Flushing Temporary Internet Files From Cache Through Safari

Periodically delete temporary files for better performance.
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Clearing your Safari cache often works magic in resolving Web browsing issues. While the temporary Internet files are meant to speed up browsing, they cause errors at times if they conflict with newer versions of the pages. Temporary Internet files also take up space on your computer or iOS device, and can be used to track your browsing history. The process for deleting the temporary files differs depending on ether you use Safari on your computer or on an iPhone, iPad or iPod.

1 iPhone, iPad and iPod

2 Tap Settings

Tap "Settings" on the Home screen.

3 Tap Safari .''

Tap "Safari."

4 Tap Clear Cookies and Data

Tap "Clear Cookies and Data," and then tap "Clear Cookies and Data" again to confirm.

5 Safari for Mac or PC

6 Click the Safari menu on the Mac desktop

Click the Safari menu on the Mac desktop. In Windows, click the gear icon in the Safari window.

7 Select the Reset Safari option

Select the "Reset Safari" option.

8 Check the boxes

Check the boxes next to "Remove All Website Data" and "remove all Webpage Preview Images." Leave the other check boxes blank, unless you want to erase other types of information.

9 Click Reset

Click "Reset" to clear the temporary files.

  • Information in this article applies to iOS 6 and iOS 7, Safari 6 and 7 for the Mac, and Safari 5 for Windows. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions or products.

Alan Sembera began writing for local newspapers in Texas and Louisiana. His professional career includes stints as a computer tech, information editor and income tax preparer. Sembera now writes full time about business and technology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Texas A&M University.

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