How to Clear Cache on MacBook Pro?

How to Clear Cache on MacBook Pro – Overview

Cached data comprises different temporary files on a reserved area of your PC. According to Apple, cached data on your MacBook Pro enhances the download speeds of Apple software as well as the data you store in iCloud.

Cached data does this by “keeping content that local MacBooks, Apple TV devices, and iOS devices have already downloaded.” In addition, cached data is accessible for other devices to retrieve without using the internet.

Caching data is particularly useful if your Mac is connected to cable internet as opposed to a Wi-Fi network. However, according to Apple, you’ll get the best performance out of your MacBook when it’s linked to your Wi-Fi network using Gigabit internet.

However, as long as your MacBook is configured to cache, that data needs to be deleted occasionally to allow your PC to run more efficiently. This is because clearing the cache makes your apps run better; that said, let’s look at the various ways of caching data on a MacBook.

What are the Types of Cache in MacBooks?

There are two main kinds of cache; application and system cache. The application cache is sometimes called user cache; it’s the data linked with your apps that are saved so that it doesn’t have to be loaded each time you use the app meaning your apps can work faster.

Again this sounds advantageous, but there are a couple of disadvantages. For instance, if you work with high-res images or massive video files, your MacBook could be storing a lot of data linked to the edits you make.

Likewise, if you play games on your MacBook, you could find you’re losing space to game saves. Application data can consume space; if you’re no longer using the application, you’re unlikely to require the cached data could still be loitering on your MacBook.

As you’d expect, the system cache is data generated by macOS that helps your MacBook function smoothly. Because it’s connected to the OS, we would advise against removing any system cache unless you’re using a particular one to do so.

Deleting cache is dicey business if you don’t know what you’re doing, which is more so when it comes to system cache because you can accidentally delete files that make sure your Mac functions smoothly.

The Cache Clearing Process: Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcuts make it easy to clear your Mac’s cache extremely easy and fast. Here’s how to do it

Press and hold Shift + Command + G with the finder window open.
Enter the following prompt into the search box: ~/Library/Caches

How to Clear Cache on MacBook Pro

3. Click on ‘Go.’ This will reveal the folder with all of your MacBook’s cached files.

4. Next, press and hold Command + A to select all folders.

5. Then, Click Command + Delete.

6. You’ll get a pop-up notification asking you to confirm you have deleted all those files, and you’ll need to enter your MacBook’s passcode to complete the action.

Note that if you have opened windows, you will still likely see a folder there.

Cache Clearing Process: Without Keyboard Shortcuts

If your MacBook keyboard is having issues or the command buttons aren’t dependable anymore, you can still erase the cache on your Mac. It just takes a bit of time; here’s how:

1. Minimize all windows so that the toolbar at the top says ‘Finder.’

2. Next, click on ‘Go’ and click on ‘Go to Folder.’

3. Enter the following prompt into the text box: ~/Library/Caches.

How to Clear Cache on MacBook Pro

4. Click ‘Go’ to check the folder with all of your MacBook’s cached files.

5. Click on ‘File’ in the toolbar at the top of your screen

6. Next, click on ‘Move to Trash.’

Enter your Mac’s passcode in the action verification pop-up to clear the cache.

Cache Clearing Process: Safari Browser

Safari is a bit trickier than all other browsers; you can erase caches together with all other website histories in the menu bar.

However, if you need more precision, here’s how to clear the cache in Safari:

1. Start by clicking on ‘Safari’ in the top menu.

2. Click on ‘Preferences.’

3. Click on the ‘Advanced’ tab.

4. Next, check the box next to the ‘Show Develop’ menu in the menu bar option.

5. Then click on ‘Develop’ in the menu bar.

6. Select ‘Empty Caches.’

Note: After you click on ‘Empty Cache’ on your MacBook Pro, that’s just the first step. You need to empty your ‘Trash’ for all removed cache to be entirely deleted from your MacBook Pro.

Final Thought

Cache data works wonders for MacBooks, but it can pile up and slow down your MacBook’s performance over time. Hopefully, this guide will be all you need to free up gigabytes of valuable storage on your MacBook by clearing the cache.