Answered By: Vicki Sciuk
Last Updated: Dec 13, 2021     Views: 168

Cookies are small pieces of information stored on a user's computer by a web browser at the request of a web site. Websites use cookies to recognize users who have previously visited them, so the next time the user accesses that site, the website can remember your preferences, what's in your shopping cart, and recent search results. 

But sometimes you may need to delete cookies and your browser history or your cache of saved webpages to solve a problem with your computer or a website. Generally you need to find Tools or Settings in your web browser to clear cookies. The steps are different depending on the browser, so there are instructions for a few below: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari.

GOOGLE CHROME (version 96.0)

  • Click on the 3 vertical dots in the upper right of the screen and choose More Tools from the drop-down box
  • Then click on Clear browsing data.
  • Once there make sure Cookies and other site data and Browsing history is checked (and anything else you want to delete)
  • Under Time Range, either choose "Last 4 weeks" for a new computer issue, or "All Time" to be sure
  • Then click on the blue Clear data button. 

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MICROSOFT EDGE (version 96.0) 

  • Click on the 3 horizontal dots in the upper right of the screen and scroll down to choose Settings from the drop-down box
  • Then click on Privacy, search, and services from the left-hand menu
  • Scroll down to Clear browsing data, then click on Choose what to clear.
  • Make sure Browsing history and Cookies and other site data are checked 
  • Under Time Range, either choose "Last 4 weeks" for a new computer issue, or "All Time" to be sure
  • Then click on the blue Clear Now button.



 

Apple SAFARI (macOS version Monterey 12; iOS 14 and iPadOS 14)

  • For a MacBook or iMac choose the Safari app  on your Mac
  • Then choose History > Clear History, then click the pop-up menu.
  • Choose how far back you want your browsing history cleared, such as the last month or all time.
  • Choose Clear History.
  • Note: If your Mac and your other devices have Safari turned on in iCloud preferences, your browsing history is removed from all of them.

  • On an iPad or iPhone, you can make many changes to Safari from the Settings app on the home page.  
  • Tap Settings, scroll down to Safari and then choose Clear History and Website Data.
  • This deletes cookies, cache and your browsing history. 

 

If you completed the steps for your browser and you are still having an issue, you may need to exit your browser and re-open it for the changes to take effect. 

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