• Clear Safari cache on Mac
  • Clear Safari cache on iPhone or iPad
  • How to save passwords when clearing your cache

How to clear your Safari browser cache on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad

  • You can clear your cache on Safari in just a few steps on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad.
  • Clearing your cache, as well as history and cookies, can help resolve your device's performance issues.
  • Clearing your cookies will clear your passwords as well, unless you save them with keychain.

A cache is a store of data. When you visit a website on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, the Safari browser keeps a snapshot of the pages you view.

If you go back to that website, Safari loads the cached page in an instant, instead of taking the time to retrieve the page from the internet again.

But an overloaded cache can take up storage space and cause your device to run inefficiently — and it could use a periodic clearing.

Here's what you need to know to clear your cache on Safari, as well as your cookies and browsing history.

How to clear Safari cache on Mac

You can either clear just your cache or your cache, history, and cookies. 

Clear your cache

1. Click on the Safari tab at the top left of your screen and choose Preferences from the dropdown menu.

2.  Click the Advanced tab of the menu that pops up.

3.  At the end of the tab, select the Show Develop menu in menu bar box and close the Preferences menu.

4. Click the Develop tab from the Safari menu at the top of the page.

5. Click Empty Caches from the dropdown menu.

Clear your cache, history, and cookies

You may also want to clear your browsing history and cookies in addition to emptying your cache. Here's how to do that.

1. Choose the History tab at the top of your screen.

2. At the very bottom of the dropdown menu, choose Clear History.

3.  A box pops up with a choice to clear the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history. Choose your time frame and click the Clear History button.  

Once you clear the history, it will also clear the cache and cookies associated with that time period.

How to clear Safari cache on iPhone or iPad

To clear your cache and browsing history:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap Safari .

3. Tap Clear History and Website Data .

4. On the screen that pops up, choose Clear History and Data .

To clear your cache but not your browsing history:

3. Tap Advanced .

4. Tap Website Data .

5. Choose Remove All Website Data .

What happens to saved passwords when you clear your cache

When you clear your cache, history, and cookies, you may discover that Safari has logged you out of your favorite websites.

While clearing Safari's cache alone will not delete your passwords, clearing your history and cookies can. That's because when you empty your cookies, you will lose their password data saved in Safari as well. And keep in mind that clearing your history also clears its associated cookies.

Luckily, Apple has a solution to this problem. If you use iCloud, check your iCloud settings on your phone or computer.

Make sure that you've checked the box for Safari. As long as this box is checked, any passwords you save through your browser will stay safe in your keychain .

mac safari clear cache

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How to Clear Safari Browsing History and Cache

Whenever you browse the web in Safari, the browser stores website data so that it doesn't have to download it again each time you revisit a site. In theory this should speed up your browsing experience, but there are some scenarios where you might want to clear the cache and start anew. Keep reading to learn how it's done on Mac, iPhone , and iPad .

safari macos icon banner

If a site you regularly frequent has elements that have stopped working, or if a site has stopped loading completely, there may be a conflict between an older version of it that Safari has cached and a newer one.

Or perhaps you simply want to protect your privacy by wiping the slate clean and removing all the data associated with websites you've visited. Either way, here's how it's done on macOS and iOS.

How to Clear Safari's Cache on Mac

There are two ways to clear Safari's cache on a Mac. The first method outlined below deletes everything relating to a website you've visited, including not only the cached versions of the site, but also cookies and any other related data. The second method described offers a more targeted approach and clears only Safari's cache, but it does involve enabling a hidden menu.

  • Launch Safari browser on your Mac.

safari

How to Clear Safari's Cache on iPhone and iPad

Note that the following steps clear all history, cookies and website data on your device, regardless of when the sites were accessed.

  • Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
  • Scroll down and select Safari .
  • Scroll down and select Clear History and Website Data .
  • Choose the timeframe to clear ( Last hour , Today , Today and yesterday , or All history ), choose the profile or select All Profiles , then tap Clear History .

settings

For another way to protect your privacy while browsing the web, be sure to check out our guide on how to use Safari's Private Browsing Mode .

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How to clear cache on Mac in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox

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Looking to tidy up the browser on your Mac or fix some issues you’re seeing with websites? Read on for how to clear cache on Mac, as well as history, and cookies in Safari , Chrome, and Firefox.

It’s a straightforward process to clear cache on Mac in Safari as well as third-party browsers like Chrome and Firefox. While the button in the menu bar for Safari is labeled “Clear History,” it also clears cookies and your cache.

For Chrome and Firefox, you get more detailed control of what data you’re deleting.

Whether you’re just wanting to do some regular maintenance or having some issues with browsing that you want to clear up, follow along below…

For how to clear your cache, history, and website data on iPhone and iPad, check out our tutorial here .

Table of contents

Google chrome, how to clear cache on mac.

  • Open Safari
  • In the menu bar (top left of your screen) click History
  • You can also choose Safari > Clear History…
  • Use the drop-down menu to pick what timeframe you want to clear history and cookies from Safari
  • One last time, click  Clear History
  • Keep in mind that means you may be logged out of websites, etc.

Site default logo image

Now look at the bottom of the menu and click “Clear History…”

To fully clear your history, cache, and cookies, click the drop-down and select “all history.”

  • For Google Chrome on Mac, click Chrome in the menu bar (top left corner)
  • Choose “Clear Browsing Data”
  • Pick a time range, or “All time”
  • Choose what data to clear with the checkboxes
  • Click Clear data
  • For Firefox on Mac, click History in the menu bar (top left of your screen)
  • Click Clear Recent History…
  • Change the timeframe to what you’d like
  • Choose what data to remove

Read more 9to5Mac tutorials: 

  • Best USB-C and Thunderbolt displays for Mac
  • Here’s how the new 14″ and 16″ MacBook Pro compare to other MacBook models
  • Find the battery percentage of your iPhone 13 (and earlier iPhones too )
  • Here’s how Background Sounds work in iOS 15

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How to Safely Clear Cached Files on Your Mac

Last Updated: March 15, 2023 Fact Checked

Clear the Application Cache

Clear the safari cache, clear the system cache in safe mode, clear the system cache manually, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Gonzalo Martinez and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA . Gonzalo Martinez is the President of CleverTech, a tech repair business in San Jose, California founded in 2014. CleverTech LLC specializes in repairing Apple products. CleverTech pursues environmental responsibility by recycling aluminum, display assemblies, and the micro components on motherboards to reuse for future repairs. On average, they save 2 lbs - 3 lbs more electronic waste daily than the average computer repair store. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 814,155 times.

Is your Mac not running as well as it used to? If your MacBook or Mac desktop computer is low on space, running slow, or you're having trouble with certain apps, clearing your cache can resolve these issues. You can also delete other caches on your Mac, including your web browsing cache in Safari, and, in some cases, the system cache (although this can be risky if not performed properly). This wikiHow guide will teach you how to safely clear the cache on your Mac.

Things You Should Know

  • To clear your Mac's application (user) cache, delete all files and folders in ~/Library/Caches .
  • To clear your web browsing cache in Safari, enable the Develop menu in Safari > Settings > Advanced , then select "Empty Caches" from the Develop menu.
  • The safest way to clear your Mac's system cache is to boot into Safe Mode, and then boot up normally.
  • You can delete files from your Mac's system cache manually, but it could freeze your computer and cause other problems.

Step 1 Open Finder icon.

  • Close as many open programs as possible before you delete your application cache (also known as the user cache).
  • Clearing your Mac's application cache is a safe way to reclaim disk space and troubleshoot problematic applications. Your Mac caches files to improve the speed of apps and services on your computer, so you may notice a small lag the first time you re-open certain apps.

Step 2 Press ⇧ Shift+⌘ Command+G at the same time.

  • You can also get here by clicking the Go menu and selecting Go to Folder… .

Step 3 Type ~/Library/Caches and press ⏎ Return.

  • If you see an error telling you that one or more of the files can't be deleted, they're being used by an application that's open. Skip deleting these files for now, then try deleting them later when the programs in question aren't open.
  • Check out our Mac optimization guide for more tips and tricks to improve your Mac's performance.

Step 1 Click the Safari menu.

  • If you already see a Develop menu item in the bar at the top of the screen, skip to Step 5.
  • If you use Google Chrome to browse the web instead of Safari, check out our guide to clearing the cache in Chrome .

Step 2 Click Settings.

  • You can now close the Advanced window.

Step 5 Click the Develop menu.

  • Booting into Safe Mode clears the font cache, kernel cache, and other system caches. Your Mac then rebuilds these caches automatically.
  • The steps to boot into Safe Mode are different depending on whether your Mac has an Apple silicon or Intel processor. To find out your processor type, click the Apple menu and select About This Mac . [3] X Research source

Step 2 Boot into Safe Mode on an Apple Silicon Mac.

  • Turn off your Mac.
  • Press and hold the power button until you see the Startup Options window. [4] X Research source
  • Select your startup disk.
  • Press and hold the Shift key as you click Continue in Safe Mode .
  • Sign in to your Mac.
  • Reboot your Mac normally when you're finished and your system will start caching again as needed.

Step 3 Boot into Safe Mode on an Intel Mac.

  • Press and hold the Shift key as you turn your Mac back on.
  • Release Shift when you see the login window.
  • Sign in to your Mac (you may have to do this twice). Once signed in, you'll see Safe Boot window at the top-right corner of the window.
  • Restart your Mac to clear your system cache.

Step 1 Open Finder icon.

  • Clearing your Mac's system cache manually is not recommended, as it could cause your Mac to freeze . If you want to clear the system cache safely, you should do so in Safe Mode .
  • If you want to delete files from the system cache manually anyway, use this method to do so. You will need to be an administrator to clear the system cache files.

Step 2 Press ⇧ Shift+⌘ Command+G at the same time.

  • Clearing the system cache may cause your Mac to crash. While your Mac should restart and begin working again without any problems, make sure that your work is saved and that you've exited any open programs before clearing the system cache. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/change-safari-settings-ibrwcd8bc28e/mac
  • ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/safari/advanced-ibrw1075/16.1/mac/13.0
  • ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211814

About This Article

Gonzalo Martinez

1. Close open programs. 2. Open Finder . 3. Click Go . 4. Click Go to Folder... 5. Type “Library” for the folder path. 6. Click Go . 7. Double-click Caches . 8. Delete all files in the folder. 9. Click the Finder menu. 10. Click Empty Trash . Did this summary help you? Yes No

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iGeeksBlog

You may want to clear Safari history, cache, and website data on Mac to prevent others from seeing what you were browsing. Removing these helps make the browser responsive . It also comes handy when Safari lags or takes ages to load webpages. The steps to delete website data of Safari in macOS is easy. Let us see how.

Consequences of clearing Safari History and Website Data

  • Records of visited web pages are deleted.
  • A list of the frequently visited sites is also cleared.
  • It may reduce tracking by websites. (a good thing)
  • You may be logged out of websites.
  • Records of blocked or allowed location access, notification, etc. are also reset. So, if you visit a website, it will again ask your permission for these.
  • The download list is deleted. (Actual downloaded files are not.)
  • If you have several Apple devices that sync via iCloud, the changes will reflect on all.

How to clear Safari history on Mac

You can choose to clear all history in a few clicks. Or choose to delete them date-wise or by specific pages. Let me show you how.

  • Open Safari on Mac.
  • Click on History from the top menu bar

Open Safari, tap on History at top menu bar, select Clear History

  • Dropdown menu will show all history . Click on it if you want to select another option, like the last hour, today, today, and yesterday.

Select All history, tap on Clear history

Now, if you don’t want to clear the entire history but just a few specific pages, here’s what you need to do.

