How to Clear Cache on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide for Optimal Performance

I. Introduction

Clearing cache is one of the essential maintenance tasks to keep your Mac running efficiently. When you browse the internet, use apps, or perform other operations on your Mac, temporary files and data accumulate, known as cache. Keeping too much cache data on your Mac can slow down your system and take up valuable storage space.

In this article, we’ll provide you with various step-by-step methods to clear cache on your Mac, as well as introduce you to maintenance tools and specialized tips for different macOS versions. We’ll also cover different types of caches, such as Safari, User, System, Font, DNS, and Mail Caches, using images and screenshots for easy navigation.

The ultimate goal of this article is to help you maximize your Mac’s performance through cache clearing and other maintenance techniques.

II. Step-by-Step Guide to Clear Cache on Mac

The first method to clear cache on Mac is through the built-in options in macOS. There are different types of caches on a Mac, such as Safari Cache, User Cache, System Cache, Font Cache, DNS Cache, and Mail Cache. Here is a step-by-step approach for each type of cache:

1. Safari Cache

To clear cache in the Safari browser, follow these steps:

1. Open Safari and click on the ‘Safari’ menu in the top left corner of your screen.
2. Click on ‘Preferences,’ then select ‘Privacy’ from the top menu.
3. Click the ‘Manage Website Data’ button, then select ‘Remove All’ to clear all caches.

2. User Cache

To clear user cache on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the ‘Go’ menu in the top menu bar, then select ‘Go to Folder.’
2. Enter ~/Library/Caches in the search field, then hit ‘Go.’
3. Click and drag the desired cache files to the Trash bin, then empty the bin.

3. System Cache

To clear system cache on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the ‘Go’ menu in the top menu bar, then select ‘Go to Folder.’
2. Enter /Library/Caches in the search field, then hit ‘Go.’
3. Click and drag the desired cache files to the Trash bin, then empty the bin.

4. Font Cache

To clear font cache on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Click on the ‘Go’ menu in the top menu bar, then select ‘Go to Folder.’
2. Enter /Library/Caches/com.apple.ATS in the search field, then hit ‘Go.’
3. Select the folder contents, then drag them to the Trash bin and empty it.

5. DNS Cache

To clear DNS cache on Mac, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Terminal app from your Applications folder.
2. Type in “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder” and hit ‘Enter.’
3. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
4. The DNS cache should now be cleared.

6. Mail Cache

To clear mail cache on Mac, follow these steps:

1. In Mail, go to Mailbox in the top menu bar, then select ‘Erase Deleted Items.’
2. Quit Mail, then head over to ~/Library/Caches/Mail.
3. Drag the envelope icons to the Trash bin, then empty the bin.

By following the above steps, you can easily clear cache on your Mac for optimal performance.

III. Third-party Apps to Clear Cache on Mac

Third-party apps are powerful tools that you can use to clear cache on your Mac. Developers have designed these apps for advanced and efficient cleaning of caches, system files, logs, and more. These are some of the popular third-party apps that can help clear cache on your Mac:

• CCleaner
• Onyx
• CleanMyMac
• DaisyDisk

While third-party apps may offer an easy and convenient way to clean cache on your Mac, there are pros and cons to using them. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using third-party apps:

Advantages

• Quick and easy to use with just a few clicks
• Can clean multiple caches and other files at once
• Efficiently clean up junk files, duplicates, and other unnecessary files
• Can help detect and remove malware that may be affecting your Mac’s performance

Disadvantages

• Not all third-party apps are reliable, and some may cause more harm than good if not used appropriately
• May delete essential files or system components if not used correctly
• Some third-party apps may charge a fee for their use
• Some third-party apps may include unwanted ads or pop-ups

Of the third-party apps available, we recommend CleanMyMac for its user-friendly interface, efficient cleaning capabilities, and frequent updates to keep up with the latest macOS changes.

IV. Terminal Commands to Clear Cache on Mac

Clearing cache using terminal commands is another option if you don’t want to use third-party apps. As the name implies, this method uses a series of Mac terminal prompts to clear cache, making it a more technical approach. However, it is still an effective method for clearing cache and optimizing your Mac’s performance. Here are some of the helpful terminal commands:

To clear User Cache using Terminal, type in:

sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Caches

To clear System Cache using Terminal, type in:

sudo rm -rf /Library/Caches

To clear Font Cache using Terminal, type in:

sudo atsutil databases -remove

It’s important to note that when using terminal commands, you must take care to enter each command correctly. Incorrect use of terminal commands can lead to the deletion of essential system files and cause severe damage to your Mac.

V. Special Tips for Different macOS Versions

While the fundamental principles of cache clearing remain the same across macOS versions, some specialized tips can help maximize your clearing cache’s efficiency. Here are some tips for the different macOS versions:

1. macOS Catalina and later

In macOS Catalina and later, Apple has made significant changes to the file system structure, such as separating the system files from user files. Therefore, it’s essential to follow the correct commands and paths to delete caches and other files. You can use the built-in ‘Optimize Storage’ feature to manage cache automatically and clear up storage space.

2. macOS Sierra to macOS Mojave

In macOS Sierra to Mojave, you can optimize cache clearing by holding down the shift key while you launch apps like Mail or Calendar to clear their corresponding caches. You can also create keystrokes to automate the cache-clearing process.

3. macOS El Capitan and earlier

In macOS El Capitan and earlier versions, the System Integrity Protection (SIP) feature prevents essential system files from being modified or deleted. Therefore, you have to turn off SIP before you can use third-party apps or terminal commands to clear cache and other system files.

VI. Visuals, Including Images and Screenshots

Visual aids such as images and screenshots make the cache clearing process more understandable and easy to follow. In this article, we’ve included relevant images and screenshots for each method of cache clearing, making it easier for you to navigate and follow the steps.

VII. Maintenance Tools for Optimal Mac Performance

While clearing cache is essential for optimal Mac performance, other routine maintenance tasks can improve system efficiency. Here are some maintenance tools you can use to keep your Mac running at its best:

• Time Machine
• Disk Utility
• Activity Monitor
• Launchpad
• System Preferences

By regularly maintaining your Mac using these tools, you can detect and correct problems that could cause software glitches, system errors, or even hardware damages over time. It is crucial to schedule regular maintenance tasks, including clearing cache, for the best results.

VIII. Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful in providing you with various techniques to clear cache on Mac, along with other maintenance tips. Clearing cache can significantly improve your Mac’s efficiency and free up valuable storage space. It’s crucial to follow the correct commands and use reliable third-party apps when clearing cache to avoid any negative consequences.

Remember to schedule regular maintenance tasks to keep your Mac running at its best. By optimizing cache clearing and other maintenance techniques, you can ensure that your Mac runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come.