Clear Cache and Cookies (Temporary Internet Files) from Firefox

Environment

Mozilla Firefox, Mac or Windows

  • Instructions for Mac are based on Firefox version 156.0

 

Issue

Clearing potentially corrupted cache, cookies, or other temporary internet files from the Firefox browser.

Resolution

If you have multiple Firefox windows or tabs open, close all but one.

Mac

  1. From the Firefox menu (three stacked lines in upper right), choose Settings (or Preferences).
  2. Choose the Privacy & security section.
  3. Scroll down to the Browsing data section.
  4. Click the Clear browsing data button.
    1. You may want to uncheck Cookies and site data first and see if that solves the problem. If not, try the process again and check the Cookies and Site Data box.
    2. From the dropdown menu next to When: select Everything.
  5. Click Clear.

NOTE: It can take a few minutes to clear the cache depending on how long it has been accumulating.

Windows

  1. From the Firefox menu, choose Settings.
  2. Choose the History section, then Clear recent history...
  3. From the dropdown menu next to When: select Everything.
  4. Select checkboxes for Cookies and Cache.
  5. Click Clear at the bottom of the pop-up window.

NOTE: It can take a few minutes to clear the cache depending on how long it has been accumulating.

Additional Information

Note: Depending on the settings you choose to clear, after you clear cache and cookies:

  • Some settings on sites will be deleted.
    • For example, if you were signed in, you’ll need to sign in again, so make sure you know your login information.
  • Sites can load slowly because content needs to load again.
  • You can lose your browsing history.

For more information, please see "Why is it Necessary to Clear Cache and Cookies (or Temporary Internet Files) from Browsers" in this knowledge base article.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.

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