Have you ever noticed Safari on your Mac is running slower, not loading certain pages correctly, or even displaying outdated information.? The cache may be the culpritThis is one of those small technical details that often goes unnoticed, but whose regular cleaning makes a difference in your browser's performance and privacy. Let's take a look. How to easily clear Safari cache on Mac.
Learning how to easily clear Safari's cache on your Mac is a useful skill for keeping your computer in top shape, troubleshooting common errors, and optimizing your browsing experience. It'll also help you save space and improve the overall speed of your system and apps.
What is cache and why should you clear it periodically?
Cache is essentially a temporary storage of data which allows your Mac and applications to load information faster the next time they need it. Safari, like other browsers, caches images, files, scripts, and other resources from the web pages you visit frequently to speed up future access. This results in a smoother, faster experience most of the time.
However, this advantage also has its counterpart: Over time, the cache can accumulate too many obsolete, unusable, or even corrupted files, taking up unnecessary space and leading to problems: from pages not refreshing correctly to unexpected errors when viewing websites.
The main reasons to clear the Safari cache on your Mac include:
- Free up storage space and keep your Mac tidier.
- Fix loading and display issues when a page displays outdated content or fails.
- Improve privacy removing locally stored browsing traces.
- Avoid conflicts after updates from macOS or Safari, as the old cache may not be compatible with new versions.
Types of cache on Mac and their differences
The macOS operating system manages different types of cache, each with its own function and location. Safari isn't the only one that stores temporary information: user applications, the system itself, and even specific topics like network preferences use the cache to optimize their performance.
The three main types of cache on your Mac are:
- Browser cache (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.): It stores web page files, images, scripts, cookies, and history. It allows for faster browsing but can accumulate obsolete files.
- User or application cache: generated by each installed app, from photo editors like Photoshop to music apps like Spotify. It helps load each app's preferences and resources faster.
- System Cache: managed by macOS to facilitate quick access to system services and optimize overall computer performance. It generally takes up less space than other caches., but it is preferable not to remove it unless strictly necessary to resolve errors.
Important tip: Only delete the files inside the cache folders, never the folders themselves. This way, you can avoid system or app malfunctions.
Benefits of Clearing Safari Cache on Mac
Clearing Safari's cache offers several notable benefits for your everyday life:
- Improve browsing speed, as it prevents the browser from processing corrupted or outdated files.
- Free up disk space, an invaluable aid on computers with limited storage.
- Resolves errors loading, display or incompatibilities with recent web pages.
- Update the content allowing Safari to get the most recent version of each page you visit.
- Strengthen your privacy by eliminating browsing traces and potentially sensitive data stored locally.
If you notice Safari running slowly, displaying unwanted ads, or displaying suspicious extensions, a thorough clearing of your browser's cache and data can fix most of these issues.
Is it safe to clear Safari cache and other temporary files?
Deleting Safari's cache on your Mac is completely safe. as long as you follow some basic precautionary steps. Caches are temporary, and after deleting them, the browser or applications will automatically regenerate them when necessary.
However, always delete only the files inside the cache folders, never the entire folders.If you have any questions or are an inexperienced user, consider backing up your data before handling sensitive folders.
The only precautions you need to take into account are:
- Completely close apps or the browser before clearing their caches. to avoid mistakes.
- Back up your cache folders if you are going to delete system files or important applications.
- Do not clear the system cache unless necessary. and only if you know what you're doing.
In most cases, clearing the Safari and app cache is a harmless task and highly recommended to keep your Mac running like new.
How to clear Safari cache on Mac: easy steps based on macOS version
The procedure to clear the Safari cache is very similar in all recent versions of macOS., although it may vary slightly depending on your operating system version. Below, I'll explain how to do it manually, step by step, and also how to use keyboard shortcuts or specialized apps if you're looking for an even faster solution.
Manual method from Safari settings
This method is available to all users and is completely safe. Just follow these steps:
- Open Safari.
- Click 'Safari' in the top menu bar and select 'Settings' (or 'Preferences' in earlier versions).
- Go to the 'Advanced' tab and check the option 'Show the Develop menu in the menu bar' (on macOS Sonoma and Sequoia versions this option may be called 'Show features for web developers').
- Close the settings window.
- In the menu bar, go to 'Development' and select 'Empty Caches'.
