How to Clear Cache on Mac? Follow The Simple Steps

The main aim to clear cache on Mac is to speed up your system performance and efficiency. In addition, this will help you to clear up your hard disk space as well.  

Cache files can make a system slow and laggy. They can even cause system problems in the future. Hence, it is necessary to clear the cache on Mac periodically.  

What is a Cache

A cache is simply temporary files stored in the system. These files help the applications to load faster when they are used the next time. However, these files may pile up over time and take over your hard disk space. 

Generally, it is used to enhance the system performance but it should be periodically cleared. There are mainly three types of cache files – 

• Browser Cache – These files are stored to increase a website’s loading speed for the next time. Thus, a cache is created and saved in your system whenever you visit a website. 
• Applications Cache – These caches are created whenever you open an application on your Mac. Furthermore, these are the largest in size among the three. 
• System Cache – These are the temporary files created by the macOS themselves. 

How to Clear Cache and Cookies on Mac

Cookies are similar to cache and are used by browsers. It helps websites to understand user behavior and transform them according to the user’s needs. It should be cleared along with cache as well. 

Here, we will discuss how to clear all types of cache on Mac. 

Solution 1  – Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Clearing browser cache and cookies on Mac can free up a percentage of disk space in the system. Furthermore, it can speed up the browser and system as well. 

You can do this by simply following the steps below. We have provided the steps for the most common browsers used by the majority. 

Safari

1. Open Safari on your Mac. Next, select the Safari option in the top left part of the window. Here, you have to click on Preferences. 
2. Next, head over to the Privacy tab. Here, click on Remove all website data. 
3. You will see a prompt appearing. Simply click on Remove Now to clear cache and cookies on Mac. 

Also Read: iTunes could not Restore the iPhone because the Backup was Corrupt

Google chrome 

1. Navigate and click on the three dots on the top right of the window. Next, select and go to Settings. 
2. Subsequently, type ‘cache’ in the search field. Here, you will see an option for ‘Clear Browsing Data’. Simply, click on it. 
3. Next, choose ‘Cached Image and Files’. Also, you have to select ‘Cookies and other Site Data’ as well.
4. Finally, click on ‘Clear Browsing Data’ when the prompt appears.  

Mozilla Firefox

1. Click on the three bars to open the menu. It is located in the top right of the window. Next, head over to Options. 
2. Here, you need to select Privacy and Security from the left menu pane. 
3. Next, go to Cookies and Site Data and select Clear Data. 
4. Finally, choose both Cache and Cookies options and again, click on Clear.  

Solution 2 – Clear Applications Cache 

For the most part, the Applications cache takes up most of the hard disk space. Therefore, clearing these cache can free up some memory on your system. The applications will automatically create these when it is run for the next time. 

You can do this by following the given steps. 

1. Go to the Finder menu and then select the Go menu. Here, click on the ‘Go to Folder’ option. 
2. Subsequently, type ‘~/library/cache’ and press Enter. 
3. Here, you will see a list of folders with cache inside them. Simply select all the folders and move these files to the trash. 
4. Finally, click on the Trash icon from your home screen. Simply clear it to permanently delete it from your system.

Solution 3 – Clear System Cache 

System cache usually does not take up much space as compared to the other two. However, it is considered good practice to clear them periodically. Thus, you can clear the system cache on Mac by following these instructions. 

1. Similar to the previous solution, select the Finder Menu. Next, you have to search for ‘/library/caches’ without the ‘~’ symbol. Subsequently, press Enter. 
2. Here, you will find all the system cache. Select all of them and move them to the trash. 
3. Finally, close the window and empty your system trash. Now, you should restart your computer to experience a better system speed.   

Final Note 

To summarize, you should be able to clear cache on Mac by following the methods presented in this article. You can also share additional information or post your queries in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Can I delete my Apple Music cache?

You cannot remove cached music, you cannot access your Apple Music with third-party devices like Spotify Connect (except SONOS) and you cannot choose a streaming bit rate for your Apple Music without AirPlay or Bluetooth.

Where is iTunes cache on Mac?

On Macs, iTunes, and Music, you store cache in your hidden library folder (the one with the house icon and your user name). You can see the folder in the Finder by pressing the Options key and choosing Library from the Go menu, if you do not unhidden this folder.

Can I delete subscription play cache?

Tap the Google Play Store app and locate it. Tap on ‘Storage’ and tap on ‘Clear Cache.’ An option for “Clear data” will also be visible. You should both try to solve your problem.