How to Clear Cache and Open Developer Tools in Various Browsers (with Screenshots)

Overview

This guide lists the steps for clearing cache and opening the developer/debugging tools for a wide range of browsers, accompanied by screenshots.

1. Internet Explorer

IE6 (no dev tools)

Clear cache:

Tools → Internet Options → Delete

IE7 (no dev tools)

Clear cache:

Tools → Delete Browsing History

IE8

Clear cache:

Security → Delete Browsing History (Ctrl+Shift+Delete)

Open dev tools:

Tools → Developer Tools (F12)

IE9 – IE11

Clear cache: Tools → Delete Browsing History (Ctrl+Shift+Delete) Open dev tools:

Tools → Developer Tools (F12)

2. Google Chrome

Clear cache:

Menu → More Tools → Clear Browsing Data (Ctrl+Shift+Delete)

Open dev tools:

Menu → More Tools → Developer Tools (F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I)

3. Opera

Clear cache:

Menu → More Tools → Clear Browsing Data (Ctrl+Shift+Delete)

Open dev tools:

Menu → More Tools → Show Developer Menu → Developer Tools (Ctrl+Shift+I)

4. Safari (macOS)

Clear cache: Develop → Empty Caches (Shift+Command+E) Enable dev menu:

Menu → Preferences → Advanced → Show Develop menu in menu bar

5. Mozilla Firefox

Clear cache:

Menu → History → Clear Recent History (Ctrl+Shift+Delete)

Open dev tools:

Menu → More Tools → Developer Tools (F12 or Ctrl+Shift+I)

6. Microsoft Edge

Clear cache:

Menu → Settings → Clear browsing data (Ctrl+Shift+Delete)

Open dev tools:

Menu → Developer Tools (F12)

7. Other Browsers (Maxthon, QQ, Sogou, 360, UC, etc.)

For each of these browsers the steps are similar: use the menu to clear browsing data (usually Ctrl+Shift+Delete) and open the developer tools via the menu or shortcut F12. Screenshots for each are provided in the original document.

8. Dual‑Engine Browsers – Switching Between Compatibility and Speed Modes

The following browsers support a mode switch (often indicated by a lightning or IE icon in the address bar):

QQ Browser – click the lightning icon on the right side of the address bar.

Sogou High‑Speed – Tools → Switch to Compatibility Mode (while a page is open) or click the button next to the bookmark icon.

360 Speed Browser – click the lightning icon.

UC Browser – click the lightning icon to change to the IE icon.

Liebao Browser – click the green check mark on the left side of the address bar.

360 Security Browser (6.0+) – click the lightning icon.

2345 Browser (6.0+) – click the lightning or IE icon on the right side of the address bar.

Maxthon – Menu → Interface → Switch Browser Engine button.

Baidu Browser – click the button next to the bookmark icon on the right side of the address bar.

Each switch is illustrated with screenshots in the source material.

Note

The author requests a donation for the effort put into compiling this guide.