Published by Is It Down Right Now Technical Team • Updated August 2026

When a website undergoes maintenance, updates its CSS/JavaScript files, or switches web hosting servers, your browser or operating system may continue serving old, corrupted, or unreachable cached files. Clearing your temporary cache and cookies forces your device to download fresh copies directly from the live web server.

Part 1: Quick Hard Refresh (Bypass Local Cache)

Before digging into browser settings, try a hard refresh. This re-downloads all assets on the active page without deleting your passwords or login sessions:

• Windows / Linux: Press Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R
• Mac (Chrome / Firefox / Edge): Press Cmd + Shift + R
• Mac (Safari): Hold Shift and click the Reload button in the address bar.

Part 2: Clearing Browser Cache in Popular Browsers

1. Google Chrome (Desktop)

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Delete (Mac).
2. In the time range dropdown, choose All time.
3. Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
4. Click Clear data and restart Chrome.

2. Mozilla Firefox

1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) in the upper-right corner and choose Settings.
2. Select the Privacy & Security panel on the left.
3. Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section.
4. Click Clear Data…, check both boxes, and click Clear.

3. Microsoft Edge

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete.
2. Set Time range to All time.
3. Select Cached images and files and Cookies and other site data.
4. Click Clear now.

4. Apple Safari (Mac)

1. Open Safari, click Safari in the top menu bar, and select Settings (or Preferences).
2. Go to the Advanced tab and check Show features for web developers (or Show Develop menu in menu bar).
3. Click Develop in the top menu bar and select Empty Caches.
4. Alternatively, go to Safari > Clear History…, select all history, and click Clear History.

Part 3: Clearing Cache on Mobile Devices

iPhone / iPad (Safari):

1. Open your device Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Safari.
3. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
4. Confirm by tapping Clear History.

Android (Google Chrome):

1. Open the Chrome app on your phone or tablet.
2. Tap the three vertical dots (top right) and select History > Clear browsing data.
3. Select All time and check Cached images and files.
4. Tap Clear data.

Part 4: Flushing Your DNS Cache

If clearing your browser cache does not resolve the connection problem, flush your system DNS cache: