Your internet browser stores website data in a temporary storage area called the cache. This allows for improved performance of your web browser because, when future requests for data are made, the browser can load data from the cache instead of the internet. The cache is similar to the storage of internet browsing history, but it doesn’t keep track of the entire web page. Instead, it stores certain page elements, like pictures, interactive content and other style aspects.
Think about a restaurant. At any given time, there are numerous people making various requests of their waiters. The vast majority of the time, the wait staff is able to handle all of the guests needs. However, there are some requests that require the attention of the manager because the waitstaff cannot effectively handle them.
In this scenario, the cache is the waitstaff, handling most data requests. The server is the manager, only handling requests that cannot be adequately met by the cache.
What cache means for your website
When a user accesses your website, before sending a request to the hosting server, their system checks the cache storage for a copy of the requested page. If a copy exists, it is delivered to the user in a timely process, taking less time than the server would process the request.
When this happens correctly, it creates a better experience for the user by helping the site load faster. Less wait time keeps the user engaged with your content instead of wandering off to a competitor’s website.
Let’s say a user is accessing two different sites in search of the same product. If your page loads first, there is a greater chance that the user will purchase from your site over the slower one. So, a working cache could equate to greater conversion.
However, when you make changes to your website, they may not be immediately visible to a user who has previously visited your site. In some cases, the cached version is served to the user along with the revised version, making your website appear kind of “funky”. These issues can also arise when the cache is stored at the Internet Service Provider (ISP) level. One version of your site may be seen on the local wifi while another version is seen when viewed with a mobile data connection.
How to clear your website’s cache
When issues occur, it may be necessary to go in and clear your web browser’s cache. Before you start though, it’s important to note that clearing the cache, cookies, and history may remove saved passwords, address bar predictions and shopping cart contents, along with other types of data. So, you may want to record your saved information before starting the process.
Clearing Cache on Mobile Devices
Android
The exact steps may vary depending on the model of your Android device and your browser of choice,
- Go to Settings and choose Apps or Application Manager.
- Swipe to the All tab.
- In the list of installed apps, find and tap your web browser. Tap Clear Data and then Clear Cache.
- Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Chrome for Android
- Tap Chrome menu > Settings.
- Tap (Advanced) Privacy.
- From the “Time Range” drop-down menu, select All Time.
- Check Cookies and Site data and Cached Images and Files.
- Tap Clear data.
- Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Safari for iOS
- Open your Settings app.
- Tap Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data and confirm.
- Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Chrome for iOS
- Tap Chrome menu > Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Tap Clear Browsing Data.
- Choose the data type you want to clear.
- Tap Clear Browsing Data.
- Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Clearing Cache on Desktop Browsers
Chrome
- In the browser bar, enter: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
- At the top of the “Clear browsing data” window, click Advanced.
- Select the following:
- Browsing history
- Download history
- Cookies and other site data
- Cached images and files
From the “Time range” drop-down menu, you can choose the period of time for which you want to clear cached information. To clear your entire cache, select All time.
- Click CLEAR DATA.
- Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Firefox
- From the History menu, select Clear Recent History.
If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible. - From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select the desired range; to clear your entire cache, select Everything.
- Next to “Details”, click the down arrow to choose which elements of the history to clear; to clear your entire cache, select all items.
- Click Clear Now.
- Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Microsoft Edge
- In the top right, click the Hub icon (looks like star with three horizontal lines).
- Click the History icon (looks like a clock), and then select Clear all history.
- Select Browsing history, then Cookies and saved website data, and then Cached data and files. Click Clear.
- After the “All Clear!” message appears, exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Internet Explorer 11
- Select Tools > Safety > Delete browsing history….
If the menu bar is hidden, press Alt to make it visible. - Deselect Preserve Favorites website data, and select:
- Temporary Internet files or Temporary Internet files and website files
- Cookies or Cookies and website data
- History
- Click Delete. You will see a confirmation at the bottom of the window when the process is complete.
- Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Opera
- From the Opera menu, select Settings, then Privacy & Security, and then Clear browsing data.
- In the dialog box that opens, from the “Obliterate the following items from:” drop-down menu, select The beginning of time.
- Select the following:
- Browsing history
- Download history
- Cookies and other site data
- Cached images and files
- Click Clear browsing data.
- Exit/quit all browser windows and re-open the browser.
Safari 8 and later
- From the Safari menu, select Clear History… or Clear History and Website Data….
- Select the desired time range, and then click Clear History.
- Go to Safari > Quit Safari or press Command-Q to exit the browser completely.