How to Fix QuickBooks Online Issues: Clear Cache & Use Incognito

Why This Matters for QuickBooks Online and Other Services

When you put the word "weird" in the same sentence as QuickBook Online, the first major thing to rule out is the online environment that QuickBooks have to work with. Browser extensions and the breadcrumb trails leave behind by everyday online usage can leave an 'online residue" and could interfere with the expected usage of QuickBooks Online. Sometimes, clearing your browser’s cache or using private browsing is necessary to streamline the performance of any online service, but it’s especially important when using QuickBooks Online. Cached files or stored cookies can cause unexpected errors, outdated pages, or login issues. Performing these steps can resolve many common problems and ensure you’re seeing the most current information. You’ll likely be asked to perform these steps first before any additional troubleshooting by QuickBooks support or IT professionals.

Why Clear Your Browser Cache?

Clearing temporary internet files (cache) helps:

• Fix loading or formatting issues on websites

• Free up storage space

• Ensure you see the most up-to-date content

What Is Private Browsing (Incognito Mode)?

Private browsing (or Incognito mode) lets you browse the web without saving your history, cookies, or site data once you close the window. This is useful for:

• Troubleshooting website issues

• Signing in with multiple accounts

• Keeping browsing activity private on shared computers

Note: Downloads and bookmarks are still saved, but your browsing activity and cookies are not stored after you close the window.

Google Chrome

Clear Cache

1. Open Chrome.

2. Click the three-dot menu (top right) > Settings.

3. Select Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.

4. Choose Time range (e.g., "All time").

5. Check Cached images and files (uncheck others if you wish).

6. Click Clear data.

Open Incognito Window

1. Click the three-dot menu (top right).

2. Select New Incognito Window (or press Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows, Cmd+Shift+N on Mac).

Microsoft Edge

Clear Cache

1. Open Edge.

2. Click the three-dot menu (top right) > Settings.

3. Go to Privacy, search, and services.

4. Under Clear browsing data, click Choose what to clear.

5. Select Cached images and files.

6. Click Clear now.

Open InPrivate Window

1. Click the three-dot menu (top right).

2. Select New InPrivate window (or press Ctrl+Shift+N on Windows, Cmd+Shift+N on Mac).

Mozilla Firefox

Clear Cache

1. Open Firefox.

2. Click the hamburger menu (three lines, top right) > Settings.

3. Select Privacy & Security.

4. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data...

5. Check Cached Web Content.

6. Click Clear.

Open Private Window

1. Click the hamburger menu (three lines, top right).

2. Select New Private Window (or press Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows, Cmd+Shift+P on Mac).

Safari (Mac)

Clear Cache

1. Open Safari.

2. Click Safari > Preferences (or Settings on newer versions).

3. Go to the Advanced tab and check Show Develop menu in menu bar.

4. From the menu bar, click Develop > Empty Caches.

Open Private Window

1. Click File in the menu bar.

2. Select New Private Window (or press Shift+Cmd+N).

Tip: After clearing your cache, restart your browser for best results. Private browsing windows can help you test websites or browse without saving history.