How to Clear Cache and Cookies in Mozilla Firefox

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How to Clear Cache and Cookies in Mozilla Firefox
Step-by-step instructions for clearing your cache and cookies in Mozilla Firefox on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone/iPad (iOS).
❓ What Are Cache and Cookies?
  • Cache: Temporary files stored by your browser to help websites load faster on repeat visits. Over time, cached data can become outdated and cause display issues.
  • Cookies: Small files that websites save to your browser to remember your preferences, login sessions, and other settings. Clearing cookies will sign you out of most websites.
📋 Before You Begin
  • Mozilla Firefox must be installed and open on your device.
  • Clearing cookies will sign you out of websites — have your passwords ready.
  • Saved passwords, bookmarks, and browsing history are not deleted unless you specifically choose to clear them.
  • Estimated time: 2–3 minutes on any device.

🖥️ Desktop (Windows & Mac)   |   ⏱️ Estimated Time: 2–3 minutes   |   Requires: Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.15+

Method 1: Quick Clear (Recommended)

  1. Open Firefox on your computer.
  2. Click the Menu button (≡) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. In the left-hand panel, click Privacy & Security.
  5. Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section.
  6. Click Clear Data…
  7. In the dialog that appears, make sure both Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are checked.
  8. Click Clear to confirm.

Method 2: Clear History Dialog

  1. Open Firefox on your computer.
  2. Click the Menu button (≡) and select History.
  3. Click Clear Recent History…
  4. In the Time range to clear dropdown, select Everything (or a specific time range if preferred).
  5. Expand the Details section and ensure both Cache and Cookies are checked.
  6. Click OK to clear the selected data.
💡 Tip: Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac) to open the Clear Recent History dialog directly — no menus needed!

🤖 Android   |   ⏱️ Estimated Time: 2 minutes   |   Requires: Firefox for Android
  1. Open the Firefox app on your Android device.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Scroll down and tap Delete browsing data.
  5. Make sure both Cookies and site data and Cached images and files are checked.
  6. Tap Delete browsing data to confirm.
⚠️ Note: Tapping Delete browsing data will sign you out of websites. Make sure you know your login details before proceeding.

📱 iPhone & iPad (iOS)   |   ⏱️ Estimated Time: 2 minutes   |   Requires: Firefox for iOS
  1. Open the Firefox app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap the Menu button (the three horizontal lines at the bottom of the screen).
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Scroll down and tap Data Management.
  5. Toggle on Cache and Cookies (both should be enabled).
  6. Tap Clear Private Data at the bottom of the screen.
  7. Tap OK to confirm.
⚠️ Note: Clearing cookies will sign you out of websites on your iPhone or iPad. Have your login details ready before continuing.
💡 Things to Keep in Mind
  • Clearing cookies will sign you out of websites. You will need to log back in to any sites where you were previously signed in.
  • Clearing cache and cookies does not delete your saved passwords, bookmarks, or browsing history (unless you specifically choose to clear those as well).
  • If you are experiencing a specific issue with a website, try clearing the cache first before also clearing cookies.
🙋 Need Help?

If you continue to experience issues after clearing your cache and cookies, our IT Help Desk is here to assist you.

  • 📞 Phone: (918) 540-6099
  • 📧 Email: neosuport@neo.edu
  • 🚶 Walk-in: IT Department, Library Administration, 2nd Floor, Room 216
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