Clearing cache, cookies, and history on your browser is a common practice to optimize the performance of your internet browser. Clearing these components can free up space, improve loading times, and protect your privacy. However, there are some potential issues that may arise when doing so, which you should be aware of.
- Logged-out Sessions
Clearing your browser’s cache, cookies, and history can log you out of websites you are currently signed in to. This means that you will have to log in again to access the website’s features, and any unsaved information may be lost. Therefore, it’s essential to save any data before clearing your browser’s cache, cookies, and history.
- Slower website performance
Clearing your browser’s cache, cookies, and history clears your browser of all stored local files. This means that on your next visit to a website, your browser will have to download all the data again, including images, scripts, and other elements. Meaning that your browsing experience may be slower than usual, in the beginning, due to the browser re-downloading the data.
- Autocomplete and Autofill information
Autocomplete and Autofill are functions integrated into your browser to save time by automatically entering information when filling out forms. However, if you clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history, this may erase the data and reset these functions to their default settings. Consequently, you would have to manually input all of the information.
- Website Issues
In certain circumstances, clearing your browser’s cache, cookies, and history may result in website issues. These problems may arise due to the deletion of certain essential site elements. Various websites may not function correctly after clearing cache, cookies, and history. For instance, sites that require login credentials like social media platforms, banking sites or e-commerce websites may require re-authentication or re-entry of login credentials after processing cache reset. To avoid such issues, experts recommend clearing your browser’s cache, cookies, and history selectively. Instead of all data at once, prefer to clear particular website data and relevant cache files. Some web browsers provide tools to filter data from specific periods or domains which helps keep relevant site data intact. Another alternative method is to use specialized software that automatically selects and removes unnecessary browsing data while keeping session data and relevant site data safe.
- Login credentials
Every frequent website visitor’s life has been made easier with the arrival of auto-filling login credentials. Remembering complicated login details like usernames, passwords, and email addresses can be stressful, however, auto-filling helps in logging in quickly to your favourite websites without the need to re-enter your login details each time you visit. This function helps save time and make our browsing experience more effective and efficient.
Nonetheless, when you clear your browser history, the auto-filled information disappears, and you will need to re-enter login details manually. This can be particularly frustrating for frequent visitors and can even undermine the benefits of auto-filling, detracting from the user experience.
When opting to use auto-filling, some users tend to save login credentials on their browsers without encrypting them. This poses a security risk by making login information vulnerable to malicious third-party access. This is especially threatening in circumstances where personal or sensitive information is required. It is, therefore, recommended to use a password manager to store passwords safely and use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
If you unknowingly delete the auto-filled login data, modern browsers usually come with a built-in auto-filling system that stores all saved passwords and login credentials. Users can also try retyping their usernames when logging in, and browsers will suggest possible login credentials available. However, users should ensure that they select the right account when the browser presents them with login options.
In conclusion, clearing your browser’s cache, cookies, and history can help optimize performance, but it can also have some potential issues. However, it is recommended to clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history occasionally to ensure optimal browser performance and protect your privacy. Worry not, now that you are aware of the potential issues, clearing your browser’s cache, cookies and history will be a worry-free task.