How to refresh your browser cache
A quick guide to help you fix pages that look out of date, broken, or aren’t working properly.
What is a browser cache?
Your browser, like Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox, saves parts of websites on your device so they load faster next time. This is called a cache.
Most of the time, this is helpful. But sometimes your browser keeps showing an old version of a page instead of the latest one.
Why refresh your cache?
Refreshing your cache can help if:
- A page looks broken or out of date
- You’ve been told something has changed but you can’t see it
- Buttons, forms or links aren’t working properly
- Images or content are missing
- A website is loading strangely on your device
It’s a quick fix and one of the first things you can check before looking for help.
Try a quick refresh first
Before clearing your cache, try a hard refresh. This reloads the page and tells your browser to check for the latest version.
Windows or Chromebook
⌃ Ctrl + F5
or
⌃ Ctrl + ⇧ Shift + R
Mac
⌘ Command + ⇧ Shift + R
This works in most browsers.
How to clear your cache
Choose the browser or device you’re using and follow the steps below.
Google Chrome
- Click the three dots in the top right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Privacy and security.
- Click Clear browsing data.
- Choose Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Safari on Mac
- Open Safari.
- Go to Safari then Settings.
- Open the Advanced tab.
- Tick Show features for web developers or Show Develop menu.
- Click Develop in the top menu.
- Select Empty Caches.
Safari on iPhone or iPad
- Open your device Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Confirm when asked.
Note: This may sign you out of some websites.
Microsoft Edge
- Click the three dots in the top right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Find Clear browsing data.
- Click Choose what to clear.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Click Clear now.
Mozilla Firefox
- Click the menu button.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Privacy & Security.
- Scroll to Cookies and Site Data.
- Click Clear Data.
- Tick Cached Web Content.
- Click Clear.
Android Phone or Tablet
The steps can look slightly different depending on your phone and browser.
- Open your browser app.
- Go to Settings.
- Look for Privacy, History or Clear browsing data.
- Select Cached images and files.
- Tap Clear data or Clear browsing data.
Still having issues?
If you’re still stuck, and it’s a college service or something you are trying to access a website via a college device for your studies email digitalservices@dumgal.ac.uk and let them know:
- What device you’re using
- Which browser you’re using
- What page you’re trying to use
- What is not working
We’ll help you get it sorted.
