Websites that load old content, apps that act strangely, or a Mac that feels slower than it should can all be signs of a bloated cache. Knowing how to clear cache on Mac is an easy way to fix many everyday problems, and it can free some storage as well. This guide shows how to clear the cache in Safari, Chrome and other browsers, how to clean your user cache folder carefully, and how to flush the DNS cache, with safety tips for each step.
What is a cache?
A cache is a place where your Mac or an app keeps temporary copies of data so it can load faster next time. For example, your browser stores images and scripts from websites you visit. Caches are normally helpful, but they can cause trouble when the stored data is old or corrupted, for example when a site looks broken or does not show recent changes.
Clearing a cache is safe. It does not delete your documents, photos or passwords. The first time you open a site or app afterward, it may load a little slower while it rebuilds the cache.
When should you clear your cache?
- A website shows old content or looks broken.
- A page will not load but works on another device.
- An app behaves strangely after an update.
- You want to free up some disk space.
- You are troubleshooting a slow browser.
How to clear cache in Safari
Option 1: Clear history and website data
- Open Safari.
- Click Safari in the menu bar, then Clear History.
- Choose a time range, such as all history, and click Clear History.
This removes your browsing history, cookies and cached data for that period, and signs you out of websites. Make sure you remember your passwords before you do this.
Option 2: Empty caches only
If you want to remove only the cache and keep cookies and history, use the Develop menu.
- Open Safari > Settings > Advanced.
- Turn on Show features for web developers (older versions say Show Develop menu in menu bar).
- Click Develop in the menu bar and choose Empty Caches. You can also press Option + Command + E.
Option 3: Remove data for one website
Open Safari > Settings > Privacy and click Manage Website Data. Search for the site, select it and click Remove. This is useful when only one site misbehaves.
How to clear cache in Google Chrome on Mac
- Open Chrome and press Command + Shift + Delete.
- Pick a Time range, such as All time.
- Tick Cached images and files. Leave cookies unticked if you want to stay signed in.
- Click Delete data.
Our dedicated guide on how to clear cache in Google Chrome covers phones and other computers as well.
How to clear cache in Firefox on Mac
Open Firefox and press Command + Shift + Delete. Choose a time range, tick Cache, and click OK. You can also go to Firefox > Settings > Privacy & Security and use Clear Data.
How to clear the user cache on Mac
Apps also store caches in your user Library folder. Clearing them can free space and fix app glitches, but you must be careful here. Take a backup first (see our guide to backing up your Mac with Time Machine).
- Open Finder.
- Click Go in the menu bar and choose Go to Folder.
- Type ~/Library/Caches and press Return.
- Open the folders inside, and move the files inside them to the Trash. Do not delete the folders themselves.
- Empty the Trash and restart your Mac.
Only clear caches for apps you know. If you are unsure about a folder, leave it alone. Do not touch the system-level Library folder or the System folder, because deleting the wrong item can break macOS or your apps.
How to flush the DNS cache on Mac
Your Mac stores recent website addresses in a DNS cache. If a site’s address changed and your Mac still tries the old one, flushing the DNS cache can fix connection errors. Open Terminal and run:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
Enter your Mac password when asked (nothing appears as you type). There is no confirmation message, but the cache is cleared. This command works on recent macOS versions. If you do not feel comfortable with Terminal, restarting your Mac also clears the DNS cache.
Which cache should you clear?
| Problem | Cache to clear | Safe? |
|---|---|---|
| Website looks old or broken | Browser cache | Yes |
| One site will not load | Website data for that site | Yes |
| Site address not found, but works elsewhere | DNS cache | Yes |
| App behaves oddly or uses too much space | User cache for that app | Mostly, back up first |
| Mac is slow in general | Free storage, restart, update macOS | Yes |
Does clearing cache make a Mac faster?
Sometimes, but not always. Clearing the browser cache can fix a sluggish browser, and freeing space helps if your drive is nearly full. A cache cleanup will not fix a slow Mac with deeper issues. If the whole system is slow, look at our articles on freeing up Mac storage and a Mac running slow after an update.
Should you use cache cleaner apps?
Dozens of “cleaner” apps promise one-click speed. Some are reputable, but many exaggerate problems, show scare messages or delete more than they should. You can do everything above with free built-in tools. If you decide to buy one, choose well-known software from the developer’s website, and avoid cracked versions, which are a common source of malware. Our article on CleanMyMac activation numbers explains why.
Tips to keep your cache under control
- Restart your Mac regularly, since many temporary files are cleared at restart.
- Clear your browser cache every few months, or when sites misbehave.
- Keep macOS, browsers and apps updated.
- Keep 10 to 15 percent of your storage free.
- Never delete files from system folders unless Apple Support tells you to.
You can find more official guidance at Apple Support.
Cache, cookies and history: what is the difference?
- Cache: temporary copies of images, scripts and pages that help sites load faster. Clearing it is safe and does not sign you out.
- Cookies: small files that remember who you are, for example that you are signed in. Clearing them signs you out of websites.
- History: the list of pages you visited. Clearing it does not affect how sites load.
If your only goal is to fix a broken page, clear the cache and leave cookies and history alone. Clear cookies too only if the problem continues, for example when a site keeps showing a login error.
What to expect after clearing the cache
The first time you open a site or app afterward, it may feel a little slower because it must download images and files again. Within a day or two, the cache rebuilds and speed returns to normal. If a problem persists after you clear the cache, restart the browser, try a private window, and disable extensions to see if one of them is the cause. If it only fails on one network, the problem may be the connection and not the cache.
Cache problems in other apps
Browsers are not the only apps that keep caches. Photos, Mail, Music, messaging apps and design tools all store temporary files. If one app misbehaves, look for a clear cache or reset option inside its own settings first, because that is safer than deleting files by hand. If the app has no such option, quit it, move its cache folder out of ~/Library/Caches to your Desktop, reopen the app, and check that it works. If it does, you can delete the old folder; if not, move the folder back. This simple test lowers the risk of losing anything important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to clear cache on a Mac?
Yes, for browser caches and your own user cache folders. It does not delete your documents or photos. Just avoid deleting system files, and back up first.
Will clearing cache delete my passwords?
Clearing only the cache keeps your passwords and logins. If you also clear cookies and website data, you may be signed out of websites.
How often should I clear my Mac’s cache?
There is no strict schedule. Clear the browser cache when sites misbehave, and review your storage every month or two.
How do I clear cache in Safari without losing my history?
Enable the Develop menu in Safari’s Advanced settings, then choose Develop and Empty Caches. This removes the cache only.
Does clearing cache free up a lot of space?
Usually a modest amount, from a few hundred megabytes to a few gigabytes, depending on how much you browse and which apps you use.
Conclusion
To clear cache on Mac, use Safari > Develop > Empty Caches or Command + Shift + Delete in Chrome for the browser, flush DNS from Terminal for connection problems, and carefully clear your user cache in ~/Library/Caches. Back up first, skip anything you do not understand, and restart your Mac afterward. Used wisely, a quick cache cleanup fixes many small problems without any extra software.
