What clearing cache does and why you might need to

Clearing your Apple Music cache removes temporary files the app stores on your device — song previews, album artwork, search results, and playback data. Over time, this cache can grow to several gigabytes, especially if you stream music regularly or download songs for offline listening.

You might clear cache if your app is running slowly, if you're running low on storage space, or if you're experiencing playback problems. Clearing cache won't delete your playlists, saved songs, or downloaded music — those are stored separately. It simply removes the temporary files Apple Music uses to speed up loading and playback.

On iPhone and iPad, you don't have a direct "clear cache" button in Apple Music settings. Instead, you manage cache through your device's storage settings or by offloading the app. On Mac, the process is more straightforward.

Key Takeaways

  • On iPhone and iPad, clearing Apple Music cache means either offloading the app (which removes the app but keeps your data) or deleting and reinstalling it.
  • Offloading through Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Apple Music removes the app temporarily without losing your library or preferences.
  • On Mac, you can manually delete cache files located in ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.music or use the Storage Management tool in System Settings.
  • Clearing cache won't affect your playlists, saved songs, or downloaded music — only temporary files are removed.

Clearing cache on iPhone and iPad

The simplest method on iOS is to offload the app, which removes Apple Music temporarily while keeping your account data and preferences intact. Open Settings, tap General, then iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage). Scroll down and tap Apple Music. Tap Offload App, then confirm. This removes the app but preserves your library and login information.

After offloading, go to the App Store, search for Apple Music, and tap the cloud icon to reinstall it. When you open it, you'll be logged back in with all your playlists and preferences restored. The cache has been cleared in the process.

If offloading doesn't solve your problem, you can delete the app entirely and reinstall it. Open Settings, tap General, then iPhone Storage. Find Apple Music and tap Delete App, then Delete App again to confirm. This removes everything related to the app, including cache. Reinstall from the App Store afterward — your account data is stored on Apple's servers, so you'll still have access to your library once you log back in.

Clearing cache on Mac

On Mac, you have two options. The manual method involves navigating to hidden folders. Open Finder, press Command + Shift + G to open the Go to Folder dialog, and type ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.music. Delete the contents of this folder. You can also check ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.music.plist — deleting this file will clear some stored preferences along with cache, though you'll need to log back in afterward.

The easier method is to use macOS's built-in Storage Management tool. Open System Settings, click General, then Storage. Find Apple Music in the list and click it. You'll see an option to remove the app or manage its data. Click the option to remove unnecessary files or offload the app entirely, similar to the iOS process.

After clearing cache on Mac, restart the Apple Music app. If you deleted preference files, you may need to log in again, but your library and playlists remain on Apple's servers and will sync once you're logged back in.

What happens to your music after clearing cache

Your playlists, saved songs, and library remain untouched. These are stored in your Apple Music account on Apple's servers, not in the cache. When you clear cache and reopen the app, it downloads fresh copies of this information.

Downloaded songs for offline listening are also separate from cache. If you've downloaded music to your device, those files stay in place even after clearing cache. However, if you delete and reinstall the app entirely (rather than just offloading), you may need to re-download songs you want offline, since the app won't remember which ones you had downloaded.

When clearing cache might not solve your problem

If Apple Music is still slow or crashing after clearing cache, the issue may be something else. Check that you're running the latest version of the app — open the App Store and search for Apple Music to see if an update is available. Restart your device, which often resolves temporary glitches more effectively than clearing cache alone.

If you're having playback problems, try signing out of Apple Music and signing back in. Open the app, go to Settings (or For You on iPhone), scroll to the bottom, and tap Sign Out. Then sign back in with your Apple ID. This refreshes your connection to Apple's servers without removing any of your data.

How often you should clear cache

There's no set schedule. Clear cache when you notice the app is slow, when you're running low on storage space, or when you're troubleshooting a problem. For most users, clearing cache once every few months is enough. Heavy streamers who use Apple Music daily might benefit from clearing it more often — perhaps every month or two.

You can check how much space Apple Music is using by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage (on iOS) or System Settings > General > Storage (on Mac) and finding Apple Music in the list. If it's using more than a gigabyte or two, clearing cache is worth trying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my downloaded songs?

No. Downloaded songs are stored separately from cache. If you offload or delete and reinstall the app, your downloads stay on your device. However, the app won't remember which songs you had downloaded, so you may need to re-download them if you want them available offline again.

Do I need to sign in again after clearing cache?

Usually not. If you offload the app or use the Storage Management tool, you'll stay logged in. If you delete preference files on Mac or delete and reinstall the app entirely, you'll need to sign in again with your Apple ID. Your library syncs automatically once you're logged back in.

Can I clear cache without deleting the app?

On iPhone and iPad, not directly — you have to offload or delete the app. On Mac, you can manually delete cache files from the Finder without removing the app itself. Navigate to ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.music and delete the contents while keeping the app installed.

How much storage space will I free up?

It varies depending on how much you stream and how long you've had the app installed. Cache can range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes. Check Settings or System Settings to see how much space Apple Music is currently using before you clear it.

What if clearing cache doesn't fix my problem?

Try restarting your device, updating the app to the latest version, or signing out and back in. If the app is still having issues, contact Apple Support — the problem may be with your account or device rather than cache.