To improve loading speeds and reduce bandwidth, web browsers store local copies of website assets (like images, CSS stylesheets, and JavaScript files) on your device. The next time you visit that site, the browser loads these files from your local storage instead of downloading them again from the web server.

While caching is highly beneficial, it can lead to display issues or broken forms if the website gets updated but your browser continues to run old, cached versions of files. This is a common reason why a website might look completely broken or out of alignment on your computer even though it works perfectly for others.

In this guide, we show you how to bypass and clear your browser's cache to resolve page layout glitches.

1. Perform a "Hard Refresh"

A hard refresh instructs your browser to bypass its local cache for the active page and download all resources fresh from the hosting server. This is the easiest first step to fix single-page loading errors.

  • Windows / Linux (Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge): Press Ctrl + F5 or hold Ctrl and click the Reload button.
  • macOS (Safari): Press Option + Cmd + E to empty cache, then hold Shift and click the Reload button.
  • macOS (Chrome / Firefox): Press Cmd + Shift + R or hold Shift and click the Reload button.

2. Test in Incognito / Private Window

If you're not sure if the issue is cache-related, open the page in an Incognito or Private Browsing window. Private windows start with a completely empty cache and disable active browser extensions, allowing you to view the absolute current live state of the website.

  • Google Chrome / Edge: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (macOS).
  • Mozilla Firefox: Press Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + P (macOS).

If the website loads correctly in Incognito mode, you definitely need to clear your main browser cache.

3. How to Clear Browser Cache Across Major Browsers

If a hard refresh doesn't solve the issue, you must clear your browser's persistent cache. Be sure to check the box for *cached images and files* but leave *cookies* unchecked if you do not want to be logged out of your active sessions on other sites.

Google Chrome:

  1. Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner and choose Clear browsing data (or press Ctrl + Shift + Delete).
  2. Set the time range to All time.
  3. Check the box for Cached images and files. (Uncheck browsing history and cookies if desired).
  4. Click Clear data and restart Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox:

  1. Click the menu button (three horizontal lines) and select Settings.
  2. Go to Privacy & Security in the left sidebar.
  3. Scroll down to the Cookies and Site Data section.
  4. Click Clear Data....
  5. Check the box for Cached Web Content and click Clear.

Apple Safari (macOS):

  1. In the top menu bar, click Safari and select Settings (or Preferences).
  2. Go to the Advanced tab and check the box for Show Develop menu in menu bar.
  3. Click Develop in the top menu and select Empty Caches.