Clear the Cache and Cookies in Safari

What are cache and cookies?

The cache is a store of saved page parts, such as pictures. Safari keeps them so sites load faster next time. Sometimes it keeps old copies, so you see an outdated page. Cookies are tiny notes that websites save on your device. They remember things like your login. Clearing cookies will log you out of most sites.

On a Mac

1. Open Safari.
2. Click Safari in the top menu bar.
3. Click Settings. On older macOS, it says Preferences.
4. Click the Privacy tab.
5. Click Manage Website Data.
6. Wait for the list to load.
7. To clear one site, type its name in the search box, pick it and click Remove.
8. To clear all sites, click Remove All.
9. Confirm with Remove Now, then click Done.

Clear only the cache on a Mac

1. Open Safari, then Settings, then Advanced.
2. Tick Show features for web developers (older versions: Show Develop menu in menu bar).
3. Click Develop in the menu bar, then Empty Caches.

This keeps your cookies and logins.

On an iPhone or iPad

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
3. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
4. Tap Clear History and Data to confirm.

This also clears your browsing history. If you only want one site, go to Settings, Safari, Advanced, Website Data. Then swipe left on a site and tap Delete.

Menu names can change

Apple changes menu labels between versions. If you do not see a name, look for similar words such as Privacy or Website Data.

Quick recap

• Cache holds saved page parts. Cookies hold small notes like logins.
• On a Mac, use Settings, Privacy, Manage Website Data.
• On iPhone, use Settings, Safari, Clear History and Website Data.
• Expect to log in to sites again.