How to delete specific webpage from Safari history on Mac

  • From the top menu bar, click on History .

Tap on History, select Show All History

  • Or, click on the tiny triangle arrow ▶ to expand.

Tap dropdown arrow, right click on particular page, select Delete

How to clear Safari cache and cookies on Mac

To clear cache and cookies of your existing Safari profile, you need to delete all of its Website Data. Here’s how you can do that:

  • Launch the Safari browser .

Choose Safari in menu bar and select Settings

The above-mentioned method will only delete website data for a particular profile in Safari.

If you’re like me and enjoy using multiple profiles on Safari to maintain a separation between your personal and professional activities, then I’d like to notify you about something.

However, if you wish to clear the cookies and cache for all your Safari profiles, then you must employ the following method.

How to clear cache of all Safari profiles on Mac

  • Launch Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Select Settings .

Head to Advanced tab and tick the checkbox next to Show features for web developers

How to block all cookies for Safari on Mac

Cookies are tiny data packets that a website saves on your device. It helps the site know that you are revisiting it. (If this is your first visit to iGeeksBlog, you might have seen a banner at the bottom asking for your cookie consent.)

When you clear history and website data, cookies are also deleted. However, here is how you can remove cookies (cache, etc. too) individually and how you can block them from accumulating further.

  • Launch Safari browser → Click Safari in the menu bar → Select Settings .

Click Advance and enable Block all cookies

No, clearing your Safari history will not lead to the removal of your bookmarks or saved passwords.

Yes, clearing cookies will log you out from websites and services where you were previously signed in. This process removes stored login credentials.

Yes, clearing cache, history, and cookies might have a temporary impact on your browsing experience. Websites could a bit slowly.

If you want to remove the Safari cache, history, and cookies on your Mac, just follow the instructions above. Furthermore, I’d highly recommend our complete guides if you’re thinking of changing your default search engine for normal and private windows in Safari.

Did you find this guide helpful? Let me know in the comments!

  • How to create Safari profiles on iPhone, iPad and Mac
  • How to flush your DNS cache on Mac
  • How to fix Safari crashing on Mac

Ankur

I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.

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How to Clear Cache in Safari for Mac

Clearing cache in Safari for Mac helps free up storage space and fix various problems occurring due to the cache.

Like many other browsers, Safari for Mac also keeps a cache of your browsing data. The purpose of this cache is to load the data you’ve accessed before more quickly. In general, Safari’s cache helps it run faster.

But, the cache also takes up memory space on your Mac as it fills up. Sometimes, cache files cause various issues with the Safari browser.

Luckily, you can get rid of all of Safari's cache files in a few easy clicks.

1. Enable the Develop Menu

Know that clearing your Safari cache is a little different than clearing your internet history in Safari .

To clear the Safari cache, first, you need to reach the  Develop menu in this browser.

Open Safari on your Mac, click  Safari > Preferences at the top of your screen, and select the Advanced tab.

At the bottom of the window, you should find the Show Develop menu in menu bar checkbox. Check that box.

The Develop menu should appear at the top of your screen between the Bookmarks and Window menus.

2. Clear Your Cache in Safari

From here, clearing your Safari cache is easy. Click on the Develop menu, and look about halfway down the list.

Click on Empty Caches . Your Safari cache will now empty.

Safari will run a little slower after you initially do this. But, as you browse and refill your cache with your more frequented websites, you’ll see the speed return, and your cache less full of sites you don’t visit anymore.

There are many other ways to free up the storage on your Mac .

Delete Safari Cache to Free Up Storage and Fix Various Issues

You may not need to clear your cache unless you really need storage space or you need to fix certain issues with the browser.

You can clear the Safari cache on any device that uses Safari and achieve the same thing. We hope this article helps you, particularly with your Mac computer.

How-To Geek

How to clear safari's browsing history and cookies on macos.

To clear your history on Safari, click the "History" button at the top, then select "Clear History.

Quick Links

How to delete your browsing history in safari, how to automatically delete your browsing history on safari, how to clear your cookies on safari, key takeaways.

To clear your history on Safari, click the "History" button at the top, then select "Clear History." You can also set Safari to clear your browsing history automatically by going to Preferences > General, then set "Remove History Items" to the time frame you want.

You may not have anything to hide when we surf the Internet, but you still may want to clear your history every now and then. Here's how you can clear your browsing history in Safari on MacOS.

On Safari, all you do is click the "History" button at the top of the screen then select "Clear History" at the bottom of the list.

Once you do this, you will be given a choice: you can select "the last hour," "today," "today and yesterday," and "all history" from a drop-down menu. Once you've decided, click the "Clear History" button and the history will be clear per your preference.

If you simply want to clear part of your history, you can click "Show History" ("Command + Y").

Click on the site or use the "Command" key to select several sites, then press the "Delete" key. You can also click "Clear History" in the upper right corner to remove everything all at once.

You can also right-click a history entry to delete it.

Related: How to Clear History, Cache, and Cookies in Safari on iPhone or iPad

You can also set Safari to automatically clear your history every so often. When you open up the Safari preference ("Command + ,"), click the "General" tab, and select the "Remove History items" option.

You can decide when or if your history is automatically deleted after one day, one week, two weeks, one month, one year, or you can keep your history indefinitely by selecting the manual option.

To clear cookies in Safari, while you're in Safari's preferences, click on the "Privacy" tab and click "Manage Website Data."

On this page, you will see all the cookies stored on your Mac. You can right-click a specific cookie and select "Delete" to remove it, or you can hold the "Command" button and select several at once.

If you want to remove all of your cookies, click "Remove All" at the bottom of the window.

You will be asked to confirm you want to "remove all data stored by websites on your computer."

Keep in mind that, if you do this, any websites you might have personalized will be removed, and you will be logged out of all websites (though it should be easy to log back in if you've saved your username and password).

Related: How to Block Third-Party Cookies in Every Web Browser

Clearing your history and cookies isn't necessarily sneaky. It's good to be privacy-conscious because there are often times when someone will ask to use your computer for a minute. You may not be looking at anything untoward or scandalous, but then again, you don't necessarily want just anyone knowing what you've been looking at or reading.

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How To Clear Cache Safari (Mac)

How To Clear Cache Safari (Mac) 

mac safari clear cache

How To Clear Cache on Safari

We all love the smooth, seamless browsing experience that Safari offers. But, have you ever noticed your favorite browser slowing down or acting a bit glitchy? If so, it might be time to clear your cache. Don’t worry if you’re not sure how to do this – that’s exactly what we’re here for! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to clear your Safari cache, and help you get back to that lightning-fast browsing experience we all love. So, let’s dive right in!

How to clear cache on Safari (Mac)

What is Cache and Why Should You Clear Safari’s Cache on Mac?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s take a moment to understand what cache is and why it’s important to clear Safari’s cache on Mac. In simple terms, cache is temporary data that Safari stores to help load websites faster. Sounds good, right? Well, while it can speed up your browsing initially, over time, this data can pile up and start to make Safari slower. That’s when it’s time for a good cache clear-out.

Clearing Cache in Safari: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s get down to business. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clear your Safari cache:

Step 1: Open Safari

Start by opening Safari. You’ll find it in your Dock or in your Applications folder.

Step 2: Open Preferences

Once Safari is open, click on ‘Safari’ in the menu bar at the top of your screen, then select ‘Preferences’ from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Go to the Advanced Tab

In the Preferences window, click on the ‘Advanced’ tab. You’ll see a checkbox that says ‘Show Develop menu in menu bar’ – make sure this box is checked.

Step 4: Clear the Cache

Now, you’ll see a new ‘Develop’ option in your menu bar. Click on it, then select ‘Empty Caches’ from the drop-down menu. And that’s it! You’ve successfully cleared your Safari cache.

What About Clearing Cookies and Browsing History on Safari?

While clearing your cache can speed up Safari, sometimes it’s not enough. If the browser is still acting up, you might need to clear cookies and browsing history on Safari as well. Here’s how:

  • Open Safari and click on ‘Safari’ in the menu bar, then select ‘Preferences’.
  • Click on the ‘Privacy’ tab, then select ‘Manage Website Data’.
  • Click ‘Remove All’ to clear all cookies and website data, or select individual sites and click ‘Remove’.
  • To clear your browsing history, click on ‘History’ in the menu bar, then select ‘Clear History’. Choose how far back you want to clear, then click ‘Clear History’.

Wrapping Up

Clearing your Safari cache is a simple yet effective way to speed up your browsing experience. Remember, a clean browser is a happy browser, and a happy browser makes for a happy user. So, don’t let a sluggish Safari get you down – clear that cache and get back to browsing at lightning speed!

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any other tech-related questions or if there’s a specific topic you’d like us to cover, feel free to let us know. We’re here to help you make the most out of your Mac. Happy browsing!

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How to clear the cache in Safari on Mac and iPhone - and what it does

William Gallagher's Avatar

Like every web browser, Safari stores data on your Mac , iPhone , and iPad , with the express purpose of speeding up your online life. You may have the kind of internet speed that Apple Park takes for granted, but even so, it's better to spend that speed where it's needed.

So when you revisit a website, Safari makes it so that as far as possible, you only need to download what has changed. Even with a news site that is being updated all day, the basic layout, the furniture of the page, doesn't change all that often, so Safari might as well download it once.

Behind the scenes, then, whenever you ask Safari to go to a site, it goes there with half an eye on what elements of the site it has already stored on your device. Then it will load up anything it can from your device, because retrieving locally stored data is always faster than downloading it.

No question, a Safari cache is a good thing. Except when it isn't.

When you should clear Safari's cache

It's possible for things to go wrong. If Safari doesn't appear to be loading a site, it could be that there's some data corruption in the cache.

Or it could be simply that you are tight on space and all of this invisibly stored cache data is taking up a lot of room. When you're particularly low on space, you know it, too, because your device runs noticeably slower.

So if you are having problems any time you're browsing the web on a Mac, iPhone, or iPad, clearing the cache is at the very least a good first troubleshooting step.

You don't want to inadvertently introduce new problems or inconveniences, though. And clearing caches could also remove passwords that you thought Safari was saving for you.

So before you empty the cache, make sure that Safari is saving those passwords. On the Mac, go to System Preferences, click on Apple ID , then iCloud .

Or on iOS, open Settings , tap on your name at the top, then iCloud .

In either case, then check that Safari is turned on. With the Mac, that means a tick box is on, and with iOS, it means the slider button is turned on and showing green.

On the Mac, you'll need Safari to show you the normally hidden Develop menu

How to clear the cache in Safari on Mac

  • Launch Safari
  • Click on the Safari menu at top left
  • Choose Preferences
  • Click on Advanced
  • Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar to set it to on
  • Close the Preferences window, and open the Develop menu
  • Choose Empty Caches

There is no OK button, and then no visible confirmation that the caches have been cleared. But they have been.

Choose Empty Caches from the Develop menu

How to clear the cache in Safari on iPhone and iPad

  • Open Settings
  • Scroll down to Safari and tap
  • Choose Clear History and Website Data
  • Confirm by tapping the new Clear History and Data button that pops up

Unlike with the Mac, there is a visible indication that the cache has been cleared. The option for Clear History and Website Data is greyed out and unavailable.

Note that it won't stay unavailable. It is immediately available the moment you do anything more in Safari.

On iPhone and iPad, you have to clear both Safari's cache and history

What happens next

Once you have cleared the cache, you will typically find that some site loading problems are resolved. You'll also find that your device runs faster.

Except, of course, the next time you browse to a website, it will load a little slower than you're used to. But that will speed up again - once Safari has once more cached the site.

