How To Clear Your Cache – 3 Ways To Clear Your Cache On Your MacBook

Date:

How To Clear Your Cache – 3 Ways To Clear Your Cache On Your MacBook

Clearing your device cache is one of the things most people forget not knowing that it can negatively affect the performance of your device when neglected. But not many know what a cache is.

A cache is a small file storing temporary data. When you open a web browser or an app, this information is then retrieved instead of being downloaded to make the work or this app or browser faster and address your request within seconds.

Types Of Cache 

There are roughly three main types of caches on your Mac:

  • System cache. Mac’s system cache is a memory bank that connects the main memory and the processor. This allows the CPU, or central processing unit, to retrieve data that your device uses to execute instructions quickly and without the need to load it bit by bit.
  • Browser cache. No matter what web browser you use, they all have their cache. Those caches store files and their elements like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, cookies, or images your browser uses to display websites. For instance, product page images, login information, shopping cart content, etc.
  • User cache (including app cache). Just like a web browser, the app maintains a cache of its own. It helps quickly reload images, search history, videos, and other needed information to speed up and improve the performance and efficiency of the apps.

How To Clear Cache On Mac

You may be wondering where most cache files are stored. There are several such locations on your Mac. The first one is the folder storing application caches.

Now, we’ll show you how to get rid of cache files — either automatically or manually.

1. How To Clear MacBook Cache Automatically

Cache files are essential for the correct functioning of apps and the system. This is because they pile up, though, deleting them may be a good idea, and there is a safe way to do it — by using CleanMyMac.

This Apple notarized app effortlessly removes outdated cache as well as temporary files, document versions, and more. Once it completes the very first scan, you’ll be able to enjoy more disk space, better Mac performance, and higher speed. Here’s how it works:

  1. Get your free CleanMyMac trial.
  2. Go to Cleanup in the sidebar.
  3. Click Scan and then Clean.

That’s it. All cache files cleaned! CleanMyMac is compatible with all systems, including the latest macOS version.

If you want to remove the cache manually, we have some tips for you.

2. How To Clear Browser Cache On Mac

Potential space reclaimed: up to 15%

Once you’ve gotten rid of system cache files, let’s proceed with the browser cache. If not deleted, they can pile up quickly and generate some privacy-related issues.

The process depends on the browser you use. It’s important to delete the cache for all browsers you have installed on your Mac. Follow the steps to clear cache on Firefox browser. In Firefox, the process is somewhat similar to Chrome. Here’s how to delete the cache in Firefox manually:

  1. Open Firefox and paste about: preferences into the search bar.
  2. Navigate to the Privacy & Security section.
  3. Find Cookies and Site Data in the pane and click “Clear Data”.
  4. Choose “Temporary cached files and pages” and click “Clear” to confirm.

This process is similar across various browsers.

3. How To Clean System Cache On Mac

Potential space reclaimed: Up to 10%

Let’s start our cache-clearing journey by deleting system cache files — files built-in macOS system services generate for proper operation. To locate them, open the Finder, and from the Go menu, choose Go to Folder. Now, paste /Library/Caches and press Return. 

If you want to find out how much space it occupies, right-click the Caches folder and choose Get Info from the menu. You’ll see the size of the folder in the info window:

To remove system cache files, browse through the com.apple folders you see and send files to the Trash. Note that only files can be deleted — keep the folders.

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

More like this
Related

How To Generate Leads On Instagram – 8 Ways On How To Generate Leads On Instagram

How To Generate Leads On Instagram - 8 Ways...

How To Run Instagram Ads – 8 Easy Processes On How To Run Instagram Ads

How To Run Instagram Ads - 8 Easy Processes...

How To Revamp A Wig – Step-By-Step Procedures On How To Revamp A Wig

How To Revamp A Wig - Step-By-Step Procedures On...