How do I clear my internet browser cache?

Clearing Your Cache and Cookies in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox

Quick Overview
  • Step-by-step instructions for clearing cache and cookies in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox
  • Applies to anyone having trouble logging into Banner or another SFA system, or seeing outdated page content
  • Clearing cookies signs you out of most websites, so have your passwords ready before you start
  • Steps apply to Windows and Mac

Your browser stores two kinds of data locally: cache (temporary files like images and scripts that help pages load faster) and cookies (small files that keep you signed in and remember your preferences). Over time this stored data can become outdated or corrupted, which can cause pages to display incorrectly, fail to load, or block you from logging into a site such as Banner. Clearing your cache and cookies is often the first troubleshooting step for these issues.

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Tip
In Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete opens the clear browsing data screen directly, so you can skip the settings menu entirely.
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Important
Clearing cookies will sign you out of most websites, so make sure you know your passwords before you begin. If you only need to clear data for one specific site rather than your whole browser, click the padlock or site information icon in the address bar and look for site settings instead.
Google Chrome ⌄
  1. Open Chrome and click the three dots in the upper-right corner, then select Settings.
Chrome menu with Settings option highlighted
  1. In the left sidebar, click Privacy and security, then click Delete browsing data.
Chrome Privacy and security settings with Delete browsing data option
  1. Set the time range to All time. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Chrome Delete browsing data dialog with checkboxes selected
  1. Click Delete data.
  2. Restart Chrome, then try accessing the site again.
Microsoft Edge ⌄
  1. Open Edge and click the three dots in the upper-right corner, then select Settings.
Edge menu with Settings option highlighted
  1. In the left sidebar, click Privacy, search, and services.
  2. Under "Clear browsing data," click Choose what to clear.
Edge Privacy, search, and services settings with Choose what to clear option
  1. Set the time range to All time. Check Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
Edge Clear browsing data dialog with time range and checkboxes
  1. Click Clear now.
  2. Restart Edge, then try accessing the site again.
Mozilla Firefox ⌄
  1. Open Firefox and click the three stacked lines in the upper-right corner, then select Settings.
Firefox menu with Settings option highlighted
  1. In the left sidebar, click Privacy & Security.
  2. Scroll to the Cookies and Site Data section and click Clear Data.
Firefox Privacy and Security settings with Cookies and Site Data section
  1. In the dialog, check Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content, then click Clear.
Firefox Clear Data dialog with Everything time range and checkboxes
  1. Restart Firefox, then try accessing the site again.

Need Help?

If you have followed these steps and are still having trouble, contact the IT Help Desk at (936) 468-4357 (HELP), email helpdesk@sfasu.edu, or submit a ticket at help.sfasu.edu.
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