Clear cache: simply explained

It is best to clear the cache if your browser is slow. We explain what a cache is and how you can empty it.

Clear cache: Instructions for all browsers

In most browsers, you can easily delete the clipboard using a key combination. If that doesn't work in your case, read on in the next paragraphs.

1. First open your browser.
2. Now hold down the "Ctrl" + "Shift" + "Del" keys to clear the cache.
3. Select the period you want.
4. Select the data you want, such as the cache.
5. Confirm the process - done.

Simply explained: this is the browser cache

Cache is a name in EDP. It enables faster access to slow background media without constantly (time) consuming recalculations. It acts as a buffer memory.

• The term "cache" originally comes from French and means something like "hiding place". The cache bears this name because it is hidden from the user. In most cases, the term "cache" occurs in relation to browsers. But other software can also have a cache.
• For example, if you open the website CHIP.de, your browser saves some basic content of the website on your computer. This process happens in the background and is not noticed by the user.
• If you visit the website again later, the content is loaded from the cache by the computer. This enables the website to be set up more quickly since the data does not have to be downloaded again.
• The cache used to save costs. In times of internet flat rates, the cache no longer saves money. Time is only saved on older computers with a slow Internet connection.

Clear cache: that's why you should clear it

There are several reasons why it makes sense to clear the cache every now and then.

• The cache acts as a kind of short-term memory of the browser. If the cache has to store more and more information, the computer can slow down.
• Even if you want to wipe your traces in the browser, you should regularly clear the cache. If you delete the cache, you have to log in again on all visited websites.
• Sometimes the files stored in the cache prevent the display of current content because the outdated, stored data is loaded. Therefore, the background memory has to be erased manually every now and then.

The cache can not only be cleared in the browser. Programs and systems such as Mac OS X, Outlook, Spotify and Xbox One can also be cleared of the cache.

Google Chrome: Clear cache

There are other ways to clear the cache in Google Chrome. Here you will find even more detailed instructions.

Step 1:

Click on the menu button in the top right corner of Chrome and select the "Settings".

Step 2:

Scroll down, click on "Advanced" and select "Clear browser data" in the "Privacy and security" area.

Step 3:

Select the period above, activate the option "Images and files in cache" and confirm with "Delete data".

Firefox: Clear cache

You can also remove the cache in Firefox in just a few steps. Here you will find the even more detailed instructions.

Step 1:

Click on the menu button at the top right and select the "Settings".

Step 2:

Go to the "Privacy & Security" category on the left and you will find the "Cookies and website data" area.

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Step 3:

Click the "Remove data" button and confirm the process with the "Empty" button. The cache is now cleared.

Safari: Clear cache on macOS

You can also delete the cache in your browser under macOS. Here you will find the detailed instructions for Safari.

Step 1:

If you click on the "Clear cache" option in the "Developer" menu at the top, the entire cache will be deleted.

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Step 2:

If the developer menu is not visible, click on the "Safari" button in the top left and select "Settings". In the "Advanced" area you can show the developer menu at the bottom.