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Safari User Guide

  • Change your homepage
  • Import bookmarks, history, and passwords
  • Make Safari your default web browser
  • Go to websites
  • Find what you’re looking for
  • Bookmark webpages that you want to revisit
  • See your favorite websites
  • Use tabs for webpages
  • Pin frequently visited websites
  • Play web videos
  • Mute audio in tabs
  • Pay with Apple Pay
  • Autofill credit card info
  • Autofill contact info
  • Keep a Reading List
  • Hide ads when reading articles
  • Translate a webpage
  • Download items from the web
  • Share or post webpages
  • Add passes to Wallet
  • Save part or all of a webpage
  • Print or create a PDF of a webpage
  • Customize a start page
  • Customize the Safari window
  • Customize settings per website
  • Zoom in on webpages
  • Get extensions
  • Manage cookies and website data
  • Block pop-ups
  • Clear your browsing history
  • Browse privately
  • Autofill user name and password info
  • Prevent cross-site tracking
  • View a Privacy Report
  • Change Safari preferences
  • Keyboard and other shortcuts
  • Troubleshooting

mac safari clear cache

Manage cookies and website data in Safari on Mac

You can change options in Safari preferences so that Safari always accepts or always blocks cookies and website data .

Open Safari for me

Prevent trackers from using cookies and website data to track you: Select “Prevent cross-site tracking.”

Cookies and website data are deleted unless you visit and interact with the trackers’ websites.

Always block cookies: Select “Block all cookies.”

Websites, third parties, and advertisers can’t store cookies and other data on your Mac. This may prevent some websites from working properly.

Always allow cookies: Deselect “Block all cookies.”

Websites, third parties, and advertisers can store cookies and other data on your Mac.

Remove stored cookies and data: Click Manage Website Data, select one or more websites, then click Remove or Remove All.

Removing the data may reduce tracking, but may also log you out of websites or change website behavior.

See which websites store cookies or data: Click Manage Website Data.

Note: Changing your cookie preferences or removing cookies and website data in Safari may change or remove them in other apps.

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Clear Browser Cache In Mac

  • How to Clear Browser Cache in Mac
  • Last updated: February 13, 2024

Romana Levko

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Table of Contents

Just like most of you, I use my Mac for web browsing every day – whether it’s for work, social media, or simply for surfing the web. I was happy with everything until recently I’ve started to notice that it’s taking much longer for my browser to open a page, or sometimes it’s not even able to fully load an image on it. Only after checking on a few things, I realized that my Mac is overloaded with browser cache and that those old website files are slowing it down. As soon as I wiped off the cache files from the browser on my Mac, the issue went away.

Specifics of Browser Cache on Mac

Before getting to the main part, let’s go through the basics first. What is the browser cache on your MacBook (Air/Pro) even needed for? Where is it stored? Here are the details.

When you visit a specific website for the first time, the browser on your Mac downloads images, text, HTML pages, CSS, and other site files to a storage space called browser cache. Those files contain website data, cookies, browsing history, and login details, which can be sensitive. If you open the same website again, those cache files will help your browser to load the web pages faster. So basically, the browser cache is like a helper for the browser itself to speed up page loading times.

The cache is typically stored in a hidden folder inside your user profile. So whether you’re using Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, you’ll have to approach locating those files differently. For detailed information on how to locate that folder, check out the information in the next section.

Steps to Clear Browser Cache on Mac

Each browser handles cache data in their own way: the storage location, settings, and way to clear the cache can vary. Therefore, in this section of the article, we chose the most widely used browsers on Macs, which are Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, and described in detail the process of clearing cache files on each browser. The steps might slightly vary depending on the macOS version that you’re using (macOS Sonoma, Ventura, or a later one), but in general, the process is similar.

How to Clear Cache in Safari

Safari is the macOS-native web browser that comes preinstalled on all Apple computers. If you’re using Safari to scroll through website on your Mac just like I am, you should follow these steps to clear the cache on it:

  • Open the Safari browser on your Mac.

safari settings Mac

  • Choose Settings… from the drop-down menu.

manage data safari Mac

  • Click Done when ready.

How to Clear Cache in Chrome

If you’re more of a Chrome browser fan, then this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through the simple process to clear your Chrome cache in just a few seconds.

Follow these steps to clear cache in the Chrome browser on your Mac:

  • Open the Google Chrome application on your computer.

chrome settings Mac

  • Choose Privacy and Security on the sidebar on the left.
  • Click Clear browsing data .

clear cache chrome on Mac

  • Click the Clear data button to confirm.

How to Clear Cache in Firefox

Just like any other Mac browser, Firefox also stores a copy of different parts of the websites that you’ve visited in the past to optimize the page loading time if you visit one of those sites again.

Here’s how to erase cache files from the Firefox browser on your Mac:

firefox Mac settings

  • Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
  • Click the Privacy & Security section.

firefox Mac privacy settings

  • Make sure there is a checkmark near Cookies and Site Data , then click Clear .

clear cookies Firefox Mac

Why It’s Important to Clear Your Browser Cache?

Whether you decide to regularly clean the browser cache on your Mac or not, it’s totally up to you. But it’s good to be aware of how it affects your computer and how you can benefit from clearing it. Here are the main reasons why it’s important to clean your browser cache at least occasionally:

  • 💻 Get More Disk Space: If you’ve never cleared cache from the browser on your Mac or simply don’t remember the last time you did that, the chances are that those files now take up a significant amount of your hard drive or SSD storage space. So by clearing cache, you’ll free up that space for more important files.
  • 💤 Eliminate Page Loading Issues: If you’ve noticed that it takes more and more time to load a webpage on your Mac or that the browser itself sometimes acts out causing it to load a page incorrectly, then it’s possible that your computer is overloaded with cache. Clearing it out might fix this issue.
  • ⛑️ Data Protection: Inside of some of those cache files might be copies of the images or other data from the websites that you’ve previously visited containing private information. Cleaning the cache on your browser regularly helps to prevent a potential data leak and therefore protects your privacy.

How do I clear cache on Safari?

You can clear cache from the Safari browser on your Mac either directly through the app settings or manually via Finder. We figured the first option is easier since the navigation is quite user-friendly in this browser. Here’s what you should do:

  • Click Safari on the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  • Go to Settings… and then open the Privacy tab.
  • Click the Manage Website Data… button.
  • Choose which website cache and cookies you wish to erase, or click Remove All to select all of them.
  • Click Done .

Is it safe to clear the browser cache on Mac?

How often do you need to clear the browser cache on mac.

And that’s it – just in a couple of minutes, you’ve cleared all of the old cache files from the browsers on your Mac. Not only have you freed up more storage space on your computer after this, but also gave a speed boost for the browser. Just keep in mind, for optimal performance, it’s best to make a habit of occasionally clearing out the cache files from your computer to avoid any build-up and the potential occurrence of similar issues.

Romana Levko

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How to clear the cache on Mac

Need to know how to clear the cache on Mac to free up space or fix a problem? Check out our guide

MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023

Learning how to clear the cache on Mac is useful for keeping your Apple computer running as best as it can.

Caches are there to store temporary files that help your Mac run quickly, but they can become clogged with unnecessary old files, so it’s a good idea to clear them out regularly. There are two main caches on Mac: a system cache for OS files, and a user cache for app files. We’ll show you how to clear both caches. 

Before we start, make sure you have a back-up of any files you want to clear, in case you realize you need them afterwards. Also, avoid removing files indiscriminately — you don’t want to brick one of the best laptops around, so if you’re unsure about a specific file, either leave it alone or search its name online to see whether removing it will cause system issues.

With all that out of the way, here’s how to clear the cache on Mac.

How to clear the cache on Mac: User cache

  • Open Finder, click go and click Go to Folder
  • Type ~/Library/Caches
  • Right-click on a file
  • Click move to Trash

Read on to see detailed instructions for each step.

Manually clear the Mac's user cache

1. First, open Finder on your Mac and click Go in the toolbar. Now click Go to Folder from the menu.

how to clear the cache on Mac

2. In the pop-up box which appears, type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter.

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how to clear the cache on Mac

3. You will see a folder containing your Mac's cached files. You can press Command-A on your keyboard to select all of the files and right-click on the highlighted selection . Alternatively – and more preferable – right-click on an individual file . That way, you are less at risk of clearing something important.

Remember: It's always a good idea to back-up any files and folders that you are looking to change. That way, you can put them back if something goes wrong.

how to clear the cache on Mac

4. In either case, click Move to Trash or Move to Bin depending on where you live. This will move the cache files to the trash. You can now click the Trash can icon in your Mac's Dock and select Empty .

how to clear the cache on Mac

How to clear the cache on Mac: System cache

You can also clean up any cached files created by macOS. This is only really recommended if you know what you're doing or if you find you're having problems with a program.

Again, as with the app cache, it's always a good idea to backup any files you are about to change!

1. Open Finder on your Mac, click Go in the toolbar and click Go to Folder from the menu.

how to clear the cache on Mac

2. Type /Library/Caches and press Enter .

how to clear the cache on Mac

3. Open a folder and delete the files that are inside it.

how to clear the cache on Mac

And there you go. That's how you clear the user and system caches of your Mac. To help speed up an iPhone, you can learn how to clear RAM on iPhone and how to clear cache on iPhone .

But that's just one of the many Mac tips we can offer you. Looking for emoji? Here's how to find the emoji keyboard on Mac . We can also show you how to turn on the keyboard light of your Mac. You can also learn how to edit PDFs on Mac , how to right click on Mac , how to scroll on Mac , how to remote desktop on Mac , how to change the screenshot location on Mac , how to remote control your Mac from your iPhone , discover how to uninstall apps on a Mac , or find out how to free up space on iCloud . 

Want to ditch passwords for good? Learn how to set up Passkeys on iPhone, iPad and Mac . Find out how to open Terminal on Mac , so you can become a power user.

David Crookes

David Crookes is a freelance writer, reporter, editor and author. He has written for technology and gaming magazines including Retro Gamer, Web User, Micro Mart, MagPi, Android, iCreate, Total PC Gaming, T3 and Macworld. He has also covered crime, history, politics, education, health, sport, film, music and more, and been a producer for BBC Radio 5 Live.

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mac safari clear cache

GreenGeeks

How To Clear Your Safari Browser Cache on Mac

Your Safari browser contains a folder where certain items that have been downloaded are stored for future use. Items like graphic images, photos, and entire web pages are examples of items that have been saved or “cached.” Every so often this needs to be cleared out. Let’s take a look at how to easily clear out your Safari browser cache.

What is a Safari Browser Cache?

When you visit a website, your Safari browser checks if a copy of the files on the page is already in the cache. If they are, it saves the visitor some download time and the webpage will load faster. Browsers refer to its cache as “Temporary Internet Files .”

There are some cases though that you will run into where bypassing your Safari browser’s cache will be preferred. In most cases, clicking the refresh button will not get you the result you need because this is just reloading the page while still using the same old files from the cache.

Clearing your browser cache in Safari on a Mac is actually a pretty straightforward process. So whether you are looking to perform some regular maintenance, or trying to solve some issues within your Safari browsing, clearing the cache should not be difficult for you to do.

Follow the steps below to learn how to clear the cache in Safari. Remember, clearing your Safari browser cache is not the same as clearing a search history , though they are similar.

How to Clear Your Safari Browser Cache on Mac

Step 1: launch safari browser.

More than likely you already have the Safari browser running on your machine. If not, go ahead and launch it now. The browser needs to be open in order to clear the cache.

Step 2: Open Safari in Menu Bar and Go to Preferences

Once the browser is launched, click on “Safari” in the menu bar, and then click on “Preferences” inside the dropdown menu.

