Firefox Firefox icon, for Time range to clear, select Everything; then click Details and select Cookies and Cache. Then click Clear Now.
      clear browsing data firefox
    • In Internet Explorer IE icon, check off Temporary Internet Files and Cookies.  Then click Delete.

Safari

  1. Open Safari safari icon 
  2. Access clear cache options by selecting Safari (in the top left next to apple iconand then Clear History and Website Data. 
    Safari menu with Clear History and Website Data ... selected
  3. For Clear select all history, and then click Clear History.
     

safari clear cache

 

iPhone/iPad

Safari Browser

Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data > Clear History and Data

Chrome iOS App

Follow these instructions:  https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS&oco=2

 

Android

Chrome Android App

Follow these instructions:  https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/32050?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&oco=2

 

All Other Installed Browsers on Mobile Devices

For installed browsers, go to the app directly (not the device's Settings App) to find the option to clear your cache and history.  Some browsers like Duck Duck Go do not save website files.

 

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