Forcing a page to update
If you've ever encountered issues with your browser, such as a webpage not loading properly or outdated content still displaying, then a hard refresh can often solve the problem. In this article, we'll explain how to perform a hard refresh in various popular browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox and Safari.
What does a hard refresh do?
Unlike a regular refresh, which simply reloads the page from the browser's cache, a hard refresh forces the browser to reload all of the page's resources, including images, scripts, and stylesheets, from the server. This can help to clear any cached files or temporary data that may be causing issues with the page's functionality.
Hard refresh shortcuts
How do I perform a hard refresh with Google Chrome?
Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + R (or Shift + F5)
Mac: hold Cmd + Shift and then press R
How do I perform a hard refresh with Firefox?
Windows: Press Ctrl + F5
Mac: hold Cmd + Shift and then press R
How do I perform a hard refresh with Safari?
Mac: Choose Safari > Settings, click Privacy, then click Manage Website Data. Select the website and click Remove, or click Remove All.
Mobile Browsers
How do I perform a hard refresh using Safari on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch?
To perform a hard refresh using Safari on iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch go to Settings > Apps > Safari > Advanced > Website Data, tap Remove All Website Data, then tap Remove Now.
How do I perform a hard refresh using Chrome on Android?
On your Android phone or tablet, open the Chrome app.
On the right of the address bar, tap More.
Tap Delete browsing data.
Tap More options, then choose a time range. The default is 15 minutes, so choose a longer range if the problem started earlier.
Next to “Cookies and site data” and “Cached images and files,” check the boxes.
Tap Delete data.
How do I perform a hard refresh using Chrome on iPhones and iPads?
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Chrome app.
At the bottom, tap More.
Tap Delete Browsing Data.
Tap Browsing Data, make sure Cookies, Site Data and Cached Images and Files are selected, then tap Confirm.
Tap Delete Browsing Data.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What's the difference between a refresh and a hard refresh?
What's the difference between a refresh and a hard refresh?
A hard refresh reloads the page while ignoring the content your browser has stored (cached), so you see the latest version of your site or dashboard.
How do I do a hard refresh in Microsoft Edge?
How do I do a hard refresh in Microsoft Edge?
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + R, or Shift + F5. Both reload the page while ignoring cached content.
I cleared my browsing data in Chrome, but the page still looks out of date. Why?
I cleared my browsing data in Chrome, but the page still looks out of date. Why?
Chrome's default time range is 15 minutes, so older cached files may still be stored. Choose a longer time range and try again.
Can I clear data for just one website in Safari on my Mac?
Can I clear data for just one website in Safari on my Mac?
Yes. In Safari > Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data, select the website and click Remove.
Will clearing website data sign me out?
Will clearing website data sign me out?
It might. Removing website data can sign you out of websites, so keep your login details handy before you clear it.
The Remove All Website Data button on my iPhone is gray. What does that mean?
The Remove All Website Data button on my iPhone is gray. What does that mean?
There may be no data to clear, or web content restrictions may be set in Screen Time. Check Screen Time and try again.
What if a hard refresh doesn't fix the problem?
What if a hard refresh doesn't fix the problem?
Try clearing your cache and cookies using the steps above for your browser. If the page still isn't showing correctly, start a chat with our team and we'll take a look.