While using our mac or tuning it to gain the maximum performance, we have many times encountered the term cache, but do everyone out there is aware what exactly cache is? Probably not, so first let discuss what exactly cache is.
Cache files are temporary data that gets created when any of the installed applications or your browser perform any task. As this data basically gets stored on your hard drive it not only unnecessarily occupies the space on your hard disk but also makes your Mac slow with the time. Therefore, in this article we will be looking at some of the top ways to clean system and browser cache on your Mac. First we will start with the manual methods and later we will discuss how to do it automatically with one of the top Mac optimization software.
Table of Contents
Clear Cache on Mac
There are three main categories of cache data that need to be cleared. These are as follows:
- Browser cache
- System cache
- App (or User) cache
We will start with the manual method on how to clear browser cache on your Mac.
Clear Cache in Chrome Browser:
To clear cache on Chrome manually, follow the steps below:
1. Open Google Chrome and click on the menu icon at the top right corner of the screen. Now from the drop down menu select Settings option.
2. This will open Chrome Settings in a new tab. Now click on the Privacy and security setting from the left panel and then click on the Clear browsing data from the right panel.
3. Next, select the Time range to All time, and then check mark the option Cached images and files. If you do not want to remove cookies and other browsing history then uncheck them.
4. Now click on the Clear data button to proceed.
Clear Cache in Firefox Browser:
To clear cache on Mozilla Firefox follow the steps listed below:
1. Open Firefox, click on the menu icon from the top right corner and select Options from the drop down menu. This will open a new tab.
2. Now select Privacy & Security from the left panel, scroll down and click Clear Data in the Cookies and Site Data section.
3. Next click on the Cached Web Content option. If you do not wish to remove the cookies and other site data then uncheck the option Cookies and Site Data.
4. Click on the Clear button to proceed.
Clear Cache in Safari
For deleting cache in Safari(the default browser for your mac) you first need to enable the Show Developer menu. Once done you can then easily clear the cache.
1. Open Safari browser and click on the Safari tab at the top. Now from the drop-down menu select Preferences.
2. In the new window that opens click on the Advanced tab.
3. Next, check the option, Show Develop menu in the menu bar. Now close the Preferences menu.
4. You will now find a tab as Develop, click on it.
5. Now from the drop down menu select the option Empty Caches.
This is how you can manually clear the browser cache on your Mac But if you find the complete process lengthy then let me introduce you with one of the best mac cleaning software, TuneupMyMac that will automate the process of removing the cache.
To get started download TuneupMyMac, install it and use its Internet Privacy module under Manual Cleaning section. The product will then scan your Mac for the cache, cookies and other browsing history created by Safari, Google and Firefox, and shows you the complete results in a neat and tidy user interface. Now if you only want to clean only the cache then select it(however if you really care about your internet privacy then we recommend you to check all the options) and click on the Clean Now button.
This is how easily you can remove the cache of any of your browser without manually going through the cumbersome steps. And this use of ease makes TuneupMymac as one of the top system cleaners.
Clear App Cache on Mac(manual method)
The app cache or user cache takes a lot of space on your mac. And once you clean this you will be able to regain a lot of space on your hard drive.
To manually delete app cache follow the steps given below:
1. Open Finder on your Mac and select Go to Folder from the Go menu.
2. Now type in the command ~/Library/Caches and press Enter key to proceed.
3. If you are worried about the data stores in the folders, then backup them.
4. Now go inside each folder and delete the files that reside inside them.
5. Empty the trash.
Clear System Cache on Mac(manual method)
If compared with user cache or app cache, system cache doesn’t consume that much of your hard drive space. However, since they mainly include the files generated by your operating system and other crucial system files you need to be watchful while cleaning them.
To clean the system cache, follow the steps given below:
- Open Finder on your Mac and select Go to Folder from the Go menu.
- Now type in the command /Library/Caches and press Enter key to proceed.
- If you are worried about the data residing in the folders, then backup them first.
- Now go inside each folder and delete the files that reside inside them. (Don’t try to delete the entire folder).
- Empty the trash.
Clear System Cache and User Cache Automatically
Now if you really do not want to go with this manual process of removing system and user cache then you can use TuneupMyMac, a dedicated junk cleaner for macOS.
To get started download and install TuneupMyMac on your Mac and use its System Cleaner module. This will help you to delete both user cache and system cache on your Mac on a single click.
Also, since it is rated as top system cleaner for your Mac, it has an advanced scan engine and huge database that only delete the particular cache which do not crucial system files. This means if you need to think much before cleaning your system cache. Also, you need to create a backup of the folder like you have to create in the manual method.
Conclusion
Although cache may sometimes help you in quick loading of your apps and websites, piling of it can slow down the performance of your Mac. Therefore we recommend you to keep cleaning the cache on your Mac from time to time. Also, since manual method is cumbersome and a bit risky therefore we recommend to use a dedicated junk cleaner for macOS that automatically and safely accomplish the task of cache cleaning.
