What cache is and why you might clear it

Cache is temporary data your Mac stores to make websites and programs load faster. When you visit a website, your browser saves images, scripts, and other files so it doesn't have to download them again. Your Mac also caches data for apps, system processes, and cloud services. Over time, this cache can grow large and occasionally cause problems — a website might display an outdated version, an app might behave strangely, or your Mac might run slower because the cache is taking up disk space.

Clearing cache is safe and reversible. The worst that happens is websites take a few seconds longer to load the next time you visit them, because your browser has to download fresh copies. You won't lose passwords, bookmarks, or any files you created yourself — those are stored separately.

Key Takeaways

  • Browser cache lives in your browser's settings and clears differently depending on whether you use Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or another browser.
  • System cache on a Mac accumulates in the Library folder, which is hidden by default, and can be cleared by emptying specific subfolders or using the Finder's built-in storage tools.
  • Clearing cache from individual apps usually means going into that app's preferences or settings and looking for a "Clear Cache" or "Storage" option.
  • You can set most browsers to clear cache automatically when you quit, so you don't have to do it manually.

Clearing cache in Safari

Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Select Settings (or Preferences on older Macs). Click the Privacy tab. Click Manage Website Data to see a list of websites that have stored data on your Mac. You can select individual websites and click Remove, or click Remove All to clear everything at once.

To clear cache automatically every time you quit Safari, go back to the Privacy tab and look for the option that says something like "Remove all website data when quitting Safari." Check that box. From then on, Safari will clear its cache without you having to do anything.

Clearing cache in Chrome

Open Chrome and click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Select Settings. Click Privacy and security on the left side, then click Clear browsing data. A window will appear with checkboxes for different types of data. Make sure Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files are checked. At the top, set the time range to All time if you want to clear everything, or choose a specific range like "Last 7 days." Click Clear data.

To set Chrome to clear cache automatically, go back to Privacy and security and click Clear browsing data again. Check the box that says Clear cookies and site data when you quit Chrome. Chrome will then clear its cache every time you close the browser completely.

Clearing cache in Firefox

Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Select Settings. Click Privacy & Security on the left. Under "Cookies and Site Data," click Clear Data. Make sure both Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content are checked, then click Clear.

To clear cache automatically, stay in the Privacy & Security section. Under "History," find the dropdown that says "Firefox will" and select Use custom settings for history. Check the box next to Clear history when Firefox closes. Firefox will then clear its cache every time you close the browser.

Clearing system cache on your Mac

System cache is different from browser cache — it's temporary data your Mac itself stores to run faster. To see how much space it's using, click the Apple menu and select About This Mac. Click Storage. You'll see a breakdown of what's taking up space. If you see a large "Other" category, some of that is system cache.

The safest way to clear system cache is to use macOS's built-in storage tools. In About This Mac, click Storage, then click Manage. You'll see options like "Empty Trash Automatically" and "Reduce Clutter." You can also click Recommendations to see what macOS suggests you delete. Another option is to restart your Mac — this clears temporary cache files automatically.

If you want to manually clear cache folders, you'll need to access the hidden Library folder. Click the Finder icon in your dock, then press Command + Shift + Period (the period key). This shows hidden files. Navigate to Library > Caches. You'll see folders for different apps and system processes. You can delete individual cache folders, but be careful not to delete anything you're unsure about. Restart your Mac after making changes.

Clearing cache in specific apps

Many apps store their own cache. To clear it, open the app and look in its settings or preferences menu — this is usually under the app's name in the menu bar or in a gear icon. Look for options labeled "Storage," "Cache," "Clear Data," or "Reset." The exact location varies by app.

For example, in Mail, go to Mail > Settings > Accounts, select your account, and look for a cache or storage option. In Photos, go to Photos > Settings > General and look for storage options. If you're not sure where to find it in a specific app, search the app's help menu or preferences for the word "cache."

When to clear cache and what to expect

You don't need to clear cache regularly unless you're experiencing problems. Common reasons to clear it include a website displaying outdated information, an app crashing or freezing, or your Mac running slowly. If you notice any of these issues, clearing cache is often the first thing to try.

After clearing cache, websites and apps may take slightly longer to load the first time you use them, because they have to download fresh data. This is temporary — after the first load, they'll be cached again and will load normally. You won't lose any of your personal files, passwords, or settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing cache delete my passwords?

No. Passwords are stored separately from cache. When you clear cache, you're only removing temporary files that help websites and apps load faster. Your saved passwords stay in place unless you specifically choose to delete them in your browser or app settings.

Can I clear cache for just one website?

Yes. In Safari, go to Settings > Privacy > Manage Website Data, find the website in the list, and click Remove. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data, and you can search for a specific site. In Firefox, you can use the same method. This clears cache for only that site without affecting others.

Is it safe to delete everything in the Library Caches folder?

Mostly yes, but it's safer to delete individual app cache folders rather than everything at once. Some system processes may be using cache files actively. If you delete the entire Caches folder, restart your Mac afterward to let it rebuild what it needs. Avoid deleting anything in the Library folder unless you're certain what it does.

How often should I clear my cache?

There's no set schedule. Clear cache only when you notice a problem — a website displaying wrong information, an app misbehaving, or your Mac running slowly. If you want to clear it regularly for privacy reasons, set your browser to clear cache automatically when you quit, which most browsers support.

Does clearing cache free up a lot of disk space?

It depends on how much cache has built up. Browser cache might free up a few gigabytes if you haven't cleared it in months. System cache is usually smaller but can add up. If your Mac is running low on storage, clearing cache is worth trying, but don't expect it to solve a serious space problem — you'll likely need to delete larger files like old videos or unused apps.