How to clear Safari browsing history and cache

Whenever you use Safari browser on the web, then it stores website data so that it doesn't have to download it again each time you revisit a site.

However, there are some situations where you might want to clear the cache and start anew. There are a couple of situations where you might benefit from clearing Safari's cache.

Gadinsider has compiled a guide on how to clear Safari browsing history and cache on macOS and iOS.

How to clear Safari's cache on Mac

There are two ways to clear Safari's cache on a Mac. The first method outlined below deletes everything relating to a website you've visited, including not only the cached versions of the site but also cookies and any other related data.

Meanwhile, the second method provides a more targeted approach and clears only Safari's cache, but it does involve enabling a hidden menu.

Method 1:

1. Launch the Safari browser on your Mac.
2. Select Safari > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Click the Privacy tab, then select Manage Website Data.
4. Select a website that is listed, then click Remove. To remove all website data from Safari, click Remove All.

Method 2:

1. Launch the Safari browser on your Mac.
2. Select Safari > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Click the Advanced tab and check the box next to Show Features for Web Developers.
4. From the menu bar, select Develop > Empty Caches for All Profiles.

How to clear Safari's Cache on iPhone and iPad

It is important to note that the following steps clear all history, cookies and website data on your device, regardless of when the sites were accessed.

1. Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Swipe to the bottom of the menu and select Apps, then find Safari in the list and tap it.
3. Scroll down and select Clear History and Website Data.
4. Choose the time frame to clear (Last hour, Today, Today and yesterday, or All history), select the profile or select All Profiles, then tap Clear History.
5. Tap Clear History and Data in the pop-up menu to confirm.