Browser data usually means cache, cookies, and history. Clearing it can fix a broken site, remove stale page files, free some space, or give the browser a cleaner start. The idea is similar in every browser, but each one puts the controls in a different place.
Does this affect you?
Use this for Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Safari on Windows and Mac, plus Safari on iPhone and iPad, when you want to clear cache, cookies, and browsing history. Clearing cookies signs you out of many websites, so make sure you know your passwords or have them saved.
Chrome and Microsoft Edge
Chrome and Edge share the same Chromium base, so the shortcut and choices are almost identical.
- Open the browser.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows or Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac.
- Set the time range to All time, or choose a shorter period if you only want recent data removed.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data in Chrome or Clear now in Edge.
Firefox
Firefox uses the same shortcut with slightly different wording.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete on Windows or Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac.
- Set Time range to clear to Everything.
- Expand Details if the list is collapsed.
- Select Cookies, Cache, and Browsing and Download History.
- Click Clear Now.
Safari
Safari uses its own menus, and iPhone and iPad use Settings.
On Mac:
- Open Safari > Settings.
- Choose Privacy.
- Click Manage Website Data.
- Click Remove All and confirm.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Confirm with Clear History and Data.
More control
Clear one website only
You do not always need to wipe everything. Chrome and Edge can clear one site from Site settings. Firefox uses Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Manage Data. Safari uses the search box inside Manage Website Data.
What does not get deleted
Bookmarks, saved passwords, and downloaded files are stored separately in these browsers. Clearing browser data mostly removes browsing records, cached page files, cookies, and saved sessions.
Expect to sign in again
Cookies keep many sites logged in. After clearing them, email, banking, shopping, and social sites may ask you to sign in again.
Automate Firefox cleanup
Firefox can clear history when it closes from Settings > Privacy & Security > History > Use custom settings for history. Chrome and Edge usually require manual clearing or a profile reset.
Sources
- Google Chrome Help – Clear cache and cookies (2025)
- Microsoft Support – Delete your browsing history in Microsoft Edge (2025)
- Mozilla Support – Clear cookies and site data in Firefox (2025)
- Apple Support – Clear your browsing history in Safari on Mac (2025)