Click the safari tab then click preferences to clear Safari browser cache

Step 3: Find the Privacy Tab

In preferences, you will be given a set of tab options. Find the “Privacy” tab and click on it. Now, click on the “Manage Website Data” button.

Click on the privacy tab and then click the manage website data button

Step 4: Make Selections to Remove or Remove All

Here you will find a list of everything you can clear. Select the items you want, or simply use the “Remove All” button to clear the entire cache.

Click on the remove all button

That’s it. You have successfully cleared the cache in Safari.

Note: The Safari browser also offers a “force refresh” option. Oftentimes this may be enough. You can force refresh your browser by using the following key combination on your Mac: CMD + R . This is an option you can use down the line instead of using the steps above.

However, if you find this simply isn’t working for you, then go ahead and clear your safari browser cache using the steps above.

Congratulations, the Safari browser cache is now empty.

Note: Don’t forget to close out the browser and restart it after you have performed the steps above.

What Are Cookies ?

When you hear the term “ cookies ” being thrown around, we are not talking about the kind you eat. Instead, in this instance, cookies are actually a small piece of data that is stored in your browser while you’re on a website. Every time you go back to that same website, the browser sends the cookie back to the said website with all the info from the last visit.

Cookies can be very helpful, as they store content like usernames and preferences for certain websites you visit. Most times, a browser will overwrite a cookie after you reach a certain limit but will keep information on your browser history until you clear it out. These can bog your browser down over time and lead to a number of issues.

This is another reason you want to clear the Safari cache periodically and start fresh.

Below are step-by-step instructions for clearing your Safari browser’s cache on a Mac and forcing it to load all the freshest and latest data from a website.

Why You Need To Clear Your Safari Browser Cache on Mac

Any website you visit is actually made up of hundreds, and oftentimes thousands of files. Even the websites that are highly optimized for speed will usually load a lot of files in order to display the content properly in your browser.

Your Safari browser does its part to speed up the loading process by saving pieces of the website the first time you visit. Once those pieces are saved the Safari browser can display the files stored in its cache much faster than it can pull fresh files from a server. Therefore, next time you visit that site, the load time will be much faster because the Safari browser will serve up the files stored in the browser cache.

For instance, common images that do not change over time are stored on your computer. This way, the website doesn’t have to spend time uploading the image to you. Your device simply pulls it out of the cache, which drastically cuts down processing time.

With that being said, caching files can have several disadvantages over time. It is a great idea to clear your Safari browser cache every so often for the following reasons:

Maximize Speed and Performance

Even if you don’t spend a lot of time online, over time, you will build up a very large cache. For those of you who do spend a lot of time online for work or surfing the web, your cache will build up even faster. This can affect the speed and performance of your computer. Clearing the Safari browser cache frees up some space and may help speed things back up again.

Viewing Most Recent Pages

Every time you revisit a website your Safari browser cache is supposed to check to see if the site has changed in any way so that it can serve you the most up-to-date pages. This doesn’t always work and sometimes the cache will serve you up old page versions. Clearing the cache from time-to-time will force the browser to start over. This ensures that you are viewing the most up-to-date pages and information on that and other websites you visit often.

Maintaining Security

This will come in particularly handy if you are using a shared or public computer. Clearing the cache after using the computer will help maintain your privacy by clearing out any personal data you may have used while browsing. It also clears out any personal data that the websites you have visited keep.

Fixes Browser Errors

There are situations sometimes when your cache can cause problems when you are using your Safari browser. Some good examples of this would include:

  • Certain websites are slow to load.
  • Certain websites will not load at all.
  • You will receive error messages.
  • Get hung up at certain spots on the website.

In most cases, all of those problems and others can be fixed by clearing the cache. After that, restart the browser and you should be all set.

What Happens to Saved Passwords When You Clear Your Cache?

Yes, clearing your Safari browser cache will clear out all of your saved passwords. This means you will need to re-enter them once when you visit any site you have passwords saved for. Not only will this clear saved passwords, but it will also automatically log you out of any websites you were auto-logged into.

This isn’t a huge deal most times, as you can simply re-enter passwords once. However, there is a solution to this from Apple. If you use iCloud, simply check the box for Safari and all of your passwords and logins will be retained even after you clear your Safari browser cache.

Final Thoughts

The Safari browser offers Mac users a fantastic browser filled with a ton of tools, options, and settings. However, just like any other browser, the cache should be cleared periodically to ensure that the browser is operating at its best.

Clearing the cache on your Safari browser is something that should be done periodically, no matter what. Not only will this help speed up your browser, but it will also maximize performance. Furthermore, it helps maintain the security of the browser and fixes certain browser errors that you come across.

It is not difficult at all to do this. A few clicks of a button within your Safari browser menu will get you to the point where you can easily empty the cache in Safari. This will ensure everything is refreshed and running smoothly.

You can also clear your Safari browser on a PC as well.

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How to clear cache on a Mac

Karen Haslam

Maybe your Mac isn’t running as well as it used to. Maybe one or more of your apps are behaving strangely. Perhaps you are concerned about your privacy online or what companies and app developers know above you. All these are good reasons to clear the cache on your Mac.

If you want to find out how to cache on a Mac, you’ve come to the right place. But before we run through how to do that we’ll explain what cache is, why you might benefit from deleting it, how you can delete your cache, and why you should be careful about what you do delete.

What is cache?

A cache is where data is stored to help your Mac speed up various processes.

You have probably heard of the cache associated with web browsers. This cache contains the data that gets downloaded to your Mac and is saved so that the next time you visit the same website some of the data is already downloaded and it won’t take so long to load up the page.

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Among other things, browser cache means you can browse the web faster, which sounds like a good thing, but there are quite a few disadvantages too. One disadvantage is the fact that you could find yourself browsing an old cached version of a webpage and another is that your browser cache–which includes cookies and trackers–can give websites and advertisers information about you as you browse the web. The latter may be a concern for privacy reasons.

There are two other kinds of cache: system cache and application cache. Application cache, sometimes referred to as user cache, includes data associated with your apps that is saved so that it doesn’t have to be loaded up every time you use the application, this means your applications can work faster. Again, this sounds beneficial, but there are disadvantages. For example, if you work with high-resolution images, or large video files, your computer could be storing a lot of data related to the edits you make.

Similarly, if you play games on your Mac you could find you are losing space to game saves. App data can take up a lot of space and if you are no longer using the app you are unlikely to require the cached data that could still lurk on your Mac.

System cache, as you’d probably expect, is where the data created by macOS that helps your Mac run smoothly is stored. Because it’s connected to the operating system we would recommend against deleting anything from your system cache, unless you are using a specific tool to do so.

Deleting data from any of your Mac’s caches is a risky business if you don’t know what you are doing, but even more so when it comes to system cache as you could accidentally erase files that ensure your Mac runs smoothly.

There is another kind of cached data that is the result of sandboxing between apps, but this data is removed when you restart your Mac (which you should do regularly: see Should I shut down my Mac every night? ).

Delete Cache Mac

Why delete cache?

There are a few reasons why you might want to delete or clear cached data. Most commonly Mac users want to delete data from a cache because they are running out of space on their Mac and assume that clearing their cache could recover a few gigabytes.

Perhaps you’ve been looking at what’s taking up the space on your Mac (System Settings > General > Storage > Storage Settings in Ventura and beyond, About This Mac > Storage in older macOS versions) and wondering what Other and System Data are and why so much of your space is given over to these categories of data.

One thing to note in this case is that deleting data from the cache won’t necessarily free up space as your Mac will recreate many of these cached files.

Another reason to clear your Mac’s cache is for troubleshooting purposes. Perhaps your Mac, or just a particular app, is running poorly and you want to see it deleting data from the cache fixes the issue. This is probably the last case scenario after restarting the troublesome app, restarting your Mac, and possibly deleting and reinstalling the app.

You may also be concerned about your personal data and how an app or website might be using it, which is a good reason to clear your browser cache from time to time.

Another reason to clear browser cache is if you are finding that a website you use isn’t up to date. If you don’t clear the cache you may find you are loading up the version of a webpage as it was the last time you visited.

What can you delete?

Under no circumstances should you delete all of the data in your cache – if you are thinking of doing something that drastic you would probably be better off wiping your Mac and doing a clean install of macOS .

The reason not to delete all your cached files is that some of these files are needed by your Mac to run normally. If you delete cache files willy-nilly you might break something.

Deleting cache that’s related to an application can also be asking for trouble. Some apps keep important user information in cache folders and may not work without it. It can also be pretty inconvenient for you if you are in the middle of a big project in say Photoshop or Premiere Pro and you delete your cache associated with that.

iMac

These are both good reasons to back up your Mac before you clear your cache, at least then you can recover your Mac to the state it was in before you started meddling, or at the least copy the cache files back to the folder you deleted them from.

That’s what you shouldn’t delete – or at least you should be cautious about what you delete. How about what you can safely delete?

We’d suggest that you can delete cache files that relate to apps you no longer use. In particular, if there is data in cache that relates to an app that you have removed from your Mac you should be able to confidently remove the associated files from the cache. In fact, a good app uninstaller, such as MacPaw’s CleanMyMac X , MacCleaner Pro from Nektony, or DaisyDisk from Software Ambience, will remove the associated data from your cache.

For more of our Mac Cleaner recommendations see our round-up of the best Mac cleaner apps .

Browser cache is a type of data you can be pretty confident about removing, but the disadvantages of keeping it may well be greater than any advantages of removing it. Deleting data from your browser cache can become an annoyance when afterwards you discover that you now have to re-enter your logins and other data that used to autofill.

How to clear cache

We’ll look at each kind of cache separately since the process is different. We’ll cover how to delete data from your cache manually and we’ll also look at some of the third-party tools you can use if you are concerned about making a mistake.

Before we start, you may be wondering whether Apple provides you with the necessary tool to quickly delete cached files.

If you are using macOS Sonoma or Ventura you can access the information via About This Mac > More Info. This takes you to System Settings where you go to General > Storage > Storage Settings.

In macOS Monterey and older you can click on the Apple in the menu at the top of your screen and go to About This Mac > Storage.

Whichever way you get there you will see a breakdown of the kind of storage on your Mac that indicates where there are files that you might want to delete, or move to iCloud, in order to free up space. For example, if you click on the i beside the section (in Ventura or later) then you can see all the files or applications you might want to delete.

Storage on Ventura all calculated

You might also see a large section called Other, or System, or System Data, depending on the version of macOS you are running. The kind of cached files you want to delete may well lurk in this section of your storage, so you may wonder if you can easily delete it from here. Unfortunately, you can’t easily delete files from any of those sections from this view.

But there are lots of other ways to free up space from these sections and elsewhere on your Mac. We discuss how to use this here: How to free up space on Mac and address the question of How to delete Other on the Mac and How to delete System on the Mac separately but read on for tips for clearing the cache on your Mac.

How to clear browser cache

The method here depends on which browser you use, be it Safari, Chrome, Firefox or something else.

If you are a Safari user then the process is as follows:

In Sonoma or Ventura

  • Open Safari.
  • Click on Safari > Settings in the menu.
  • Click on the Advanced tab.
  • You need to turn on the Developer view, so click on Show features for web developers (or Show Develop Menu).
  • Now you will see a new Develop option in the menu at the top of your screen. Click on that.
  • Click on Empty Caches. (You could also press on Option/Alt + Command + E.)

In Monterey or older

  • Click on Safari > Preferences in the menu.
  • Click on Advanced.
  • You need to turn on the Developer view, so click on Show Develop Menu.
  • Now you will see a new Develop option in the menu. Click on that.
  • Click on Empty Caches.
  • You could also press on Option/Alt + Command + E.

