How to delete app cache files on Mac

App cache files are temporary files that apps store so they load faster. You can safely delete the cache of an app you have already removed. For an app you still use, deleting its cache is also safe, but the app may load more slowly the next time you open it, while it rebuilds the cache.

Quick steps

1. Quit the app.
2. Open ~/Library/Caches in Finder.
3. Find the folder named after the app.
4. Open it to check what is inside.
5. Move that folder to the Trash.

Step 1: Quit the app

Press Command and Q while the app is open. Some cache files stay locked while an app runs, so quitting first avoids problems.

Step 2: Open the Caches folder

1. In Finder, press Shift, Command, and G.
2. Type ~/Library/Caches and press Return.

Step 3: Find the app’s folder

Look for a folder named after the app or its company. Some folders use the app’s bundle name, such as com.company.appname. Search for either name in the search box.

Open the folder to check it. Cache folders usually hold temporary data, but some apps store small settings there too.

Step 4: Move the folder to the Trash

Select the folder and press Command and Delete. You can put it back from the Trash if you need to.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to delete cache files?

Yes, for apps you no longer use. Apps rebuild their caches when you open them again. For apps you still use, it is safe too, but the first launch may be slower.

Will deleting a cache remove my work?

No. Caches hold temporary data. Your documents and projects are stored somewhere else.

How often should I clear caches?

You do not need to clear caches on a schedule. Clear them only when you are removing an app or when an app is behaving badly.