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How To Clear Your Cache On A Mac Or MacBook?

If you're experiencing slow performance or other issues on your Mac or MacBook, clearing your cache may help. Over time, the cache can become cluttered and slow down your computer. In this article, we'll show you how to clear your cache on a Mac or MacBook.

May 01, 202361 Shares853 ViewsWritten By: Alastair Martin
Jump to
  1. What Is Cache?
  2. Why Delete Cache?
  3. How To Clear Cache?
  4. How To Clear Browser Cache?
  5. How To Delete Application Cache Files?
  6. Best Apps For Removing Data From Cache
  7. People Also Ask
  8. Conclusion

If you're a Mac or MacBook user, you may have noticed that your computer's performance can slow down over time. In this article, we'll guide you on how to clear your cache on a Mac or MacBook, including the browser cache, system cache, and app-specific cache.

One reason for this is the cache, a temporary storage area that stores data from websites, applications, and other sources to speed up future access. While caches can improve performance, they can also become cluttered and slow down your computer.

What Is Cache?

What is CACHE? - How To Clear your CACHE - And why..

Cache is a temporary storage area that stores data from websites, applications, and other sources to speed up future access. When you access a website or use an app, your computer stores a portion of the data locally in cache memory, so that it can quickly retrieve that data the next time you access the same website or app. Caching is a common technique used by computers to improve performance by reducing the time it takes to access frequently used data.

Why Delete Cache?

Clearing your cache is important for several reasons:

  • Free up storage space- Over time, cached data can accumulate and take up valuable storage space on your computer.
  • Improve performance- A cluttered cache can slow down your computer and make it less responsive. Clearing your cache can help improve the performance of your computer by freeing up system resources.
  • Resolve issues- Clearing your cache can resolve issues with websites or applications that are not working properly. Sometimes, cached data can become corrupted, causing problems when you try to access a website or use an app.
  • Protect your privacy- Clearing your cache can help protect your privacy by removing sensitive information that may be stored in the cache, such as login credentials or browsing history.

Clearing your cache periodically can help keep your computer running smoothly and protect your privacy.

How To Clear Cache?

How to Clear Cache on a Mac

To clear cache on your Mac or MacBook, you can follow these general steps:

Clear Browser Cache

  • Safari- Open Safari > click Safari on the top menu > Preferences > Advanced > Show Develop menu in menu bar > Develop > Empty Caches.
  • Chrome- Open Chrome > click Chrome on the top menu > Clear Browsing Data > Time range > All time > Cached images and files > Clear data.
  • Firefox- Open Firefox > click Firefox on the top menu > Preferences > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data > Clear Data > Cached Web Content> Clear.

Clear System Cache

  • Open Finder > click Go on the top menu > Go to Folder > Type in "/Library/Caches" > Enter > Select and delete the files in the folder.
  • Open Finder > click Go on the top menu > Go to Folder > Type in "~/Library/Caches" > Enter > Select and delete the files in the folder.

Clear App-Specific Cache

Open Finder > click Go on the top menu > Go to Folder > Type in "~/Library/Application Support" > Enter > Select the app folder > Select and delete the cache files.

Note: The steps to clear app-specific cache may vary depending on the app.

It's important to note that clearing your cache may log you out of websites and remove preferences or settings. Make sure to save any important information before clearing your cache.

How To Clear Browser Cache?

How to Clear Cache in Google Chrome - Delete Browser Cache

Clearing the browser cache can help improve the performance of your browser and resolve issues with websites or web applications. Here are the steps to clear browser cache on some popular browsers:

Safari

  • Open Safari.
  • Click on "Safari" in the top menu bar.
  • Click on "Preferences."
  • Click on the "Advanced" tab.
  • Check the box next to the "Show Develop menu in the menu bar."
  • Close the Preferences window.
  • Click on "Develop" in the top menu bar.
  • Click on "Empty Caches."
  • Wait for the process to complete.

