Fixing Error Messages

Some browser errors, such as “Page not found,” “403 Forbidden,” or “502 Bad Gateway,” can sometimes be caused by outdated or corrupted cache files. Clearing the cache can help resolve these errors.

Introduction

Your web browser stores temporary files, known as cache, to speed up website loading times. While useful, cached files can sometimes cause issues by displaying outdated content or interfering with website functionality. Clearing your browser cache can resolve these problems and ensure you’re seeing the latest version of a website.

This guide explains how to clear your cache on different browsers and devices.

What is Browser Cache?

A browser cache stores website data (such as images, stylesheets, and scripts) to improve page load speeds. Instead of reloading all content each time you visit a site, your browser retrieves stored files from the cache.

However, cached files can become outdated or corrupted, leading to issues like:

• Websites not updating properly
• Pages loading incorrectly
• Login or functionality problems

Clearing your cache forces your browser to download the latest files from the website.

How to Clear Cache in Different Browsers

Google Chrome

On Desktop (Windows & macOS)

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click the three-dot menu ⋮ in the top-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Navigate to Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
5. Under the Basic tab, check Cached images and files (you can also select other options if needed).
6. Choose a time range (e.g., Last hour, Last 24 hours, All time).
7. Click Clear data.

On Mobile (Android & iOS)

1. Open Chrome.
2. Tap the three-dot menu ⋮ (Android) or … (iOS).
3. Go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
4. Select Cached images and files.
5. Tap Clear data.

Mozilla Firefox

On Desktop (Windows & macOS)

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the menu button ≡ in the top-right corner and choose Settings.
3. Navigate to Privacy & Security.
4. Scroll down to Cookies and Site Data.
5. Click Clear Data…, then select Cached Web Content.
6. Click Clear.

On Mobile (Android & iOS)

1. Open Firefox.
2. Tap the menu ≡ and go to Settings.
3. Select Delete browsing data.
4. Check Cached images and files.
5. Tap Delete browsing data.

Microsoft Edge

On Desktop (Windows & macOS)

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Click the three-dot menu ⋮ and go to Settings.
3. Navigate to Privacy, search, and services.
4. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.
5. Select Cached images and files.
6. Click Clear now.

On Mobile (Android & iOS)

1. Open Edge.
2. Tap the three-dot menu ⋮ and select Settings.
3. Go to Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
4. Select Cached images and files.
5. Tap Clear.

Safari (Mac & iOS)

On Mac (macOS)

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari in the menu bar and select Preferences.
3. Go to the Advanced tab and check Show Develop menu in menu bar.
4. Click Develop in the menu bar and select Empty Caches.

On iPhone & iPad (iOS/iPadOS)

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Safari.
3. Tap Clear History and Website Data.
4. Confirm by tapping Clear History and Data.

Opera

On Desktop (Windows & macOS)

1. Open Opera.
2. Click the O menu in the top-left corner and go to Settings.
3. Select Privacy & security > Clear browsing data.
4. Choose Cached images and files.
5. Click Clear data.

On Mobile (Android & iOS)

1. Open Opera.
2. Tap the O menu and go to Settings.
3. Select Clear browsing data.
4. Choose Cached images and files.
5. Tap Clear data.

How Often Should You Clear Your Cache?

• If a website isn’t loading correctly, try clearing your cache.
• Regularly clearing your cache (every few weeks) can help keep your browser running smoothly.
• If you use a shared or public device, clearing your cache after each session is recommended.