How to clear cache on MacBook

What is cache?

Before we dive into how to do it, let’s take a moment to understand what caching is. A cache is essentially a type of memory where an application or system stores data for faster access in the future. There are three main types of caches on your Mac:

1. User Cache: Contains cache files for the applications you use. It makes up the bulk of the cached data.
2. System cache: As the name suggests, it contains cache files related to system processes.
3. Browser Cache: This is cached data from web browsers such as Safari, Chrome, or Firefox that retain elements from frequently visited websites to speed up loading.

Over time, these caches can take up a lot of space and can even cause system issues if any cached data becomes corrupted. Clearing the cache can help improve system performance, but it can also temporarily slow down an application while it rebuilds cached data.

How to Clear Cache on Mac

Clear User and System Cache

Disclaimer: Deleting system files carries risks, especially when deleting important content. Be sure to double check that you deleted the correct files. If you are unsure, consider seeking professional advice.

1. Open Finder: Click the Finder icon on the dock.
2. Go to Folder: From the menu bar at the top, click Go and select Go to Folder from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Shift Cmd G.
3. Go to cache folder: A small window will appear. Enter in the fields and click Start. This will take you to your user cache folder. ~/Library/Caches
4. Select caches to clear: You will see a long list of folders, each related to a different application . You can select individual folders to delete caches for specific applications, or select All to clear all caches. Use Cmd A to select all folders.
5. Delete: Right-click and select "Move to Trash". Then, empty the Trash to completely delete these files.
6. Clear System Cache: For System Cache, follow the same steps, but in the "Go to Folder" step, type (note there is no tilde "~"). /Library/Caches

Keep in mind that after clearing the cache, some applications may take longer to open while the cache files are rebuilt.

Clear browser cache

Safari

1. Open Safari and click "Safari" in the top menu bar.
2. Clear History: Select "Clear History" from the drop-down menu.
3. Select time range: You can select the time interval at which you want to clear history and cache. If you want to clear it completely, select "All History".
4. Confirm: Click "Clear History".

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu icon in the upper right corner.
2. Clear Browsing Data: Go to More Tools >Clear Browsing Data.
3. Select a time range and data: Select "All time" for the Time range and make sure "Cached images and files" is selected.
4. Confirm: Click "Clear Data".

火狐

1. Open Firefox and click the hamburger menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner.
2. Options: Select "Options" or "Preferences".
3. Privacy & Security: Navigate to the Privacy & Security tab and scroll down to "Cookies & Site Data."
4. Clear data: Click "Clear data" and make sure "Cached Web Content" is selected. Click "Clear" to confirm.

Remember to restart your browser after clearing cache.

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