---
title: How to Clear Browser Cache and Use Incognito / Private Browsing
description: Browser cache and cookies help websites load faster, but sometimes they can cause issues such as outdated pages, login problems, or errors when accessing a website. Clearing your cache or using a private browsing window can help resolve these issues…
url: "https://creativehaus.co.za/knowledgebase/how-to-clear-browser-cache-and-use-incognito-private-browsing/"
updated: "2026-02-03"
category: Browser
---

# How to Clear Browser Cache and Use Incognito / Private Browsing

Browser cache and cookies help websites load faster, but sometimes they can cause issues such as outdated pages, login problems, or errors when accessing a website. Clearing your cache or using a private browsing window can help resolve these issues quickly.

**What Is Browser Cache?**

Browser cache stores temporary website files (images, scripts, and data) on your device to improve loading speed. Over time, cached data can become outdated or corrupted.

Clearing the cache forces the browser to load the latest version of a website.

![](https://creativehaus.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/How-to-Clear-Browser-Cache-and-Use-Incognito-Private-Browsing-1-683x1024.png)

**How to Clear Cache on Popular Web Browsers**

### **Google Chrome**

1. Open Chrome.
2. Click the **three dots (⋮)** in the top-right corner.
3. Select **Settings** → **Privacy and security**.
4. Click **Clear browsing data**.
5. Select **Cached images and files** (you may also select Cookies if needed).
6. Choose a time range (recommended: **All time**).
7. Click **Clear data**.

### **Mozilla Firefox**

1. Open Firefox.
2. Click the **menu (☰)** in the top-right corner.
3. Select **Settings** → **Privacy & Security**.
4. Scroll to **Cookies and Site Data**.
5. Click **Clear Data**.
6. Select **Cached Web Content**.
7. Click **Clear**.

### **Microsoft Edge**

1. Open Edge.
2. Click the **three dots (⋮)** in the top-right corner.
3. Select **Settings** → **Privacy, search, and services**.
4. Under **Clear browsing data**, click **Choose what to clear**.
5. Select **Cached images and files**.
6. Click **Clear now**.

### **Safari (macOS)**

1. Open Safari.
2. Click **Safari** in the top menu.
3. Select **Settings** → **Privacy**.
4. Click **Manage Website Data**.
5. Select **Remove All**.

**How to Use Incognito / Private Browsing**

Private browsing opens a session that does not store cache, cookies, or browsing history. This is useful for testing websites, logging into accounts, or troubleshooting issues.

### **Open Incognito / Private Window**

- **Google Chrome**:
  Click **⋮** → **New Incognito Window**
  Shortcut: **Ctrl + Shift + N** (Windows) / **Cmd + Shift + N** (Mac)
- **Mozilla Firefox**:
  Click **☰** → **New Private Window**
  Shortcut: **Ctrl + Shift + P** / **Cmd + Shift + P**
- **Microsoft Edge**:
  Click **⋮** → **New InPrivate Window**
  Shortcut: **Ctrl + Shift + N**
- **Safari**:
  Click **File** → **New Private Window**
  Shortcut: **Cmd + Shift + N**

**When Should You Clear Cache or Use Private Browsing?**

- Website changes are not showing
- Login or session issues
- Website errors or incorrect page display
- Testing a site without saved data
- Accessing multiple accounts at once

**Important Notes**

- Clearing cache will **not delete saved passwords** unless selected.
- Private browsing does **not make you anonymous online**; it only prevents local data storage.
- Closing all private windows ends the private session.

✅ **Tip:** If an issue persists after clearing cache, try both clearing cookies and opening the website in a private window.