Learn how to clear cache on mac with our comprehensive guide. Improve system performance, increase storage space, and avoid potential security risks.
Are you facing slow system performance or experiencing storage space issues on your Mac? The cache may be the culprit behind these problems. Cache files are temporary data stored by your system to speed up processes and reduce load times. However, over time, these cache files can accumulate and cause issues on your Mac. Clearing the cache is an effective solution to improve system performance and free up storage space.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide on how to clear cache on Mac. We’ll cover different types of cache, manual and third-party methods to clear cache, benefits of clearing cache, and recommended frequency of clearing cache.
Types of Cache on Mac
Before diving into how to clear cache on Mac, let’s first understand the different types of cache that exist on your system. There are three main types of cache on a Mac:
System Cache
The system cache stores temporary files related to the system and applications on your Mac. These files include app icons, preferences, and system updates. The system cache is located in the /Library/Caches folder.
User Cache
The user cache stores temporary files related to the user account on your Mac. These files include browser data, app data, and downloaded files. The user cache is located in the ~/Library/Caches folder.
Browser Cache
The browser cache stores temporary files related to your browsing history and website data. These files include cookies, images, and scripts. The browser cache is located in the ~/Library/Caches folder, but each browser has its own cache location.
Understanding the different types of cache on your Mac is essential before proceeding to clear cache. In the next section, we’ll cover the manual method to clear cache on Mac.
Manual Method to Clear Cache on Mac
Clearing cache manually is a simple process that involves deleting the cache files from their respective locations. Here are the steps to clear cache manually on your Mac:
Steps to Clear System Cache
- Close all applications and open Finder.
- Press Shift + Command + G to open the Go to Folder window.
- Type /Library/Caches and press Enter.
- Select all files and folders in the Caches folder and move them to the Trash.
- Enter your administrator password if prompted.
- Empty the Trash to permanently delete the cache files.
Steps to Clear User Cache
- Close all applications and open Finder.
- Press Shift + Command + G to open the Go to Folder window.
- Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter.
- Select all files and folders in the Caches folder and move them to the Trash.
- Empty the Trash to permanently delete the cache files.
Steps to Clear Browser Cache
Each browser has a different method to clear cache. Here are the steps to clear cache on popular browsers:
Google Chrome
- Open Google Chrome and click on the three dots in the top right corner.
- Select More Tools > Clear Browsing Data.
- Select the time range for which you want to clear cache.
- Select the types of data you want to clear, including cached images and files.
- Click Clear Data.
Safari
- Open Safari and click on Safari in the top menu bar.
- Select Preferences > Advanced.
- Check the box next to Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- Click on Develop in the top menu bar.
- Select Empty Caches.
Using Third-Party Apps to Clear Cache on Mac
If you prefer a more automated and convenient method to clear cache, you can use third-party apps. These apps scan your system for cache files and provide a one-click solution to clear them. Here are some popular cache cleaning apps for Mac:
CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is a powerful utility tool that can clean and optimize your Mac in one click. It can clear system and user cache, as well as other junk files that slow down your system. Here are the steps to use CleanMyMac X to clear cache:
- Download and install CleanMyMac X.
- Open CleanMyMac X and click on the System Junk tab.
- Click on Scan to scan your system for cache files.
- Click on Clean to clear the cache files.
CCleaner for Mac
CCleaner is a popular optimization tool for Windows, but it has a version for Mac as well. It can clear cache files, browser history, and other junk files. Here are the steps to use CCleaner for Mac to clear cache:
- Download and install CCleaner for Mac.
- Open CCleaner and click on the Cleaner tab.
- Check the box next to Cache.
- Click on Analyze to scan your system for cache files.
- Click on Run Cleaner to clear the cache files.
Using third-party apps is an easy and convenient way to clear cache on your Mac. In the next section, we’ll cover the benefits of clearing cache on Mac.
Benefits of Clearing Cache on Mac
Clearing the cache on your Mac is beneficial in several ways. Here are some of the benefits of clearing cache on Mac:
Improved System Performance
As cache files accumulate on your system, they can slow down system performance. Clearing the cache regularly can improve system performance by reducing the load times of applications and freeing up memory space.
Increased Storage Space
Cache files can take up a significant amount of storage space on your Mac. Clearing the cache can free up storage space and help you avoid storage issues.
Avoidance of Potential Security Risks
Cache files can contain sensitive information such as login credentials and browsing history. Clearing the cache regularly can protect your privacy by removing this sensitive data.
Recommended Frequency of Clearing Cache on Mac
The frequency of clearing cache on Mac depends on several factors such as the amount of cache generated, how frequently you use your Mac, and the applications you use. However, it’s recommended to clear the cache every few months to ensure optimal system performance and avoid storage issues.
For general users, clearing the cache every three to six months is sufficient. However, if you use your Mac heavily for activities such as video editing or gaming, you may need to clear the cache more frequently.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clearing the cache on your Mac is essential to improve system performance, free up storage space, and protect your privacy. Understanding the different types of cache on your Mac and the methods to clear cache can help you maintain optimal system performance. We recommend clearing the cache every few months to avoid storage issues and ensure optimal system performance.
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References
- Apple Support. (n.d.). How to clear the cache on your Mac. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201265
- MacPaw. (2021). How to clear cache on Mac. https://macpaw.com/how-to/clear-cache-on-mac
