Clearing the SSL cache in web browsers is essential when troubleshooting SSL certificate errors, updating security settings, or ensuring a new SSL certificate is properly recognized. This guide explains how to clear the SSL cache on Mac and Windows browsers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

Why Clear the SSL Cache?

  • Resolve SSL certificate errors and warnings.
  • Ensure your browser recognizes a newly installed SSL certificate.
  • Fix issues with expired or invalid certificates.
  • Improve security by removing outdated SSL session data.

Clearing SSL Cache in Windows

Method 1: Clear SSL Cache via Internet Properties

  1. Press Win + R and type:
    inetcpl.cpl
  2. Press Enter to open Internet Properties.
  3. Go to the Content tab.
  4. Click Clear SSL State.
  5. Click OK and restart your browser.

Method 2: Clear SSL Cache in Google Chrome (Windows & Mac)

  1. Open Google Chrome.
  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  3. Select Settings > Privacy and security.
  4. Click Clear browsing data.
  5. Select Cookies and other site data.
  6. Click Clear data and restart Chrome.

Method 3: Clear SSL Cache in Mozilla Firefox (Windows & Mac)

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Click the menu button (☰) and go to Settings.
  3. Select Privacy & Security.
  4. Scroll down to the Certificates section.
  5. Click Clear Site Data under Cached Web Content.
  6. Restart Firefox.

Method 4: Clear SSL Cache in Microsoft Edge (Windows & Mac)

  1. Open Microsoft Edge.
  2. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right.
  3. Select Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
  4. Click Choose what to clear under Clear browsing data.
  5. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.
  6. Click Clear now and restart Edge.

Method 5: Clear SSL Cache in Safari (Mac Only)

  1. Open Safari.
  2. Click Safari in the top menu and select Preferences.
  3. Go to the Privacy tab.
  4. Click Manage Website Data.
  5. Select Remove All to clear cache and SSL data.
  6. Restart Safari.

Conclusion

Clearing the SSL cache ensures your browser properly recognizes updated certificates and resolves potential SSL-related issues. By following these methods, you can effectively clear the SSL cache in different browsers on Mac and Windows.