Your Mac stores temporary files called cache to speed up apps and websites. Over time, this cache grows—sometimes to tens of gigabytes—taking up valuable storage and occasionally causing problems when cached data becomes corrupted.

Clearing cache can free significant disk space and resolve issues like slow performance, app crashes, and website loading problems. But not all cache should be deleted, and doing it wrong can cause issues.

Let's clear your Mac's cache safely and effectively.

Types of Cache on Mac

System Cache

  • Created by macOS
  • Speeds up system operations
  • Location: `/Library/Caches/`
  • Generally safe to clear, but macOS manages it

User Cache

  • Created by apps you use
  • Stores app-specific temporary data
  • Location: `~/Library/Caches/`
  • Safe to clear, apps rebuild as needed

Browser Cache

  • Stores website data for faster loading
  • Images, scripts, stylesheets
  • Each browser has its own cache
  • Safe and often beneficial to clear

DNS Cache

  • Stores domain name lookups
  • Speeds up website connections
  • Can cause issues with changed DNS records
  • Safe to clear via Terminal
Clearing cache is generally safe—apps rebuild what they need. But always have a backup before clearing system cache.

Method 1: Clear User Cache (Manual)

Steps

  1. Open Finder
  2. Click Go in menu bar
  3. Hold Option key—"Library" appears
  4. Click Library
  5. Open Caches folder
  6. Select folders to delete (or all)
  7. Move to Trash
  8. Empty Trash

What to Expect

  • Apps may take longer to open initially
  • Apps rebuild necessary cache automatically
  • You may need to re-login to some apps
  • Typically frees 1-10+ GB

Safety Tips

  • Don't delete the Caches folder itself—only contents
  • If unsure about a folder, leave it
  • Restart Mac after clearing

Method 2: Clear System Cache (Manual)

Steps

  1. Open Finder
  2. Press ⌘ + Shift + G (Go to Folder)
  3. Type `/Library/Caches/` and press Enter
  4. Select cache folders to delete
  5. Enter admin password when prompted
  6. Empty Trash

Caution

System cache is more sensitive than user cache:

  • Only clear if experiencing issues
  • Don't delete folders you don't recognize
  • Restart immediately after clearing

Method 3: Clear Browser Cache

Safari

  1. Open Safari
  2. Click Safari > Settings (or Preferences)
  3. Go to Privacy tab
  4. Click Manage Website Data
  5. Click Remove All

Or use keyboard shortcut:

  • ⌘ + Option + E clears cache without dialog

Chrome

  1. Open Chrome
  2. Press ⌘ + Shift + Delete
  3. Select time range (All time for complete clear)
  4. Check "Cached images and files"
  5. Click Clear data

Firefox

  1. Open Firefox
  2. Press ⌘ + Shift + Delete
  3. Select time range
  4. Check "Cache"
  5. Click Clear Now

Method 4: Clear DNS Cache

DNS cache stores website address lookups. Clear it when:

  • Websites won't load but internet works
  • Recently changed DNS settings
  • Website shows old content

Terminal Command

  1. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities)
  2. Enter command based on macOS version:

macOS Monterey and later: ``` sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder ```

macOS Big Sur: ``` sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder ```

  1. Enter admin password
  2. No confirmation message—it just works

Method 5: Use Storage Management

Built-in macOS Tool

  1. Click Apple menu > About This Mac
  2. Click Storage tab
  3. Click Manage
  4. Review recommendations:

* Store in iCloud * Optimize Storage * Empty Trash Automatically * Reduce Clutter

This doesn't directly clear cache but helps manage storage.

Method 6: Third-Party Apps

CleanMyMac X (~$40/year)

  • One-click cache clearing
  • Shows cache size before deleting
  • Clears system, user, and browser cache
  • Additional cleanup features

OnyX (Free)

  • Maintenance and optimization
  • Cache clearing options
  • System tweaks
  • For advanced users

AppCleaner (Free)

  • Removes apps completely
  • Finds associated cache files
  • Prevents orphaned cache

When to Clear Cache

Clear Cache When:

  • Running low on disk space
  • Apps behaving strangely
  • Websites showing old content
  • After major macOS update
  • Troubleshooting performance issues

Don't Clear Cache When:

  • Everything is working fine
  • You're about to do important work (apps will be slower initially)
  • You're unsure what you're deleting

What Clearing Cache Affects

Temporary Inconveniences

  • Apps open slower initially
  • Websites load slower first time
  • May need to re-login to some services
  • Preferences in some apps may reset

Benefits

  • Frees disk space (often several GB)
  • Fixes corrupted cache issues
  • Resolves some app crashes
  • Can improve performance

Safe Cache Clearing Checklist

Before Clearing

- [ ] Backup important data (Time Machine) - [ ] Close all applications - [ ] Note any apps you're logged into

After Clearing

- [ ] Restart Mac - [ ] Open frequently used apps to rebuild cache - [ ] Re-login to services as needed - [ ] Verify everything works

Automating Cache Clearing

Scheduled Maintenance

macOS runs automatic maintenance scripts, but you can trigger them:

  1. Open Terminal
  2. Run: `sudo periodic daily weekly monthly`
  3. Enter password

This runs system maintenance including some cache management.

Third-Party Scheduling

Apps like CleanMyMac can schedule regular cache clearing—useful if you frequently run low on space.

Got Questions About Clearing Cache on Mac? Let's Clear Things Up.

Is it safe to clear all cache on Mac?

Clearing user cache (`~/Library/Caches/`) is generally safe—apps rebuild what they need. System cache (`/Library/Caches/`) is more sensitive; only clear specific folders if troubleshooting. Never delete the Caches folders themselves, only their contents.

How much space will clearing cache free?

Typically 2-10 GB, sometimes more if you haven't cleared in years or use many apps. Browser cache alone can be several gigabytes. Check folder sizes before deleting to see potential savings.

Will clearing cache delete my passwords?

No. Passwords are stored in Keychain, not cache. However, clearing browser data (not just cache) might remove saved passwords if you select that option. Cache clearing only removes temporary files.

How often should I clear cache?

Only when needed—when running low on space or troubleshooting issues. Frequent clearing is counterproductive; cache exists to speed things up. Every few months is reasonable for maintenance.

Why does cache keep coming back?

That's normal and expected. Cache is created as you use apps and browse websites. It's temporary storage that improves performance. Clearing it provides temporary space; it will rebuild with use.

Clearing cache on Mac is a useful maintenance task that can free space and resolve issues. Start with browser cache for quick wins, then user cache if you need more space. For more Mac tips, check our guides on taking screenshots and MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro.