What is my browser's cache, and how can I clear it?

What is a cache?

A browser's cache is essentially a folder full of temporary files that are stored on your computer for easy access. Rather than having to go out to the Internet to pull the information, your browser can just load the file locally, thus speeding up your browsing experience. However, it's possible that there are nefarious files hidden in that cache. While we're confident the Identity Guard Device Secure app will catch them, sometimes it's a good idea to entirely clear out your cache anyway.

What about cookies?

Cookies are a little different than a cache. Cookies are used to identify users and possibly prepare web pages specifically for you; such as for shopping on Amazon. Amazon is going to try and show you what they think you might buy versus showing you just any random item.  Cookies are normally used to store information for a short amount of time (and usually expire) while cache store files (audio, video, pictures) are stored on your computer until you manually remove it. Continue reading below to see how you can remove your cache and cookies. 

How can I clear my cache & cookies?

You can clear out your cache and cookies by using the instructions below. Scroll down to see instructions for other browsers. 

   Microsoft Edge

1. Open your Microsoft Edge browser if not already open. 
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete at the same time on your keyboard.
3. Next, you will see several boxes checked on the Clear browsing data options panel.
4. Ensure that the Cached data and saved website data option is enabled. You should review the other options here as well before proceeding - You probably want to make sure your saved passwords aren't deleted!
5. Once you're satisfied with your selections, click CLEAR at the bottom.
6. Restart your browser by clicking the X in the top to close Microsoft Edge.

 Mozilla Firefox

1. Open your Mozilla Firefox browser if not already open. 
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete at the same time on your keyboard.
3. A new small window will appear titled Clear Recent History
4. Under the "Time range to clear" drop-down menu, select "Everything"
5. Now, click on the down arrow next to where it says "Details".
6. We recommend only enabling Cookies and Cache then clicking "CLEAR NOW" at the bottom. 
7. The window will disappear, but we also suggest that you close your Mozilla Firefox browser by hitting the X in the top right and then re-opening your browser as you normally would. 

 Google Chrome

1. Open your Google Chrome browser if not already open. 
2. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete at the same time on your keyboard.
3. You will see two options: Basic and Advanced
   • Choose "Advanced"
4. Change the Time Range to "All Time".
5. We recommend only enabling Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files, and Hosted app data then clicking "CLEAR DATA" at the bottom. Make sure that passwords is UNCHECKED!
6. The window will disappear, but we also suggest that you close your Google Chrome browser by hitting the X in the top right and then re-opening your browser as you normally would.

Safari

1. Open your Safari browser if not already open.
2. Click Safari in the upper lefthand corner of your screen.
3. In the menu that appears, click Preferences.
4. In the window that appears, click the Privacy tab, and then click on Remove All Website's Data...
5. In the pop up that appears, click Remove Now.
6. We suggest closing your Safari browser and re-opening your browser as you normally would.