How delete browser cache mac

That method will delete your Safari cache. You may also want to clear your browsing history. To do that follow these steps:

  • Click on History in the Safari menu.
  • Click on Clear History.

Finally, you can remove cookies by following these steps:

  • Click on Safari > Settings.
  • Click on the Privacy tab.
  • Click on Manage Website Data.
  • Click Remove All (or go through the different sites and choose whether or not to allow them).
  • Select Block all cookies to stop cookies in the future.
  • Click on Safari > Preferences.
  • Click on Privacy.

Just note that removing this data can mean you are logged out of websites that you used to be able to automatically log on to so make sure you know your passwords.

How to clear system cache

Next up we’ll run through how to clear system cache:

A word of warning before you start: Back up just in case something goes wrong! If you delete something that turns out to be important you can at least return to the way things were before. If the thought of making a mistake fills you with dread take a look at one of the options below that will do it for you – safely.

  • Open the Finder.
  • Click on Go > Go to Folder…
  • Type in Library/Caches/
  • Enter or click on Go.
  • Open each folder and choose what to delete. You could sort by Data Modified to see what hasn’t been added recently.
  • Drag caches into the Trash/Bin.
  • Don’t forget to delete your trash.

Delete system cache Mac

This is a long and boring process that also happens to be really risky – so if you would rather reclaim your afternoon and not risk deleting something you shouldn’t, we recommend using one of the apps below.

How to delete application cache files

Along with gaining back some space, clearing files from application cache is something you might want to do if an app isn’t working properly, or if you want to speed a particular app up, but note it could have the opposite effect if you remove cached files that are required. For that reason, we again recommend that you back up your system before you start to delete.

  • Type in ~/Library/Caches/ (note that you need a ~ this time, it’s next to the Z).
  • Open each folder and choose what to delete.
  • Delete your trash.

Delete Application Cache Mac

Again, if you aren’t 100 percent sure you know what you are doing, we recommend that you use a dedicated app to remove you application cache.

Best Apps for removing data from cache

We have a round-up of the best Mac cleaner apps where we run through some of our favorite options for deleting files and memory hogs. Among them, you will find some excellent solutions for removing cache files from your Mac.

Below are three options that we recommend.

How to use CleanMyMac X to clear cache

How to delete cache with CleanMyMac X

CleanMyMac X from MacPaw claims to clear your cache safely, it refers to a Safety Database to do so.

CleanMy Mac can be downloaded from MacPaw’s website . It costs £34.95/$34.95 for a one-year subscription, although from time to time the company offers discounts. Alternatively, you can buy the software for £93.95/$89.95 if you don’t fancy forking out every year. You can download it for free , but if you want to delete anything you will need to pay up.

  • Open CleanMyMac X and click on System Junk.
  • Click on the Scan button. The app will start analysing your system.
  • Once the scan is complete you will see a message indicating how much space can be freed up. This includes User Cache Files, System Log Files, Language Files, Document Versions, User Log Files and System Cache Files.
  • Click on Review Details to see more information. Here you get more details of the various cache files the software is offering to delete. So you could deselect anything you would rather not delete. (For example, you might prefer not to delete Document Versions, or you might want to keep some languages and not others. Plus you might prefer not to delete the cache associated with a particular app).
  • If you are happy to go ahead just click Clean. You may need to enter your password and install a helper tool. Now wait while CleanMyMac X cleans your system.

How to use MacCleaner Pro 2 to clear cache

How to delete cache with MacCleaner

MacCleaner Pro from Nektony is another option that is visually quite similar to CleanMyMac X. There is a free trial that is pretty much fully functional. To upgrade to the pro version costs £40.95/$44.95. Download it from Nektony .

  • Open MacCleaner Pro.
  • Click on Clean up Mac.
  • Here you will see various types of files you can delete, including Caches, Installation Files, Language Files and Downloads. You can deselect any you don’t wish to delete.
  • Click on Clean Up.
  • You will be asked to confirm that you are happy for the files to be deleted. Click on Review. You can click on the down arrows to see more information about each. Deselect any you don’t want to delete.
  • Click on Clean Up. 
Enter your password.

The great thing about MacCleaner Pro is that it functions in trial mode, rather than just showing you what you can delete and then asking you to purchase the software. The trial is time-limited though.

How to use CCleaner to clear cache

CCleaner for Mac costs $29.95/£29.95 for the Professional version. There is also a free version of CCleaner which you can download from the CCleaner website .

How to delete cache with CCleaner

  • Open CCleaner.
  • Click on the Applications tab.
  • You’ll see which apps have files you can remove.
  • Click on Analyze and wait for the software to examine what you can delete.
  • It will then show you the files that can be removed. If you are happy to go ahead click on Run Cleaner.
  • You will see a warning that the process will permanently delete files form your system. Confirm that you wish to proceed.
  • You may need to install a helper tool, in which case enter your password.
  • Wait while the app removes the cache files.

If you’re on a budget, DaisyDisk which has a one-off cost of $9.99/£9.99 is another solid choice for Mac cleaning, ranking #3 in our Best Mac Cleaners chart. For more advice read our tips for cleaning up your Mac to make it run faster.

Author: Karen Haslam , Managing Editor

mac safari clear cache

Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld more than two decades ago. Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Having edited the U.K. print and online editions of Macworld for many years, more recently her focus has been on SEO and evergreen content as well product recommendations and buying advice on Macworld.com.

Recent stories by Karen Haslam:

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How To Clear The Cache In Safari On Mac

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  • Browsers & Extensions

how-to-clear-the-cache-in-safari-on-mac

Introduction

Clearing the cache in Safari on your Mac can help improve the browser's performance and resolve issues related to website loading, login errors, or outdated content display. The cache is a temporary storage location for files such as images, scripts, and other elements of web pages. While it serves the purpose of speeding up website loading by storing frequently accessed data, an overloaded or outdated cache can lead to browsing problems. Therefore, knowing how to clear the cache in Safari is a valuable skill for Mac users.

In this guide, you will learn the step-by-step process to clear the cache in Safari on your Mac. Whether you are experiencing slow browsing speeds, encountering website display issues, or simply want to ensure a clean browsing experience, clearing the cache can often provide a quick and effective solution. By following the instructions provided, you can easily navigate through the browser settings and clear the cache, allowing Safari to function optimally and provide a seamless browsing experience.

Now, let's delve into the specific steps to clear the cache in Safari on your Mac, empowering you to take control of your browsing environment and ensure a smooth and efficient web experience.

Step 1: Open Safari Preferences

To begin the process of clearing the cache in Safari on your Mac, you first need to access the browser's preferences. This step is essential as it allows you to navigate to the specific settings where you can manage the cache and other browsing data. Follow the simple instructions below to open Safari Preferences :

Launch Safari: Locate the Safari icon on your Mac's dock or in the Applications folder, and click to open the browser.

Access Preferences: Once Safari is open, navigate to the top-left corner of your screen and click on "Safari" in the menu bar. A drop-down menu will appear, and you should select "Preferences" from the options listed. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut "Command + ," to directly access the Preferences window.

Explore Preferences: Upon selecting Preferences, a new window will open, displaying various tabs such as "General," "Tabs," "Search," "Security," "Privacy," "Websites," and "Advanced." These tabs contain a wide range of settings that allow you to customize your browsing experience. For the purpose of clearing the cache, you will need to proceed to the "Advanced" tab.

By following these steps, you will successfully open the Safari Preferences window, positioning yourself to proceed with the next steps to clear the cache and optimize your browsing experience. Opening the Preferences window is the initial and crucial step in the process, enabling you to access the necessary settings to manage the cache and other browsing data effectively.

Now that you have accessed the Safari Preferences, you are ready to move on to the next step and proceed with clearing the cache to ensure a smooth and efficient browsing experience on your Mac.

Step 2: Clear Cache

After successfully accessing the Safari Preferences, you are now ready to proceed with the crucial step of clearing the cache. The cache stores temporary files from websites you visit, and over time, it can accumulate a significant amount of data. Clearing the cache not only frees up storage space but also ensures that you are accessing the most up-to-date versions of websites. Follow the detailed instructions below to clear the cache in Safari on your Mac:

Navigate to the "Advanced" Tab: In the Safari Preferences window, click on the "Advanced" tab located at the far right. This tab contains advanced settings that allow you to customize various aspects of the browser's functionality.

Enable the Develop Menu: Within the "Advanced" tab, locate the option that says "Show Develop menu in menu bar" and ensure that it is checked. Enabling this option will add the Develop menu to the top menu bar of Safari, providing access to additional browsing tools and features.

Access the Develop Menu: Once the Develop menu is enabled, navigate to the top menu bar of Safari, where you will now see the "Develop" option. Click on "Develop" to reveal a drop-down menu containing various developer-oriented tools and options.

Select "Empty Caches": Within the "Develop" menu, locate and click on the "Empty Caches" option. This action will prompt Safari to clear the cache, removing all temporary files stored within the browser.

By following these steps, you will effectively clear the cache in Safari on your Mac, ensuring that your browsing experience is optimized and free from any potential issues related to outdated or excessive cache data. Once the cache is cleared, Safari will begin to rebuild the cache as you visit websites, ensuring that you have access to the most current versions of web content.

With the cache now cleared, you have taken a proactive step to maintain the performance and efficiency of Safari on your Mac. By regularly clearing the cache, you can prevent potential browsing issues and ensure that your browser operates smoothly, providing a seamless and enjoyable web experience.

Now that you have successfully cleared the cache in Safari on your Mac, you are ready to move on to the final step to confirm the clearing of the cache, ensuring that the process has been completed successfully.

Step 3: Confirm Clearing Cache

After clearing the cache in Safari on your Mac, it's essential to confirm that the process has been completed successfully. Verifying the clearing of the cache ensures that you can proceed with confidence, knowing that your browsing data is up to date and that any potential issues related to outdated cache files have been addressed. Follow the steps below to confirm the clearing of the cache in Safari on your Mac:

Check for Confirmation Message : Upon clearing the cache by selecting "Empty Caches" from the Develop menu, Safari may display a confirmation message indicating that the cache has been successfully cleared. This message serves as a direct confirmation that the cache-clearing process has been executed.

Verify Browsing Data : To further confirm the clearing of the cache, you can verify the browsing data within Safari. Navigate to the Safari menu and select "Preferences." Within the Preferences window, click on the "Privacy" tab. Here, you will find the option to "Manage Website Data." By clicking on this option, you can view the list of websites and their associated data stored in the cache. If the cache has been successfully cleared, this list should reflect the removal of stored website data.

Observe Browsing Performance : After clearing the cache, observe the browsing performance in Safari. Access various websites that you frequently visit and note any improvements in loading times or the display of content. A noticeable enhancement in browsing speed and the absence of any display issues can serve as indirect confirmation that the cache has been successfully cleared.

By following these steps to confirm the clearing of the cache in Safari on your Mac, you can ensure that the browser's cache has been effectively cleared, providing you with a clean and optimized browsing environment. Regularly confirming the clearing of the cache allows you to maintain the performance of Safari and mitigate potential issues related to outdated or excessive cache data.

With the cache successfully cleared and confirmed, you have taken proactive measures to optimize the browsing experience on your Mac. By incorporating the practice of regularly clearing and confirming the cache, you can ensure that Safari operates smoothly, providing you with a seamless and efficient web browsing experience.

In conclusion, mastering the process of clearing the cache in Safari on your Mac empowers you to take control of your browsing environment and ensure a seamless web experience. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you have gained valuable insights into managing the cache and optimizing the performance of Safari.

Clearing the cache in Safari serves as a proactive measure to address potential browsing issues related to outdated or excessive cache data. By regularly clearing the cache, you can prevent issues such as slow loading times, display errors, and outdated content, ensuring that you have access to the most current versions of websites.

