This guide explains how to clear your browser cache and why doing so can help when a website does not display correctly.
Your browser cache stores temporary files such as images, stylesheets, and scripts to help websites load faster. While this is useful, it can sometimes cause problems if your browser keeps showing an older version of a page after a website has been updated.
Clearing the cache forces your browser to download fresh copies of those files. This can help if a website looks broken, changes are not appearing, or you are seeing an older version of a page than expected.
In this article, we will cover
- What browser cache is
- When clearing it can help
- How to clear cached files
- What to check afterwards
What is browser cache?
Browser cache is a temporary storage area used by your web browser. It saves parts of websites you visit so they can load more quickly the next time you open them.
For example, your browser may keep a saved copy of a website logo, stylesheet, or script. If the website owner later updates those files, your browser may still try to use the older saved version instead of downloading the new one straight away.
This can make a website appear out of date or cause pages to load incorrectly.
When should you clear it?
Clearing your browser cache can help in several situations. For example, you may have recently updated your website but cannot see the changes, or you may be seeing layout problems, missing images, or pages that do not display properly.
It is also worth trying if a website works on one device but not another, or if support has asked you to refresh the site after a change has been made.
[Screenshot Placeholder – website displaying old or broken cached content]
How to clear cached files
The exact steps vary slightly depending on which browser you use, but the general process is similar in most modern browsers.
- Open your browser settings or menu
- Find the privacy, history, or browsing data section
- Select the option to clear browsing data
- Tick the option for cached images and files
- Confirm the action
You do not always need to clear saved passwords or cookies unless you specifically want to. In many cases, clearing cached files alone is enough.
After doing this, close the browser tab and reload the website.
[Screenshot Placeholder – browser clear browsing data screen]
Check the website again
Once the cache has been cleared, revisit the website and see whether the issue has been resolved. The first load may be slightly slower than usual because the browser is downloading fresh files again.
If the problem has gone away, the issue was likely caused by an outdated cached version of the site. If the problem remains, the cause may be something else, such as DNS changes, a website error, or a server-side issue.
Need help?
If you have cleared your browser cache and the website is still not loading correctly, our support team will be happy to assist.
