Browser settings can sometimes cause access problems. Enabling certain options can improve or restore functionality. Below are optimal settings for the most popular browsers (Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari).
Clear Browser Cache, Cookies, History
Clearing the Cache and Cookies from a web browser an important first-step for almost any troubleshooting for internet browsing. To clear browser cache and cookies:
- Google Chrome -
> History > Clear Browsing Data from the left-hand side. Set the Time Range set to All Time. Check-mark Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files and select Clear Data.
- Microsoft Edge -
> Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Under the section Clear browsing data, Click Choose what to clear. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Click Clear Now.
- Mozilla Firefox -
> Options (On Mac, Preferences) > Privacy & Security > > Under Cookies and Site Data, Click Clear Data button. Select only the two options and click Clear.
- Internet Explorer -
> Internet Options > General tab > Under Browsing history, click Delete > Check the Temporary Internet files and website files, Cookies and website data, History, and Download History boxes. Click on Delete.
- Safari – Settings app on device > Safari Menu > Scroll down and select Clear History and Website Data. A pop-up will come up verifying that you want to clear the History and Data. Click Clear History and Data.
Enable JavaScript
This is a scripting language commonly used to make web pages interactive. Most browsers enable JavaScript by default.
- Google Chrome - > Settings > Advanced > Content Settings > Javascript allowed
- Microsoft Edge - > Settings > Site Permissions > Under the section Site Permissions, select JavaScript > On the JavaScript menu, locate the button beside “Allow (recommended)” and slide it to right so that it turns blue.
- Mozilla Firefox - > Options (On Mac, Preferences) > Content > Check Enable JavaScript.
- Internet Explorer 9+ - > Internet Options > Security > Scripting / Active Scripting / Enabled
- Safari - Preferences > Security > Enable JavaScript
Enable Cookies
Many resources require the use of cookies. To enable cookies:
- Google Chrome - > Settings > Advanced > Content Settings > Cookies > Allow sites to save and read cookie data
- Microsoft Edge - > Settings > View Advanced Settings > Cookies: Don't Block Cookies
- Mozilla Firefox - > Options > Privacy & Security > Uncheck: Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed
- Internet Explorer - > Internet Options > Privacy tab > Settings > Advanced > Cookies
- Safari - Preferences > Privacy > Allow from websites
Most browsers allow you to delete all or some cookies, and to manage permissions.
Disable Pop-up Blockers
Some e-resources require the use of pop-ups for content delivery. Be sure the pop-up blocker allows pop-ups generally, or from a specific vendor.
- Google Chrome - > Settings > Advanced > Content Settings > Popups > Allowed
- Microsoft Edge - > Settings > View Advanced Settings > Block Pop-ups: Off
- Mozilla Firefox - > Options > Privacy & Security > Under History > Check Accept Cookies from Websites.
- Internet Explorer - > Internet Options > Privacy tab > Uncheck Turn on Pop-up Blocker
- Safari - Preferences > Security > Uncheck Block Pop-up windows
More specifically, Clear Your Web Browser History (Cache & Cookies)
Google Chrome
1. Enter the following in your address bar: chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select the following options:
● Cookies and other site data
● Cached images and files
3. Choose All Time from the drop-down menu labeled Time range
4. Click Clear data
5. Quit Chrome and re-launch the browser.
Firefox
1. Enter the following into your address bar: about:preferences#privacy
2. Scroll down to the History section.
3. Click Clear History.
4. Set the Time range to clear drop-down menu option to Everything.
5. Select the Cookies and Cache options.
6. Select Clear now.
7. Quit Firefox and re-launch the browser.
Microsoft Edge
1. Click the three dots in the upper right corner
2. Click History.
3. Select Clear History.
4. Select these options:
● Cookies and saved website data
● Cached data and files
5. Click Clear.
6. Quit Edge and re-launch the browser.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium based)
1. Enter the following in your address bar: edge://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select the following options:
● Cookies and other site data
● Cached images and files
3. Choose All Time from the drop-down menu labeled Time range.
4. Click Clear now.
5. Quit Edge and re-launch the browser.
Safari
1. Select Clear History... from the Safari menu.
2. Select All History from the drop-down list and click Clear History.
3. Quit Safari and re-launch the browser.