Furthermore, the ability to confirm the clearing of the cache provides an additional layer of assurance, allowing you to verify that the cache-clearing process has been executed successfully. This practice enables you to maintain a clean and efficient browsing environment, promoting enhanced performance and a seamless user experience.

As you continue to navigate the digital landscape on your Mac, incorporating the practice of clearing the cache in Safari can significantly contribute to a smoother and more efficient browsing experience. Whether you are a casual user or rely on Safari for professional purposes, the benefits of clearing the cache extend to improved performance, enhanced security, and the assurance of accessing up-to-date web content.

In essence, by understanding and implementing the process of clearing the cache in Safari on your Mac, you are actively contributing to the optimization of your browsing environment. This proactive approach allows you to stay ahead of potential issues and ensures that Safari operates at its best, providing you with a reliable and enjoyable platform for accessing the web.

By embracing the knowledge and skills acquired through this guide, you are well-equipped to maintain the performance and efficiency of Safari, ultimately enhancing your overall browsing experience on your Mac. Clearing the cache in Safari is not just a technical task; it is a proactive step towards ensuring a smooth and seamless web experience, reflecting your commitment to optimizing your digital interactions.

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How to Clear Browser Cache on Mac: Safari, Chrome, & Firefox

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Last updated: September 6, 2023

Expert verified

Clearing the browser cache is crucial to maintain optimal performance and ensuring a smooth browsing experience. As cache files accumulate over time, they can slow down your browser and affect its functionality.

In this comprehensive guide, I will share what browser cache is, how it impacts your system performance, and how you can clear browser cache on Mac. So, let’s get started.

Before We Begin

Clearing your browser cache is essential for maintaining optimal performance and a smooth browsing experience on your Mac. While you can do it manually, clearing your browser cache is pretty quick and hassle-free with MacKeeper, a powerful tool designed to simplify cache removal and enhance your browsing.

What is Browser Cache?

Browser cache is a temporary storage location on your computer, specifically in your web browser, where certain web page elements are stored. These elements include images, scripts, stylesheets, and other resources that make up a website.

Here’s a table outlining some common elements stored in the browser cache:

When you visit a website, your browser saves these elements locally in the cache so that it can load the website faster on subsequent visits. Instead of downloading all the elements from the web server again, the browser retrieves them from the cache, leading to improved loading times and a smoother browsing experience.

However, excessive web cache can lead to performance issues, like slow startups, unresponsive pages, and frequent beach balls.

Benefits of Browser Cache

Browser cache serves a valuable purpose by enhancing your browsing experience in the following ways:

  • 🚀 Faster Loading Times : By storing frequently accessed elements, your browser can retrieve them quickly from the cache instead of downloading them again from the web server.
  • 💽 Reduced Bandwidth Usage : Retrieving elements from the cache reduces the amount of data that needs to be transferred, resulting in lower bandwidth consumption.
  • 📴 Offline Browsing : Some web pages can be accessed even without an internet connection if they are stored in the cache.

Downsides of Excessive Cache Accumulation on Mac

While browser cache offers numerous benefits, it can also lead to certain issues on your Mac, including:

  • ⚠️ Reduced Performance : Over time, accumulated cache files can occupy a significant amount of disk space and slow down your Mac’s performance.
  • 🔄 Outdated Content : If your browser loads outdated cache files, you may not see the most recent version of a website, causing display inconsistencies.
  • 🔒 Privacy Concerns : Browser cache stores temporary copies of web pages, potentially including sensitive information that unauthorized individuals could access.
  • 💾 Disk Space Constraints : Excessive cache accumulation can consume valuable disk space, limiting the storage capacity for important files and applications.

To prevent these problems, it’s essential to clear your browser cache periodically.

Clearing Browser Cache on Mac: Step-by-Step Guide

In this section, I will share detailed instructions on how to clear browser cache on popular browsers for Mac, including Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.

Here’s how to clear Safari cache on Mac :

  • ​​Open Safari, click Safari in the menu bar at the top of the screen, and select Settings .

click safari in the top menu bar and select settings

  • Select the Privacy tab and tap the Manage Website Data button.

select the privacy tab and tap the manage website data button

  • Click Remove All to clear all website cookies completely.

select remove all to clear your cache and cookie

  • Alternatively, you can select individual websites and tap Remove .

select a website and click remove

  • Click Done when you have deleted all cookie files.

Here’s another way you can delete cache files on Mac:

  • Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar. From the drop-down menu, select Settings .
  • Select the Advanced tab and check the box next to the Show Develop menu in menu bar option if it is unchecked.

select the advanced tab and check the box next to show develop menu in menu bar

  • Return to your menu bar, click Develop , and select Empty Caches from this drop-down list.

click develop and select empty caches

  • This will successfully clear your browser cache on Safari.

B. Google Chrome

Follow these steps to clear your cache on Google Chrome:

  • Open Chrome and click the three dots at your display’s top right corner.

click the three dots in google chrome

  • Select More tools from the drop-down menu, followed by Clear browsing data…

click more tools and select clear browsing data

  • A pop-up window will appear. Select the Cached images and files option. You can also clear other browsing data like browsing history, cookies, and more.
  • Select the time range you want to clear the cache for (e.g., Last hour, Last 24 hours, All time).
  • Now, click Clear data to remove these items from your browser.

select a time range check all options and tap clear data

C. Mozilla Firefox

If you’re a Mozilla Firefox user, follow these steps to clear your browser cache on Firefox:

  • Open Firefox and click the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.

click the three lines in the top right corner of firefox

  • Select Settings from the drop-down menu.

select settings from the drop down menu

  • In the Settings window, click Privacy & Security in the left sidebar, scroll down the right pane, and click Clear Data… under Cookies and Site Data .

click privacy security in the left sidebar and click clear data button

  • Check the boxes next to Cookies and Site Data and Cached Web Content , and tap the Clear button.

check the cookies and site data and cached web content boxes and tap clear

  • Your Firefox browser cache will now be cleared.

Firefox also offers various extensions, such as Clear Cache and CacheViewer Continued, which allow for more advanced cache management options. You can visit the official Firefox Add-ons website and search for cache-related extensions. Install the extension of your choice and follow its instructions to clear browser cache on Mac effectively.

Using MacKeeper to Clear Browser Cache on Mac

When it comes to effectively managing and optimizing your Mac’s performance, MacKeeper stands out as a powerful and comprehensive tool. Among its extensive features, MacKeeper offers a simple yet efficient solution for clearing browser cache on your Mac.

By harnessing the capabilities of MacKeeper, you can effortlessly remove accumulated cache files from popular browsers like Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted browsing sessions.

Here’s how you can clear browser cache on Mac using MacKeeper:

  • Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
  • Open MacKeeper and click Safe Cleanup in the left sidebar.

click safe cleanup under the cleaning section

  • Click Start Scan .

click start scan in safe cleanup

  • In the left panel, select Caches .

select caches in the left panel of safe cleanup

  • You’ll see the browser cache folder in the right panel. Check the boxes next to each folder you want to delete and tap Clean Junk Files .

select the browser cache folders and select clean junk files

  • This will remove the cache files, and you’ll see the size of the files removed. Click Rescan to run the scan again.

click rescan in safe cleanup

Clear Browser Cache on Mac and Enhance Your Browsing Experience

Regularly clearing browser cache on your Mac is essential to maintain optimal performance and enjoy a smooth browsing experience. Here are a few more tips to take your Mac browsing one step further:

  • Having unnecessary extensions on your browsers can slow down its performance. Learn how to remove browser extensions on Mac to speed up your browsing.
  • Ads can be a nuisance while browsing. Check out this guide on removing ads on Mac browsers .
  • Some websites can also slow down your browsing experience on Safari. Learn how to block websites on Safari on Mac to optimize their performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should i clear my browser cache on mac.

You should clear your browser cache on Mac every few weeks or once a month. This is generally sufficient if you use your Mac like a regular user. However, if you notice performance issues or encounter website display problems, consider clearing the cache more frequently.

Will clearing cache delete my saved passwords and browsing history?

No, clearing the cache will not remove your saved passwords or browsing history. It only deletes temporary website files stored in the cache.

Can I selectively clear cache for specific websites only?

Yes, you can selectively clear cache for specific websites only. Most browsers allow you to clear cache for individual websites.You can access the browser settings or preferences, navigate to the cache or history section, and choose to clear the cache for individual websites by selecting them from a list or using their domain names.

What impact does clearing cache have on website loading times?

Clearing cache might result in slightly longer loading times for websites you visit frequently, as the browser needs to download the necessary files again. However, this initial delay improves subsequent visits by loading the updated content.

Are there any risks associated with clearing browser cache on Mac?

There are no risks associated with clearing browser cache on Mac. It doesn’t affect your Mac or personal data; it only removes temporary files stored locally. Similarly, it does not affect your installed applications or personal files.

Can I recover data that was deleted when clearing cache?

No, you cannot recover data that was deleted when clearing cache. Once cache files are cleared, they are permanently deleted from your system. So, it’s essential to ensure you don’t require any data from the cache before proceeding with the deletion.

Is it safe to delete browser cache on Mac?

Yes, it is safe to delete browser cache on Mac. Clearing the cache only removes temporary files stored locally on your computer, such as website data and images. It does not affect your installed applications, personal files, or system stability.

Can I delete all my cache files on a Mac?

While you can delete all your cache files on a Mac, it doesn’t mean you should. You can remove browser cache files, but selectively delete inactive caches rather than clearing them all. System and application caches are beneficial for faster loading times, so deleting them indiscriminately is not beneficial.

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I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

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Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

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How to Clear WhatsApp Cache on Mac

In this article you will find the following:

It's easy to overlook or forget to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac, especially amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, if your device is running slower than usual, it could be partly due to a long-term build-up of cached files, which can take up valuable storage space and negatively affect your device's performance.

If you regularly use WhatsApp for messaging and communication and want to learn how to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac, keep reading below to learn more. Then, get a cutting-edge cleanup tool, like MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup, to free up valuable space and keep your Mac running like new.

Before we start:   If your WhatsApp application on Mac seems to be running slower than usual when loading chats or sending messages, the issue could be that you need to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac.   Although choosing to delete WhatsApp cache on Mac can help resolve this issue, it's critical to note that removing the incorrect data can cause other otherwise avoidable problems. But don't worry. With MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup by your side, you can kick back, knowing that you won't lose any vital files when you delete the WhatsApp cache on Mac.   Here's how to use MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup tool: Download MacKeeper here and install it. Select Safe Cleanup in the sidebar menu. Click Start Scan to locate the junk files on your Mac. Choose the files you want to remove, then click Clean Junk Files .
  • Is it necessary to clear the WhatsApp cache on Mac?

If you're wondering if it is necessary to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac, the short answer is yes— WhatsApp's cache stores temporary data on your device, which helps to load WhatsApp that much faster . However, if you decide not to clear the WhatsApp cache on your Mac, this can negatively impact your application and device.

Below is a list of several reasons why you should regularly clear WhatsApp cache on Mac:

  • Freeing Up Space: Over time, the cache can grow quite large. Clearing it can reclaim storage space, especially if you want to know how to free up space on MacBook or Mac.
  • Improving Performance: Sometimes, cached data can become corrupted, causing the app to run slowly or crash. Clearing the cache can resolve these performance issues.
  • Troubleshooting: If WhatsApp is experiencing persistent problems, clearing the cache can be a good troubleshooting step to remove old or corrupted data.
  • Privacy and Security: Cache files can contain remnants of your chats and other data. Deciding to delete cache on Mac can help maintain your privacy and security.

