What is Cache and How Often Should I Clear it?
March 18, 2024 | Tachus Community
Having trouble loading a certain website? It may be time to clear your cache.
Clearing your cache regularly is helpful to avoiding potential errors when browsing the internet. Don’t wait for something to go wrong before doing it. Regularly clearing it can help avert such problems from happening initially.
So what is cache, how does it work, and how often should you clear it?
What Is Cache?
The cache is a useful feature in your web browser which helps to speed up your browsing experience. It stores important elements such as images, fonts, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on your computer. When you revisit a website, your browser doesn’t have to download these files again, saving you time and bandwidth.
When you visit a company’s website, you will likely see their logo on various pages throughout the site. Rather than downloading the logo each time you visit a new page, your browser stores the emblem in the cache on your computer. This means the logo will load quickly and only use a little of your internet data.
Why Do I Have to Clear My Cache?
Your browser’s cache enhances your browsing speed by saving website data. However, modifying a website since the cache last saved its files can occasionally lead to problems. This can create problems when your computer tries to compare the old website version in your cache with the new one. This mismatch can lead to unexpected errors and glitches on the website.
It is important to clear your cache regularly to avoid these issues. You can swiftly resolve this issue by deleting your cached images and files. After doing so, the website should resume its normal operation.
Does Clearing Cache Delete Everything?
Clearing your cache only deletes temporary files that your browser stores on your PC. Clearing cache will not delete any personal files, bookmarks or browser settings.
Clearing your cache will:
- Remove temporary files stored by your browser
- Delete your browsing history
- Sign you out of any current log-ins
After clearing cache, you will have to sign back into any accounts that you were previously logged into.
How Often Should I Clear My Cache?
How often this happens can change depending on what you do online and how often you visit the same websites. However, for a typical internet user, our suggestion is to empty your cache approximately once or twice every month.
How Do I Clear My Cache?
The method to erase your cache, browsing history, and site data is based on the browser you use.
Each browser has its own rules.
How to Clear Cache on Chrome
Step 1: In Chrome, click the tools drop down menu (the three dots at the top right of the screen).
Step 2: Click “More tools” and then “Clear browsing data.”
Step 3: Choose your time range. If you want to delete everything, select “All time.”
Step 4: Check the box next to “Cached images and files.”
Step 5: Click “Clear data.”
How to Clear Cache on Firefox
Step 1: Click the icon with three lines in the top right corner of your screen.
Step 2: In the menu to the left, select “Privacy & Security.”
Step 3: Find the “Cookies & Site Data” section and click “Clear Data.”
Step 4: Ensure “Cookies and Site Data” is unchecked, and click “Clear.”
How to Clear Cache on Safari
First, go to your Safari settings and click “Preferences.” From here, you have two options.
Option 1:
Step 1: Click “Privacy” and then “Manage Website Data.” From there, you can remove the website data listed in the menu.
Step 2: Click “Remove All” to clear it all.
Option 2:
Step 1: Click “Advanced” and then check the box by “Show Develop menu in menu bar.”
Step 2: Return to the menu bar and select “Empty Caches.”
How to Clear Cache on Microsoft Edge
Step 1: Go to your menu (three dots on the top right corner).
Step 2: Select “Settings” and then “Privacy & services.”
Step 3: Under “Clear browsing data” click “Choose what to clear.”
Step 4: Check the box by “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other site data” and then click “Clear.”
Clearing your cache can significantly improve your browsing experience by removing temporary files and data that can slow down your computer. By regularly clearing your cache, you can ensure that your computer runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to browse the internet faster and more effectively.
How Often Should I Clear Cache on Fire Stick?
Clearing cache on your Fire Stick can help improve performance, reduce buffering and free up storage space. It’s best to clear cache on Fire Stick if you notice frequent slow downs, app crashes or lag.
Restarting your Fire Stick occasionally can also help manage your cache and improve performance.
While you don’t need to frequently clear cache on Fire Stick, doing so can reduce slow downs and help prevent app crashes.
Say hello to Faster Internet
In addition to clearing your cache, upgrading to Tachus Fiber Internet can take your internet experience to the next level. With lightning-fast speeds and reliable connections, Tachus Fiber Internet offers a seamless browsing experience that allows you to stream, download, and surf the web with ease.
Say goodbye to buffering and slow loading times, and hello to blazing-fast speeds. Make the switch to Tachus Fiber Internet today.
