How to clear the SSL state in a browser

This article describes how to clear the SSL state for several popular web browsers.

Web browsers cache SSL certificates to speed up the browsing experience. Normally, this is not a problem. However, when you are developing pages for your web site or installing a new certificate, the browser's SSL state can get in the way. For example, you might not see the padlock icon in the browser's address bar after you install a new SSL certificate.

To clear the SSL state, follow the appropriate procedure below for your web browser.

Mozilla Firefox

To clear the SSL state in Firefox, follow these steps:

1. On the History menu, click Clear Recent History. The Clear All History dialog appears.
   Alternatively, press Ctrl-Shift-Delete to display the Clear All History dialog immediately.
2. In the Time range to clear list box, select Everything.
3. Select the Active Logins check box.
4. Click Clear Now.

Microsoft Edge

To clear the SSL state in Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:

1. Click the Settings icon, click More tools, and then click Internet Options.
2. Click the Content tab.
3. In the Certificates section, click Clear SSL state, and then click OK.

Microsoft Internet Explorer

To clear the SSL state in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:

1. To access the Delete Browsing History dialog:
   • If you are using Internet Explorer 8, on the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
   • If you are using Internet Explorer 9 or 10, click the  icon, and then click Internet options.
2. Click the Content tab.
3. In the Certificates section, click Clear SSL state, and then click OK.

Google Chrome

You cannot directly clear the SSL state in Google Chrome. Instead, on Microsoft Windows follow these steps:

1. Start the Windows Control Panel.
2. In the Find a setting text box, type internet options, and then click Internet Options.
3. Click the Content tab.
4. In the Certificates section, click Clear SSL state, and then click OK.

Opera

To clear the SSL state in Opera, follow these steps:

1. On the Tools menu, click Delete Private Data.
2. To clear the cache, select the Delete entire cache check box.
3. Click Delete.