Quick answer: Clear cookies and cached files for the site you cannot open (or use a private window), restart the browser, and try signing in again at the official URL. On phones, clear the app cache or reinstall the official app—not a random APK.
Half of “my password stopped working” reports I see are really stuck cookies, an old session token, or a browser extension rewriting login pages. Try these fixes before you reset a password you still remember.
Fastest test: private / Incognito window
Open an Incognito (Chrome) or Private (Safari/Firefox/Edge) window and go to the real login URL—for example Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. If login works there, your normal profile’s cache, cookies, or extensions are the problem.
Clear cache and cookies on desktop
Chrome / Edge
- Settings → Privacy and security → Delete browsing data.
- Time range: Last 24 hours (or All time if needed).
- Check Cookies and Cached images and files.
- Clear data, restart the browser, try again.
Safari (Mac)
- Safari → Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data.
- Search for google, microsoft, yahoo, etc., and remove.
- Or History → Clear History for the recent period.
Only clear what you need if you want to stay signed into other sites.
Android and iPhone
- Android Chrome: Chrome menu → History → Clear browsing data.
- Android app cache: Settings → Apps → Gmail/Outlook → Storage → Clear cache (avoid Clear data unless you are okay signing in again).
- iPhone: Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data, or remove/reinstall the official mail app.
Other quick checks
- Disable VPN or ad blockers briefly—they sometimes break account redirects.
- Try another network (phone hotspot) in case the captive portal is mangling HTTPS.
- Confirm the address bar shows the real domain—see fake email login pages.
When clearing cache is not enough
If the official site still rejects the password, use the provider’s reset flow: Gmail, Outlook troubleshooting, or Yahoo locked account.
FAQs
Will clearing cookies sign me out everywhere?
It signs you out of sites in that browser profile. Other devices stay signed in.
Is “Clear browsing data” safe?
Yes. You do not delete Gmail messages on Google’s servers—only local browser files.
Author: Rabi Mehar · Updated: August 2026