When Firefox on iPhone shows an old version of a website (missing updates, wrong layout, stuck banners), it’s usually a cache/cookie or network “stale path” problem—not the site itself.

Jar of layered pages symbolizing stale cached content

Here’s a quick checklist first, then the deeper steps if it keeps happening.

1. Quick checklist (60 seconds)

  • Hard refresh the page: tap the address bar, then tap the reload icon. If the site has its own refresh button inside the page, use that too.
  • Open a Private tab: Menu (three lines) → New Private Tab. If the page looks correct there, your normal tabs are using stored site data.
  • Try the same page on mobile data vs Wi‑Fi: switching networks can instantly bypass a stale route or cached DNS result.
  • Quit and reopen Firefox: swipe up to the app switcher and fully close Firefox, then reopen.
  • Check if it’s only one site: if only one domain is affected, target that site’s cookies/data first (steps below).

Checklist clipboard with Wi‑Fi symbol for quick fixes

If you’re still seeing old content after that, move on to the deeper fixes.

2. Confirm it’s cache vs the site (fast comparison)

  • Compare in another browser on the same iPhone (Safari is easiest). If Safari shows the updated page and Firefox doesn’t, it’s likely Firefox site data/cache.
  • Compare using a different network (Wi‑Fi vs cellular). If the “updated” version only appears on one network, your Wi‑Fi may be serving stale DNS or a cached copy via the router/ISP.
  • Look for account-specific content: if the site is personalized (news feeds, dashboards, shopping carts), outdated content can be a cookie/session issue rather than “cache” in the classic sense.

A good clue: if Private tabs look correct, your regular browsing data is the likely cause.

3. Clear website data in Firefox (least risky first)

If you want the most targeted approach, clear data for just the problem site first (so you don’t sign out everywhere).

  • In Firefox, open the problem site.
  • Tap the menu (three lines).
  • Look for Clear browsing data or Delete browsing data and remove Cached images and files first.
  • If the site is still stale, also clear Cookies for that site (this may sign you out).

If you don’t see a per-site option on your version, use the global clear in the next step, but consider unchecking passwords first.

4. Clear Firefox cache globally (and choose what you wipe)

This is the “reset the stored web content” step. It usually fixes outdated CSS/JS files and stubborn old layouts.

  • Firefox → menu (three lines) → Settings.
  • Go to Data Management (or similar).
  • Turn on Cache (and optionally Cookies if the site still won’t update).
  • Tap Clear Private Data / Clear Browsing Data.
  • If you rely on saved logins: consider leaving Saved Logins/Passwords unchecked.
  • If only one site is broken: try cache-only first to avoid unnecessary sign-outs.

Broom sweeping tiles to represent clearing browser cache

After clearing, reopen the site and give it one full reload.

5. Check Firefox settings that can “freeze” site behavior

  • Content blockers / Enhanced Tracking Protection: if a site loads but shows old or partial content, try temporarily lowering protection for that site. Some sites bundle updates through scripts that get blocked.
  • Disable aggressive reader/content modes: if you’re viewing a simplified version, you may not be seeing the latest interactive elements.
  • Extensions (if applicable): on iOS Firefox has limited add-ons, but if you’re using any content-blocking integrations, they can affect what updates load.

Change one thing at a time so you know what helped.

6. Fix “stale network” issues (DNS, Wi‑Fi, captive portals)

  • Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off. This forces a quick network renegotiation.
  • Forget and rejoin Wi‑Fi: iOS Settings → Wi‑Fi → (i) → Forget This Network, then reconnect.
  • Disable VPN/iCloud Private Relay (temporarily): some networks + privacy relays can produce inconsistent cached routes.
  • Check for captive portal login: public Wi‑Fi can “half-connect” and serve odd cached pages until you accept terms.

7. Update Firefox and iOS (because cached bugs are real)

  • Update Firefox from the App Store (bug fixes often include caching and rendering fixes).
  • Update iOS if you’re behind. WebKit and networking changes can affect how pages are stored and refreshed.

If the issue started right after an update, a cache clear plus a device restart is often enough.

Final thoughts

Most “outdated page” problems in Firefox on iOS clear up once you confirm it’s not the site, then wipe cache (and cookies only if needed). Private tabs are your fastest diagnostic.

If it’s only happening on one Wi‑Fi network, focus on Wi‑Fi/DNS steps—you can chase cache forever and never fix a stale route.