Chrome

  • Open Chrome.
  • Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the browser window.
  • Click on "More tools."
  • Click on "Clear browsing data."
  • Select the time range you want to clear the cache for.
  • Check the box next to "Cached images and files."
  • Click on "Clear data."
  • Wait for the process to complete.

Firefox

  • Open Firefox.
  • Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of the browser window.
  • Click on "Options."
  • Click on "Privacy & Security."
  • Under "Cookies and Site Data," click on "Clear Data."
  • Check the box next to "Cached Web Content."
  • Click on "Clear."
  • Wait for the process to complete.

How To Delete Application Cache Files?

Deleting application cache files can help free up storage space on your Mac and improve the performance of applications. Here are the general steps to delete application cache files:

  • Quit the application that you want to delete cache files for.
  • Open Finder.
  • Click on "Go" in the top menu bar.
  • Click on "Go to Folder."
  • In the "Go to Folder" dialog box, type in "~/Library/Caches" (without the quotes).
  • Press "Enter."
  • Find the folder for the application that you want to delete cache files for. The folder name will typically be the name of the application or the name of the developer.
  • Select the folder.
  • Press "Command" + "Delete" on your keyboard, or drag the folder to the Trash.
  • Empty the Trash to permanently delete the cache files.

Note:Some applications may store their cache files in a different location. In that case, you can search for the application name in the Finder search bar to find the cache folder. It's important to note that deleting cache files may cause the application to run slower the next time you use it, as it will need to rebuild the cache.

Best Apps For Removing Data From Cache

CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X story

CleanMyMac X is a comprehensive utility app for Mac that can clean up junk files, remove cache files, and optimize your Mac's performance. It has a user-friendly interface and can perform a range of tasks to keep your Mac running smoothly. Here's how touse CleanMyMac X to clear cache files:

  • Download and install CleanMyMac X from the MacPaw website.
  • Launch the app by clicking on the CleanMyMac X icon in your Applications folder.
  • Once the app opens, click on the "System Junk" module in the left-hand menu.
  • Click on the "Scan" button to let the app scan your system for junk files, including cache files.
  • Once the scan is complete, you'll see a list of junk files, including cache files. You can review the list and select the files you want to remove.
  • Click on the "Clean" button to remove the selected files.
  • CleanMyMac X will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the files. Click on the "Confirm" button to proceed.
  • CleanMyMac X will then remove the selected files, including cache files, from your system.

In addition to clearing cache files, CleanMyMac X can also help you free up space on your Mac, optimize your system performance, and manage your apps and extensions. It's a powerful app that can help keep your Mac running smoothly and efficiently.

CCleaner

CCleaner is a popular utility app for Windows and Mac that can help you clean up junk files, remove cache files, and optimize your computer's performance. It's a free app that is easy to use and has a range of features to help you keep your computer running smoothly. Here's how to use CCleaner to clear cache files:

  • Download and install CCleaner from the official website.
  • Launch the app by double-clicking on the CCleaner icon.
  • Once the app opens, click on the "Custom Clean" module in the left-hand menu.
  • Click on the "Analyze" button to let the app scan your system for junk files, including cache files.
  • Once the scan is complete, you'll see a list of junk files, including cache files. You can review the list and select the files you want to remove.
  • Click on the "Run Cleaner" button to remove the selected files.
  • CCleaner will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the files. Click on the "OK" button to proceed.
  • CCleaner will then remove the selected files, including cache files, from your system.

In addition to clearing cache files, CCleaner can also help you free up space on your computer, optimize your system performance, and manage your apps and extensions. It's a powerful app that can help keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently.