If you're wondering, " Can WhatsApp be hacked? " The answer is yes, which is why it's vital to periodically delete WhatsApp caches on Mac to help maintain functionality and optimize security. Also, removing temp files from your Mac can help dramatically boost device performance and keep your computer running like new again while erasing your digital footprint.  

  • What will happen if you clear the WhatsApp cache on your Mac?

If you delete the WhatsApp cache on Mac, you can relax, knowing that it won't cause any critical data loss or remove ongoing chats or essential media. However, removing these temporary files will help boost device performance and free up storage space for more important files and media.

It might seem like routinely clearing WhatsApp cache on a Mac is an unnecessary technical step, but the truth is that it significantly impacts your Mac's lifespan and health . The cache, a storage area that allows WhatsApp to save data it uses regularly, allows you to rapidly load information without retrieving it from the source each time, resulting in a smoother, more efficient user experience.

Over time, however, this cache can experience a build-up of these temporary files, causing unnecessary precious storage space to disappear. Additionally, the cached data can sometimes become outdated, causing search results to be slower than usual, along with crashes and other erratic behavior.

The solution to this problem is to regularly delete WhatsApp cache on Mac, which can give the device and application a fresh lease on life, resulting in more reliable operations and performance.

  • How to delete WhatsApp cache on Mac

Whether you like it or not, managing storage space on our devices is becoming more crucial than ever. For many users, a typical area overlooked is clearing the caches of the apps used daily, like WhatsApp.

Over time, WhatsApp can see a significant build-up of temporary files within its cache, which takes up valuable space on your Mac and affects the app's performance. This section covers three different step-by-step methods to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac.

1. Clear WhatsApp cache on the browser

If you prefer to use WhatsApp on your browser, the cached files and history will be in the browser. To clear WhatsApp cache on Mac and history, follow the guidelines below to clear the browser cache on Mac on either Safari, Chrome, or Firefox.

How to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac’s Safari:

  • Open the Safari app and choose Settings in the drop-down menu.
  • Click Advanced , then check off Show Develop menu at the bottom of the menu bar box.
  • Find Advanced Settings , then select the box to display the Develop menu bar. Click Empty Caches .

Begin by opening the Safari browser program on your device, navigate to the above drop-down menu, then select Settings to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac.

How to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac’s Chrome:

  • Open Chrome , then click on the menu icon (three vertical dots) in the top right corner to open the dropdown menu.
  • Choose the Clear Browsing Data option in the dropdown menu, click More Tools , and then select Clear Browsing Data .
  • Select the Time Range in the pop-up window, then choose the time range from which you wish to clear the cache in the dropdown menu.
  • Choose from the available options whether you want to clear Cookies and other site data, Cached images and files, or both options.
  • Click the blue Clear Data button after selecting from the available tabs and dropdown boxes.

Start by opening Chrome, click the menu icon (three vertical dots) in the top right corner, and select delete WhatsApp cache on Mac from the dropdown menu.

How to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac’s Firefox:

  • Open Firefox , click the 3 bars in the top right , then select History .  
  • Click on Clear Recent History from the list, then choose Everything .
  • Press the arrow beside Details to expand options, and be sure to check the Cache , then click Clear Now .

Open Firefox, click the 3 bars in the upper right corner, and navigate to History to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac. From there, select Clear Recent History

2. Delete WhatsApp cache manually

In this section, we cover the step-by-step instructions for manually deleting WhatsApp cache on a Mac. Follow the steps below to complete this process:

  • Open Finder , then use Shift + Command + G to launch Go to Folder .
  • Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter .
  • Open the browser cache folders. Choose which files you want to remove, then click Move to Bin .

Open Finder on your Mac, press Shift + Command + G to open the Go to Folder command, and navigate to the path needed to delete WhatsApp cache on Mac.

3. Erase WhatsApp cache via cleaner

Now, if you would prefer a helping hand to delete WhatsApp cache on Mac, follow the steps below to free up space using MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup safely:

  • Open MacKeeper , then select the Safe Cleanup tool and click Start Scan to identify the junk files on your Mac.
  • Select the files you want to delete, then click Clean Junk Files.
  • Click Empty Trash to automatically empty your trash during the cleanup.

The MacKeeper window displays various options, showing that the selection of the Safe Cleanup feature to begin the process to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac.

Note from our experts: If you decide to clear the WhatsApp cache on your Mac, you might notice that your Mac has additional free space and the absence of critical system and application files. Removing critical cache files can cause your Mac to display performance issues, and in this case, it's best to bring your device to an expert to avoid additional damage.

Optimize your Mac's storage using MacKeeper

Now that you know how to delete WhatsApp cache on Mac, why not go further and help boost your device's performance and free up storage space? Using a sophisticated cleanup tool like MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup will help optimize your Mac and clear out space, which is crucial . So, sit back and rest easy, knowing that MacKeeper cares for everything. Try MacKeeper today, and let it make space for what you love most.

1. How do I delete WhatsApp data from my Mac?

If you want to delete WhatsApp cache on Mac, you'll need to remove the files associated with the app manually. Here's how you can do it using the steps below:

  • Open Finder , go to the Go menu at the top, and choose Go to Folder .
  • Type ~/Library/Application Support/ and hit Enter .
  • Locate the WhatsApp folder and drop it into the Trash .
  • Select Empty the Trash to remove the data permanently.

Remember, the steps above will delete all the WhatsApp data on your Mac, including chat histories, media, and other app-related data.

2. What happens if you clear WhatsApp data from a Mac?

If you clear the WhatsApp cache on your Mac, you will remove all the application's data from your device, including chat logs, media files, and settings. This process effectively resets the app to its original state after its initial installation.  

3. How to restart WhatsApp on Mac?

A helpful way to quickly resolve issues with WhatsApp is to restart the app. Follow the steps below to restart WhatsApp correctly:

  • Click on the WhatsApp name in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
  • Choose Quit WhatsApp from the dropdown menu.
  • Using Finder , go to the Applications folder.
  • Find WhatsApp and double-click on it to open the application again.

4. What is the cache status in WhatsApp?

In WhatsApp, the "cache status" is more commonly known as just the cache, which stores temporary data that the application routinely uses. This data in the cache contains elements like saving chats, images, and other data, allowing the app to load it more quickly.

It's important to note that the cache can experience a steady build-up of files over time, causing excessive storage space use or occasionally impacting the app's performance if the cached data becomes corrupted. It's critical to routinely clear WhatsApp cache on Mac to avoid this issue and ensure the app runs efficiently without using unnecessary storage.

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  • Back to Basics: How to Clear the Cache on Your iPhone

If your iPhone is sluggish, here's how to wipe the browser history or offload little-used apps.

Chandra Steele

Cache rules everything around me, including my phone and yours.

Cache is all the data your phone acquires and stores as you visit websites and use apps, just in case you need it again. In theory, all this data collection will speed up future visits. But over time, cache can build up to the point where it slows down (and sometimes overheats) your phone . 

Clearing the cache in your phone's browsers and apps can improve its performance. It’s an easy-enough task that you should perform once every few months to keep your phone functioning well.

Let’s start with browsers. After you’ve closed all those tabs that you’ve lost track of (don’t worry, everyone does it), you’re going to delve into the data they’ve stored. 

For Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data . Here, you can choose whether to clear the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history. (There's also the option to close all your tabs from this menu.)

mac safari clear cache

For Chrome, open the app and select More > Clear Browsing Data . You’ll be able to select what you want to remove. When you’re done, tap Clear Browsing Data > Done . 

mac safari clear cache

For Firefox, open the app and select Settings > Privacy > Data Management . Make sure Cache is toggled on; you can also clear browsing history, cookies, online website data, tracking protection and downloaded files. Select what you want and tap Clear Private Data at the bottom.

mac safari clear cache

You can’t clear individual app cache on an iPhone but if you offload an app, it will achieve the same thing. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage . You’ll be able to see what apps you use the least. Tap any apps you don’t need on your phone right now and select Offload App. The app will remain on your home screen, but you'll need to tap to re-download to get back in. 

mac safari clear cache

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About Chandra Steele

My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme .

More From Chandra Steele

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mac safari clear cache

Back to Basics: How to Clear the Cache on Your iPhone

If your iphone is sluggish, here's how to wipe the browser history or offload little-used apps..

Chandra Steele

Cache rules everything around me, including my phone and yours.

Cache is all the data your phone acquires and stores as you visit websites and use apps, just in case you need it again. In theory, all this data collection will speed up future visits. But over time, cache can build up to the point where it slows down (and sometimes overheats) your phone . 

Clearing the cache in your phone's browsers and apps can improve its performance. It’s an easy-enough task that you should perform once every few months to keep your phone functioning well.

Let’s start with browsers. After you’ve closed all those tabs that you’ve lost track of (don’t worry, everyone does it), you’re going to delve into the data they’ve stored. 

For Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data . Here, you can choose whether to clear the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history. (There's also the option to close all your tabs from this menu.)

mac safari clear cache

For Chrome, open the app and select More > Clear Browsing Data . You’ll be able to select what you want to remove. When you’re done, tap Clear Browsing Data > Done . 

mac safari clear cache

For Firefox, open the app and select Settings > Privacy > Data Management . Make sure Cache is toggled on; you can also clear browsing history, cookies, online website data, tracking protection and downloaded files. Select what you want and tap Clear Private Data at the bottom.

mac safari clear cache

You can’t clear individual app cache on an iPhone but if you offload an app, it will achieve the same thing. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage . You’ll be able to see what apps you use the least. Tap any apps you don’t need on your phone right now and select Offload App. The app will remain on your home screen, but you'll need to tap to re-download to get back in. 

mac safari clear cache

More Inside PCMag.com

  • Apple Denies Claim by Epic Games That It's Violating Court Order
  • How to Record Phone Calls on an iPhone
  • 25 iPhone Apps Worth Paying For
  • EU Investigates Apple Over Epic Games Developer Account Ban
  • Apple Sports App Organizes Your Favorite Teams, Integrates With Apple TV

About Chandra Steele

My title is Senior Features Writer, which is a license to write about absolutely anything if I can connect it to technology (I can). I’ve been at PCMag since 2011 and have covered the surveillance state, vaccination cards, ghost guns, voting, ISIS, art, fashion, film, design, gender bias, and more. You might have seen me on TV talking about these topics or heard me on your commute home on the radio or a podcast. Or maybe you’ve just seen my Bernie meme .

More From Chandra Steele

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  • Must Watch: The Most-Streamed TV Shows and Movies This Week
  • Make It Stop: How to Turn Off Autoplay Videos on Social Media, Streaming Apps
  • How to Delete a Cash App Account
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mac safari clear cache

mac safari clear cache

How to clear the cache on your iPhone (and why you should)

How many tabs are open on your mobile browser right now? Go ahead, check -- you might be surprised by what you find.

Americans spend over five hours a day on their smartphones. That's over five hours of your phone potentially accessing, retrieving, and saving cache and cookies, which can negatively impact your iPhone's storage space .

What is cache?

Cache is the temporary storage of some data, like parts of a website from the last time you visited it, for example. Browser cache is content from a website that is stored on your phone during a browser session to help the browser execute faster the next time you visit that page.

Also:  How to clear Google search cache on Android

Cache data can slow down your phone's overall browsing performance, however, since it takes up storage space on your device, so it's good to clear it out regularly. In this article, we mainly focus on clearing web browser cache on an iPhone, but you should know that other types of cache include mobile app cache and CPU cache.

How to clear cache on iPhone

What you'll need: Everything you need to clear your browser cache is within the iPhone's settings app or the Safari app, so grab your iPhone to get started.

