How do I delete all of the cookies and temporary files stored by my internet browser?

Article Id: 830
April 03, 2024

Over time, a large cache of temporary files and cookies accumulates and can cause problems when you use the FamilySearch website. 

  • Your computer automatically creates a temporary file every time you open a web page. The browser saves these temporary files so that it can return to them quickly.
  • Cookies are small pieces of code that FamilySearch and other websites store on your computer. Cookies allow FamilySearch to customize your experience for you. For more information about FamilySearch cookies, go to the bottom of the FamilySearch home page, and click Cookie Preferences.

Clear your cache or cookie in these circumstances:

  • Your computer does not respond quickly and efficiently.
  • Data on FamilySearch displays poorly or not at all.

Steps (website)

If you clear all cookies, it can affect your access to other websites. Try these steps first:

  1. Make sure you use a supported Internet browser.
  2. Delete just the cookies that FamilySearch uses.
    1. Go to https://FamilySearch.org/cookies.
    2. When the message Reset your cookies? appears, click Yes.
  3. If the problems still occur, clear all of your temporary files and cookies. Then restart your computer. Please search the web for instructions for your specific browser.
  4. If you still have problems, delete your autocomplete history. Search the web for instructions for your specific browser.
  5. (Optional) Reset your cookie preferences on FamilySearch.

Steps (mobile apps)

The FamilySearch mobile apps do not use cookies.

If you access the FamilySearch.org website on a mobile device through a browser, you can delete the browser's cookies.

Steps (Family Tree Lite)

Family Tree Lite does not provide an option to delete cookies.

Troubleshooting tips

Many internet browsers allow you to delete temporary files and cookies when you press these three keyboard keys at the same time:

  • ​Ctrl+Shift+Del (Windows users).
  • Cmd+Shift+Del (Mac users).

Each browser handles this combination slightly differently.

Safari (on MAC OS Sonoma - the current version) users can use these steps:

  1. In the upper left side of your screen, click Safari.
  2. In the menu that appears, go to Clear History. Note: On an older Mac OS version, click Preferences.
  3. In the window that appears, click the Privacy tab.
  4. Click the button Manage Website Data.
  5. In the pop-up window that appears, click Remove Now.

Which internet browsers are compatible?
How do I set my cookie preferences?

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