AppCleaner

How to Uninstall Apps on a Mac with AppCleaner

AppCleaner is a free utility app for Mac that can help you remove unwanted files, including cache files, leftover files, and preference files when you uninstall an application. It is designed to help you completely uninstall an application and all associated files from your Mac. Here's how to use AppCleaner to clear cache files:

  • Download and install AppCleaner from the official website.
  • Launch the app by double-clicking on the AppCleaner icon.
  • Drag and drop the application that you want to uninstall into the AppCleaner window. Alternatively, you can click on the "Applications" button in the left-hand menu to select the application you want to uninstall.
  • Once the application is selected, click on the "Search" button to let the app scan your system for all associated files, including cache files.
  • Once the scan is complete, you'll see a list of files that are associated with the application, including cache files. You can review the list and select the files you want to remove.
  • Click on the "Delete" button to remove the selected files.
  • AppCleaner will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the files. Click on the "OK" button to proceed.
  • AppCleaner will then remove the selected files, including cache files, from your system.

In addition to clearing cache files, AppCleaner can also help you completely uninstall an application and all associated files from your Mac. It's a useful app that can help keep your Mac running smoothly and efficiently.

OnyX

OnyX is a free utility app for Mac that can help you optimize and maintain your system. It provides a range of features to help you clean up your system, including clearing cache files, deleting unnecessary files, and optimizing your system performance. Here's how to use OnyX to clear cache files:

  • Download and install OnyX from the official website.
  • Launch the app by double-clicking on the OnyX icon.
  • Once the app opens, select the "Maintenance" tab in the left-hand menu.
  • Click on the "Cleaning" tab to access the cache cleaning options.
  • Select the cache files you want to remove, such as user and system caches, font caches, and more.
  • Click on the "Execute" button to remove the selected cache files.
  • OnyX will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the cache files. Click on the "Continue" button to proceed.
  • OnyX will then remove the selected cache files from your system.

In addition to clearing cache files, OnyX can also help you optimize your system performance, customize system settings, and perform other maintenance tasks. It's a powerful app that can help keep your Mac running smoothly and efficiently. However, it's important to use OnyX with caution and only perform tasks that you understand and are comfortable with.

Disk Doctor

Disk Doctor is a utility app for Mac that can help you free up space on your hard drive and improve system performance. It provides a range of features to help you find and remove unnecessary files, including cache files, temporary files, and more. Here's how to use Disk Doctor to clear cache files:

  • Download and install Disk Doctor from the App Store.
  • Launch the app by clicking on the Disk Doctor icon in your Applications folder.
  • Once the app opens, select the "Junk Cleaner" tab in the left-hand menu.
  • Click on the "Scan Now" button to start scanning your system for unnecessary files, including cache files.
  • Once the scan is complete, Disk Doctor will show you a list of files that can be safely removed.
  • Review the list of files and select the cache files you want to remove.
  • Click on the "Clean" button to remove the selected cache files.
  • Disk Doctor will ask you to confirm that you want to remove the cache files. Click on the "OK" button to proceed.
  • Disk Doctor will then remove the selected cache files from your system.

In addition to clearing cache files, Disk Doctor can also help you find and remove other unnecessary files, such as log files, temporary files, and more. It's a useful app that can help keep your Mac running smoothly and efficiently. However, it's important to use Disk Doctor with caution and only remove files that you understand and are comfortable with.

People Also Ask

What Happens When You Clear Cache On Mac?

When you clear cache on Mac, you remove temporary files that were stored to speed up future access. This can help improve the performance of your computer.

How Often Should I Clear Cache On Mac?

The frequency of clearing your cache on Mac depends on your computer usage. If you use your Mac frequently and visit many websites, clearing your cache every few weeks can be helpful.

Does Clearing Cache On Mac Delete Passwords?

No, clearing your cache on Mac should not delete your passwords. Passwords are usually stored separately and can be cleared using your browser settings.

What Is The Difference Between Clearing Cache And Deleting Cookies On Mac?

Clearing cache removes temporary files that were stored to speed up future access, while deleting cookies remove website data, including login information, preferences, and tracking data.

Conclusion

Clearing your cache is an easy and effective way to improve the performance of your Mac or MacBook. Whether you're experiencing slow performance or other issues, clearing your cache can help. By following the steps outlined in this article, you'll be able to clear your browser cache, system cache, and app-specific cache, helping your computer run smoother and faster. Remember to periodically clear your cache to keep your Mac or MacBook running at its best.

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