How To Clean Cache On Your MacBook

Table of Contents

Last Updated on April 3, 2023

If you’ve noticed your Mac is running slow it could well be the cache storage is cluttering up your hard disk putting your device under stress. When a MacBook is put under stress the slower it functions and serious issues can ensue should action not be taken.

Here, we introduce measures to keep your cache nice and clean. It is good practice to check out these MacBook maintenance tips and apply them for a better experience.

What is Cache?

Commonly confused with cookies, cache are files your MacBook creates when you access a website or launch an app. They help your device load webpages faster and apps run more efficiently. Problems occur when the cache files become outdated or simply become too large and clog up your MacBook.

There are three forms of cache:

System cache
User cache (App and DNS)
Browser cache

Removing User Cache

Removing user cache is a good place to start. It can potentially free up gigabytes of space. Here’s how to do it:

Open Finder then Go to Menu
Type ~/Library/Caches. Click Go.
In the list of folders that are presented, open each one and delete the cache files.
Empty Trash.

You may want to take a backup of all the files as it is easier than you think to delete system files.

Removing System Cache

Before we go any further it is not a good idea to tamper with System Cache unless you are some kind of tech genius. It is very easy to make a mistake. If you insist, however, then follow these steps:

Type /Library/Caches in the Go menu as before.
You’ll see a file called Cache in the list of folders that appear. Right-click it and Get Info. If the size of the folder is fairly small it is probably best to leave it alone.
If you go into the folder you can start deleting files as before. Good luck.

Removing Browser Cache

Removing browser cache is different for each browser but broadly, it is a question of finding where the cache is stored and deleting it.

Removing Cache from Safari

Click Safari and then Preferences
Click the Advanced tab and check “Show Develop menu in menu bar”
Go to Develop, it should have appeared in your menu bar.
Click Empty Caches.
Close and restart the browser.

Just one thing, whenever you empty the cache auto logins will no longer work.

Removing Cache from Chrome

To clear cache from Chrome do the following:

Type chrome://settings in the search bar.
Under the Privacy and security section, you’ll find Clear browsing data. Click it.
Deselect everything except Cached images and files.
Under Time range, choose All time from the dropdown.
Close and reopen.

Removing Cache from Firefox

To remove cache from Firefox do:

Type about:preferences in the search bar.
Select Privacy and Security from the left-hand menu.
Click Clear Data. This will appear under Cookes and Site Data
In the window that appears, check Cached Web Content. Hit the Clear button.
Close and restart.

With a little love, your MacBook will give years and years of glorious service.

Posted by:Igor

Igor is a SEO specialist, designer, and freelance writer. He believes that knowledge can change the world and be used to inspire and empower young people to build the life of their dreams. When he is not writing in his favorite coffee shop, Igor spends most of his time reading, traveling, producing house music, and capturing light with his camera. He is a sucker for good coffee, Indian food, and video games.