How to Bust Image Cache in Web Browsers: A Quick Guide

When you need to see the most up-to-date content on a website, including images that might have been updated since your last visit, a hard refresh can be the quickest way to bypass the cache in your web browser.

Performing a hard refresh can solve many common issues related to outdated content. It forces your browser to download the latest version of a webpage, including all its images, ensuring you're viewing the most current information available.

This guide covers how to perform a hard refresh in Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Safari.

Google Chrome

For Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + F5.

For macOS: Press Cmd + Shift + R.

Mozilla Firefox

For Windows/Linux: Press Ctrl + F5 or Ctrl + Shift + R.

For macOS: Press Cmd + Shift + R.

Microsoft Edge

For Windows: Press Ctrl + F5.

Note: Edge uses the same commands as Chrome, given its Chromium base.

Safari

For macOS: Press Cmd + Option + E to empty the cache, then Cmd + R to refresh the page.

Note: Safari does not have a direct keyboard shortcut for a hard refresh that bypasses the cache, so you need to empty the cache first and then reload the page.