How to Clear Cache on Mac: 4 Best Ways

There are times when your Mac doesn’t work properly or some apps behave strangely. You may be running out of disk space or are worried about your privacy. Clearing the cache on Mac comes in handy. This article will guide you on how to clear your cache on a Mac.

Before we delve into the details, let’s determine if it’s safe to delete cache files. The answer is yes. Deleting cache from the mentioned places won’t cause any issues on your Mac. However, keep in mind that some apps store important files in the cache folders, so it’s advisable to create a backup before deleting the apps.

Quick Tip: If you prefer not to go through the lengthy process of clearing the cache on your Mac, we recommend using a third-party app to complete the task.

How to Remove All System Cache on Mac

Deleting the system cache is easy and straightforward. The steps may look complicated but they are not. Step 1: Minimize all windows and click on Go from the toolbar. Alternatively, open Finder and click on Go.

Step 2: Select ‘Go to Folder.’

Note: Alternatively, use the ‘Shift+Command+G’ shortcut to open ‘Go to Folder.’

Step 3: Type the command in the textbox and click Go.

Your objective is to enhance readability and clarity while maintaining the integrity and tone of the original text.

This will lead you to the folder with your Mac’s cached files.

Step 4: Press ‘Command+A’ on your keyboard to select all cache files.

Note: All caches of your Mac’s installed apps will be cleared.

Step 5: Once there, right-click and select ‘Move to Trash/Bin.’

Note: Enter your Mac’s password if the pop-up appears to complete the action.

Step 6: Go to the Bin, right-click, and select Empty Bin.

There you go. You have successfully cleared your system cache without any difficulties. However, that’s not it. On Mac, your browser also accumulates a significant amount of cache. Continue reading to understand how to delete it.

How to Clear Browser Cache on Mac

Caching files speeds up browsing but also uses a lot of disk space. The method varies based on the browser used: Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or another browser.

Note: This method will be demonstrated using Safari, but clearing the cache in Chrome or Firefox is relatively easy.

Step 1: Open Safari using the Launchpad or Spotlight Search.

Tip: To open Spotlight Search, press ‘Command + Spacebar’ on your keyboard.

Step 2: Click on Safari in the menu bar.

Step 3: Select Settings.

Step 4: Go to the Advanced tab.

Step 5: Check the box for ‘Show Develop menu in menu bar,’ and close Safari’s preference window.

Step 6: Now, go to Develop and select Empty Caches. Note: Alternatively, you can press ‘Option + Command + E’ to purge the cache.

That’s it. You have successfully cleared the cache in your Mac browser. If you want to delete the cache from a specific app consuming disk space, keep reading.

Sometimes, apps can accumulate so much cache that it slows down the loading process, hampering your Mac’s overall performance. Therefore, regularly cleaning the cache is highly recommended. Follow these step-by-step instructions to do it:

1. Minimize all windows and click on “Go” in the toolbar.

Alternatively, you can open Finder and click on “Go” in the toolbar.

Step 2: Select ‘Go to Folder’ from the drop-down menu.

Note: Alternatively, press ‘Shift+Command+G’ on your keyboard to open ‘Go to Folder.’

Review Text:

Type in the command below and click Go to quickly complete Step 3:

~/Library/Caches

To delete a specific app folder from your Mac’s cached files, follow these steps:

1. Go to the folder where your Mac’s cached files are stored.

2. Find the app folder you want to delete.

3. Select the app folder.

4. Delete the selected app folder.

Step 5: Right-click and select ‘Move to Bin.’

Step 6: Go to the Bin, right-click, and select Empty.

If you want to clear the cache on Mac quickly and efficiently, follow these steps. There you have it – simple.

How to Remove Cache From Mac Using Third-Party Tools

There are many cleaner apps available for Mac in the market to clear your cache quickly. We will use CleanMyMac X for this demonstration, but you can also try CCleaner. Note that both CleanMyMac X and CCleaner are freemium applications, meaning they have a free tier with limited features and a premium tier with more features that require a subscription. For most users, the free version would suffice. Here is how you can download and install CleanMyMac X from the App Store.

Step 2: Open CleanMyMac X and go to System Junk.

Step 3: Click Scan to analyze your system for cache files.

Step 4: After the scan, the app will display the amount of space that can be cleared. Click Clean.

Note: You can review the details of cache files by clicking Review Details. From there, you can choose which cache files to delete.

That’s it. You have successfully removed all cache from your Mac. However, there’s a limitation with CleanMyMac X. You can only clear 500 MB of junk files. To clean more, you will need a paid subscription. Alternatively, you can try Ccleaner.

FAQs on Clearing Cache on Mac

1. It is generally safe to clear cached data on a Mac. Clearing your cache regularly can free up space and improve performance.

2. It is recommended to regularly clear the cache to keep your Mac running smoothly. However, if you don’t mind sparing disk space, it’s okay to keep the cache files.

3. To view all cache files, navigate to the ‘/Library/Caches’ folder. This folder contains cache files for all installed applications and services on your Mac.

Free Up Your Mac

It is recommended to clear the cache monthly to remove junk and free up disk space. Any of the methods described in this article can be used to clear cache on a Mac. If you’re not using an app, uninstall it from your Mac to save disk space. Now, go ahead and clean up your Mac.