How to Clear Cache on Your Mac: The Ultimate Guide for Speed and Performance

Updated at: 23/06/2025

Is your Mac running slower than usual? A clogged cache could be the culprit. This ultimate guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to clear various caches on your macOS system – from browser history to system-level caches. Learn simple, effective techniques to boost your Mac's speed, free up storage space, and improve overall performance. Get ready to rediscover your Mac's lightning-fast potential!

Methods: Clearing System Cache

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access the Caches Directory

    • Open Finder and select Go
    • Go to Folder from the top menu bar
    • Enter ~/Library/Caches in the appearing window and hit Go
    Enter ~/Library/Caches in the appearing window and hit Go Enter ~/Library/Caches in the appearing window and hit Go Enter ~/Library/Caches in the appearing window and hit Go
    Access the Caches Directory

  2. Delete Cache Files

    • Drag and drop the unneeded cache files to the trash folder
    Drag and drop the unneeded cache files to the trash folder
    Delete Cache Files

  3. Empty Trash

    • Remember to empty the trash
    Remember to empty the trash
    Empty Trash

Methods: Clearing App Cache Manually

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Accessing the Caches Directory

    • After launching Finder, go to the Go to Folder menu
    • Enter ~/Library/Caches in the window that appears
    Enter ~/Library/Caches in the window that appears Enter ~/Library/Caches in the window that appears
    Accessing the Caches Directory

  2. Deleting App Cache Files

    • Move the specific folder with the app's name to the trash
    Move the specific folder with the app's name to the trash
    Deleting App Cache Files

Methods: Clearing Browser Cache in Safari

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access Safari Preferences

    • Open Safari and go to Preferences
    • Click on the Advanced icon
    Click on the Advanced icon Click on the Advanced icon
    Access Safari Preferences

  2. Enable Develop Menu

    • Select the Show Develop menu checkbox
    Select the Show Develop menu checkbox
    Enable Develop Menu

  3. Clear Cache

    • Select Empty Caches and relaunch Safari
    Select Empty Caches and relaunch Safari
    Clear Cache

Methods: Clearing Browser Cache in Chrome

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Chrome Settings

    • Click on the three dots in the top right corner
    • Select Settings from the drop-down menu
    Select Settings from the drop-down menu Select Settings from the drop-down menu
    Open Chrome Settings

  2. Access Privacy and Security

    • Go to the Privacy and security tab
    Go to the Privacy and security tab
    Access Privacy and Security

  3. Clear Browsing Data

    • Before you click Clear browsing data, select the checkboxes for cache history and cookies. You can choose the period of time before all the data is automatically erased.
    Before you click Clear browsing data, select the checkboxes for cache history and cookies. You can choose the period of time before all the data is automatically erased.
    Clear Browsing Data

Methods: Clearing Browser Cache in Opera

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Opera Settings

    • Open the Opera menu and go to settings
    Open the Opera menu and go to settings
    Open Opera Settings

  2. Access Privacy and Security Settings

    • Navigate to the Advanced drop-down menu and select the Privacy and security tab
    Navigate to the Advanced drop-down menu and select the Privacy and security tab
    Access Privacy and Security Settings

  3. Clear Browsing Data

    • Change or delete the data available to websites on your device
    Change or delete the data available to websites on your device
    Clear Browsing Data

Methods: Clearing Browser Cache in Firefox

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open Firefox Menu

    • Open Firefox and click the menu button in the top right corner
    Open Firefox and click the menu button in the top right corner
    Open Firefox Menu

  2. Access Privacy and Security Settings

    • From the settings menu open the privacy and security panel
    From the settings menu open the privacy and security panel
    Access Privacy and Security Settings

  3. Clear Data (Optional: Keep Cookies)

    • In the cookies and site data section, select Clear Data. If you want to keep cookies then uncheck the corresponding box
    In the cookies and site data section, select Clear Data. If you want to keep cookies then uncheck the corresponding box
    Clear Data (Optional: Keep Cookies)
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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Deleting the wrong files

Reason: Accidentally deleting important system files or user data while attempting to clear the cache can lead to system instability or data loss.
Solution: Only clear cache from designated folders as outlined in the guide, and always back up your data before performing any major system cleaning.

2. Ignoring application-specific caches

Reason: Focusing solely on the system cache often overlooks significant cache build-up within individual applications, resulting in slow performance in those specific apps.
Solution: Clear application caches individually within each application’s settings or by manually deleting their dedicated cache folders (if accessible).

3. Not restarting your Mac after clearing the cache

Reason: Failing to restart the system prevents the changes from fully taking effect, meaning performance improvements may not be realized.
Solution: Always restart your Mac after clearing any caches to ensure the system applies all the changes.

FAQs

Will clearing my cache delete my files and data?
No. Clearing your cache only removes temporary files that your system uses to speed up loading times. It won't affect your personal documents, photos, or other important data.