Refreshing Cache and Safari

Question

Level 1

8 points

Refreshing Cache and Safari

My VPN provider suggested I empty and refresh my Cache and then refresh my Safari browser using Command+R. I may have emptied the Cache once or twice before, but I do not believe I have ever refreshed the Safari browser before. Is this a relatively painless process that I should be doing on a regular basis? Are there any operational problems and headaches I should anticipate as a result of performing this task? Will I be erasing important information like passwords to websites or will those remain safe in my Keychain. Will I be losing information or files? I assume it would be wise to do a backup prior to doing this. Thanks.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012), macOS High Sierra (10.13.5)

Posted on Jun 16, 2018 9:16 AM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Jun 16, 2018 9:26 AM in response to brooklenkid

Command-R is the the key combination to boot into Recovery Mode, which you use to reinstall Mac OS. It is also the command to refresh a page in Safari, I doubt this will help with most Safari problems, Here are some tips on troubleshooting Safari:

Force Quit Safari ( command + option + esc keys). Then restart Safari holding the Shift key.

Turn off Safari extensions in Safari > Preferences > Extensions > un-checkmark all extensions.

Empty Caches. You can either choose Safari menu > Clear History Or, if you do not want to remove History go to Safari menu > Preferences > Advanced and check the “Show Develop Menu” in Menubar. Then, on that menu > “Empty Caches”.

See these Apple Support Topics for detailed advice:

If Safari is slow, stops responding, quits unexpectedly, or has other issues - Apple Support

If Safari doesn't load a page or webpage items are missing - Apple Support

Safari for Mac: If Safari can’t open a website

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Answer 2

brooklenkid Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 16, 2018 9:35 AM in response to macjack

Lots of great info here and I appreciate your quick reply. I was not aware of the "enable Develop" option and I just dod that. Also I will be investigating the other links you provided. I already have a support ticket going with Amazon as I am unable to load the Amazon Drive app. I have the Icon showing up and the folder is in Applications, but there are no files in the folder and double-clicking the icon will not launch the app. Maybe it is not just an Amazon issue but a Safari problem. So I will investigate further. Maybe emptying the cache will resolve this issue as well.

Do I need to refresh anything after I empty the cache? Is this a regular maintenance procedure that I should be doing fairly regularly or only whenI am experiencing issues?

Again, many thanks!

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Answer 3

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Jun 16, 2018 1:48 PM in response to brooklenkid

I don't know anything about the Amazon Drive app. Emptying cache should be done when experiencing issues. Cache files generally help your applications run faster. It won't do any harm but may slow your browser temporarily until the cache catches up.

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