Keep in mind that clearing the cache can clear private data, which can close all open tabs in Safari. This is also likely to log you out of all your websites, prompting you to sign in again the next time you open them. 

How do I clear the cache from Chrome on iPhone?

If Google Chrome is your preferred browser, it may have a substantial amount of data stored on your device, which could also slow down performance. 

To clear the cache in Chrome, open the Google Chrome app and follow these steps:

  • Tap  Settings .
  • Go to  Privacy and Security .
  • Select  Clear Browsing Data .
  • Select the time from which to delete the data (if you want to delete all your browsing history, choose All Time ).
  • Go through the items you'd like to delete, like your Browsing History, Cookies and Site Data, Cached Images and Files, Saved Passwords , and Autofill Data.
  • Confirm by tapping  Clear Browsing Data  at the bottom of the screen.
  • Tap Done when you've deleted the Chrome cache.

Also: Apple releases iOS 17.4 with podcast transcripts, new emojis, and EU app store changes

Clearing the browsing and cache data in Google Chrome doesn't close all open tabs, but it will refresh each tab and log you out of websites. Once you tap on one of the tabs you want to access, you'll have to log back in.

How can I browse on Safari without history?

If you're learning how to clear cache on an iPhone, you may also be wondering if there's a way to use Safari without saving any browsing history. You can turn on Private Browsing by following these steps:

  • Open  Safari .
  • Tap on  Tabs .
  • Choose Private .

You can also enable private browsing by going to your iPhone Settings, finding Safari, and toggling on the private option. 

How do I clear my app cache on my iPhone?

To clear the app cache from your iPhone Settings app, you can either delete the app and reinstall it, offload it, or try to clear the cache from within the app. Unfortunately, iOS apps don't have consistent settings across the board that would allow you to clear the cache of every app.

Also: Apple warns: Don't put your wet iPhone in rice. Do this instead

Apps like TikTok and CapCut, for example, have options to Clear Cache within their respective settings. Amazon lets users delete their browsing history, while the Reddit app can clear local history. It all depends on what the app's settings let you do. 

Is "clear cache" the same as offloading?

Not exactly, though app offloading can help if your phone is slowed down by low storage. To offload an app  means to uninstall an app without deleting any documents or data associated with it. 

Also: Apple secures iMessage against threats from the future

To offload an app, go to  Settings , then  General , choose  iPhone Storage  and select the app to offload, then tap  Offload App . If you ever download it again, you'll pick up where you left off for that app.

Are cookies and cache the same thing?

Cookies and cache are not the same. Cookies are data files that websites send to your phone, including things like saved passwords to keep you logged into an account or even the website preferences from the previous time you visited. 

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Though they do sound harmless, cookies can also track how you browse the internet. They monitor patterns in your browsing and search history, even seeing what you clicked on or what your mouse hovered over. Ever made an innocuous search on Amazon only to find ads for it on all the apps you use? Cookies likely made that possible.

Can I block cookies on my iPhone?

While you can block cookies on Safari, the ranks are divided on whether you should. Blocking cookies entirely means that websites won't be able to get information from you, but it also means that some websites may not even work correctly on your browser. A lot of users actually enjoy a more personalized browsing experience, so cookies are a good thing for them.

 If you'd like to block cookies in Safari, follow these steps:

  • Go to  Settings  and select  Safari .
  • Tap on the toggle next to  Block All Cookies .

There are also third-party extensions that help you block cookies and trackers in Google Chrome, like Ghostery and Disconnect .

How do I check iPhone storage?

On an iPhone, Settings can show you what's taking up most of your media storage, like photos, videos, and music. You can also see what each particular app's storage consumption is, which includes temporary data. To view the details of your iPhone's storage space, follow these steps:

  • Go to the iPhone Settings .
  • Tap on General .
  • Select iPhone Storage .
  • Scroll through to find the app you're looking for.
  • Tap on the app to view storage status and options.

Unfortunately, you can't clear your iPhone cache for third-party apps by going into your Settings app, but this gives you a visual of your iPhone's storage and the option to delete or offload apps.

Also: Here's the fastest way to declutter your iPhone and free up Gigabytes of space

When you look at your device's storage space, you'll probably see recommended steps you can take to optimize your iPhone's storage, like offloading unused apps.

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How to clear the cache on your iPhone (and why you should)

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COMMENTS

  1. How to clear Safari cache and cookies on a Mac

    Cleaning cookies and the cache data for individual sites can be done via Safari's Settings/Preferences. Open Safari. Click on Safari in the menu at the top of the screen. Click on Settings or ...

  2. Clear your browsing history in Safari on Mac

    Open Safari for me. In the Safari app on your Mac, choose History > Clear History, then click the pop-up menu. Choose how far back you want your browsing history cleared. When you clear your history, Safari removes data it saves as a result of your browsing, including: History of webpages you visited. The back and forward list for open webpages ...

  3. How to Clear Safari Browser Cache on Mac, iPhone, or iPad

    Clear your cache. 1. Click on the Safari tab at the top left of your screen and choose Preferences from the dropdown menu. Navigate to the Preferences section. Stefan Ionescu/Insider. 2. Click the ...

  4. How to Clear Safari Browsing History and Cache

    Scroll down and select Safari. Scroll down and select Clear History and Website Data. Choose the timeframe to clear ( Last hour, Today, Today and yesterday, or All history ), choose the profile or ...

  5. How to clear cache on Mac in Safari, Chrome, and Firefox

    Open Safari. In the menu bar (top left of your screen) click History. At the bottom of the menu, choose Clear History…. You can also choose Safari > Clear History…. Use the drop-down menu to ...

  6. How to Clear Cache on a Mac: App, System, & Safari Cache

    To clear your Mac's application (user) cache, delete all files and folders in ~/Library/Caches.; To clear your web browsing cache in Safari, enable the Develop menu in Safari > Settings > Advanced, then select "Empty Caches" from the Develop menu.; The safest way to clear your Mac's system cache is to boot into Safe Mode, and then boot up normally.

  7. How to clear Safari cache, history, and cookies on Mac

    How to clear cache of all Safari profiles on Mac. Launch Safari → Click Safari in the menu bar → Select Settings. Proceed to the Advanced tab → Tick the checkbox adjacent to Show features for web developers. Open the newly introduced Develop tab in the menu bar → Pick Empty Caches for All Profiles from the options.

  8. How to Clear Cache in Safari for Mac

    To clear the Safari cache, first, you need to reach the Develop menu in this browser. Open Safari on your Mac, click Safari > Preferences at the top of your screen, and select the Advanced tab. At the bottom of the window, you should find the Show Develop menu in menu bar checkbox. Check that box. The Develop menu should appear at the top of ...

  9. How to Clear Safari's Browsing History and Cookies on macOS

    If you simply want to clear part of your history, you can click "Show History" ("Command + Y"). Click on the site or use the "Command" key to select several sites, then press the "Delete" key. You can also click "Clear History" in the upper right corner to remove everything all at once. You can also right-click a history entry to delete it.

  10. How to clear cache on Safari

    In simple terms, cache is temporary data that Safari stores to help load websites faster. Sounds good, right? Well, while it can speed up your browsing initially, over time, this data can pile up and start to make Safari slower. That's when it's time for a good cache clear-out. Clearing Cache in Safari: A Step-by-Step Guide. Now that we ...

  11. How to clear the cache in Safari on Mac and iPhone

    Open Settings. Scroll down to Safari and tap. Choose Clear History and Website Data. Confirm by tapping the new Clear History and Data button that pops up. Unlike with the Mac, there is a visible ...

  12. Clear the history, cache, and cookies from Safari on your iPhone, iPad

    Delete history, cache, and cookies. Clear cookies and cache, but keep your history. Delete a website from your history. Block cookies. Use content blockers. Delete history, cache, and cookies. Go to Settings > Safari. Tap Clear History and Website Data. Clearing your history, cookies, and browsing data from Safari won't change your AutoFill ...

  13. Manage cookies and website data in Safari on Mac

    Always allow cookies: Deselect "Block all cookies.". Websites, third parties, and advertisers can store cookies and other data on your Mac. Remove stored cookies and data: Click Manage Website Data, select one or more websites, then click Remove or Remove All. Removing the data may reduce tracking, but may also log you out of websites or ...

  14. How to Clear Browser Cache on Mac (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)

    Steps to Clear Browser Cache on Mac. Each browser handles cache data in their own way: the storage location, settings, and way to clear the cache can vary. Therefore, in this section of the article, we chose the most widely used browsers on Macs, which are Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, and described in detail the process of clearing cache files ...

  15. How to clear the cache on Mac

    1.Open Finder on your Mac, click Go in the toolbar and click Go to Folder from the menu. (Image credit: Future) 2. Type /Library/Caches and press Enter. (Image credit: Future) 3. Open a folder and ...

  16. How to clear Safari cache on Mac?

    Clear Safari cache with a keyboard shortcut. The first, and quickest way to clear your cache is by using a keyboard shortcut: simply press [OPTION] + [COMMAND] + [E]. 2. Clear Safari cache manually. You can also manually clear your cache. Here's how: While Safari is running, select the first option, Safari, from the top left of your menu bar.

  17. How To Clear Your Safari Browser Cache on Mac

    Step 2: Open Safari in Menu Bar and Go to Preferences. Once the browser is launched, click on "Safari" in the menu bar, and then click on "Preferences" inside the dropdown menu.

  18. How to clear cache on a Mac

    How to use CCleaner to clear cache. CCleaner for Mac costs $29.95/£29.95 for the Professional version. There is also a free version of CCleaner which you can download from the CCleaner website ...

  19. How To Clear The Cache In Safari On Mac

    Step 1: Open Safari Preferences. To begin the process of clearing the cache in Safari on your Mac, you first need to access the browser's preferences. This step is essential as it allows you to navigate to the specific settings where you can manage the cache and other browsing data. Follow the simple instructions below to open Safari ...

  20. How to clear cache on a Mac

    Command + Option + E to clear Safari cache; Command + Shift + Delete to open the Clear Browsing Data options in Chrome or bring up Clear Recent History window in Firefox; Or use Keysmith to create your own hot key combo to automate the Mac empty cache task (or any other flow you perform often).

  21. How to Clear Browser Cache on Mac: Safari, Chrome, & Firefox

    Here's another way you can delete cache files on Mac: Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar. From the drop-down menu, select Settings. Select the Advanced tab and check the box next to the Show Develop menu in menu bar option if it is unchecked.

  22. How to Clear Cache on macOS Sonoma and Ventura

    If you do want to clear the application cache, follow the steps below. Open a Finder window and press Shift-Command-G to open the Go to Folder window. Type ~/Library/Caches in the blank box, click the Go button, and you will see the caches of all applications. Find the folder of the app whose cache you want to delete.

  23. How to Clear WhatsApp Cache on Mac

    How to clear WhatsApp cache on Mac's Safari: Open the Safari app and choose Settings in the drop-down menu. Click Advanced, then check off Show Develop menu at the bottom of the menu bar box. Find Advanced Settings, then select the box to display the Develop menu bar. Click Empty Caches.

  24. Back to Basics: How to Clear the Cache on Your iPhone

    For Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. Here, you can choose whether to clear the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history.

  25. Back to Basics: How to Clear the Cache on Your iPhone

    For Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. Here, you can choose whether to clear the last hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history. (There's also the option to close all your tabs from this menu.) Clear history screen for Safari (Credit: PCMag/Apple) For Chrome, open the app and select More > Clear Browsing ...

  26. How to clear the cache on your iPhone (and why you should)

    How to clear cache on iPhone. What you'll need: Everything you need to clear your browser cache is within the iPhone's settings app or the Safari app, so grab your iPhone to get started. Keep in ...