This process clears the cache without deleting passwords or bookmarks, but it may require you to log in again to some websites.
Keyboard shortcut to clear Safari cache
For the more impatient, there is a keyboard shortcut that deletes the Safari cache directly:
- Press simultaneously Option + Command + E.
In a matter of seconds, Safari will clear its cache, and you'll notice the difference when you reload pages.
Deleting cache, cookies, and history for a more complete cleanup
If you want to go a step further and clear not only the cache, but also cookies and browsing history, you can do so from the Safari menu itself:
- Click on safari in the menu bar and select Delete history.
- Choose 'All History' to delete the entire record, or select a specific period.
- Push the button Delete history.
This method is very useful if you encounter problems caused by corrupted cookies, or if you want to increase your privacy.
Using specialized apps to clear the cache in Safari and the rest of your Mac
If you prefer not to complicate things and are looking for an even faster solution, there are dedicated applications such as CleanMyMac or Avast Cleanup that can perform a deep clean of Safari's cache and system cache in just a few clicks. These tools are especially recommended for users who want to keep their Mac optimized without having to worry about manually deleting files.
Advantages of cleaning apps:
- They identify and delete only unnecessary files, without putting important files at risk.
- They allow you to schedule automatic cleanings.
- They include extra features such as finding large duplicate files or clearing the DNS cache.
- They offer additional security against accidental deletion.
Of course, cleaning can also be done manually, but these applications provide added peace of mind and convenience, especially for those unfamiliar with the ins and outs of the system.
How to clear cache in other Mac browsers?
It's not just Safari that accumulates cache: if you use Chrome, Firefox, or any other browser, you should also clear its temporary memory regularly.
Clear the cache in Chrome
- Open Chrome and click the three dots icon in the top right.
- Choose Configuration > Privacy & Security.
- Click on Clear browsing data.
- Choose the time range ('All Time' for a complete cleanup) and make sure to check 'Cached files and images'.
- press Delete data.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Command + Shift + Delete for direct access to the delete window.
Clear the cache in Firefox
- Open Firefox and go to History in the menu bar.
- Click on Clear recent history or go to about: preferences > Privacy & Security.
- Scroll down to 'Cookies and site data' and select Clean data.
- Check 'Temporary cached files and pages' and press Clear.
In both browsers, clearing the cache may require you to log in again to some websites, but you'll retain your passwords and bookmarks unless you select additional options.
How to delete system and user cache on Mac?
In addition to the browser cache, your Mac stores temporary information to speed up system and application processes. Typically, you don't need to clean them up unless you notice performance issues, recurring errors, or if you urgently need to free up space.
Delete user cache (applications)
- Open the Finder and select Go > Go to Folder.
- Introduce ~ / Library / Caches and press Enter.
- Scans each app's folder and deletes only the files inside them, not the entire folders.
- Empty the trash when you're done.
Some apps like Spotify or Xcode tend to accumulate a lot of cache, so check those folders if you need to free up a lot of space.
Clear system cache
- In Finder, go to Go > Go to Folder and enter /Library/Caches.
- Review the folders, especially those beginning with com.apple, and carefully delete the files inside.
- Never delete system folders, only select files if you identify obsolete items.
It's usually not necessary to clear your system cache unless you're experiencing serious storage or performance issues. If you're an advanced user, you can use Terminal to delete or move sensitive files, but only if you know what you're doing.
How to clear DNS cache on Mac?
The DNS system stores the addresses of visited websites to speed up future connections. But this record can become obsolete or cause errors if a website changes servers.
- You can easily flush the DNS cache using tools like CleanMyMac X, or by running in Terminal:
sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder; say cache flushed
Enter your password if prompted, and after running the command, the DNS cache will be reset.
What happens after clearing the cache in Safari and on Mac?
After clearing the cache, the first few page loads may be slightly slower, Safari needs to download all resources again from the server instead of using locally stored resources. However, you'll soon notice more stable and up-to-date browsing, with fresh content.
Clearing the cache helps to:
- Free up disk space, even several gigabytes if you have never done cleaning.
- Correct errors and improve fluency from Safari and other apps.
- Updates stored content and deletes corrupt files.
- Strengthens privacy eliminating browsing traces and temporary data.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing Cache on Mac
- Is it mandatory to have administrator permissions to delete the cache? For system cache only. For user and browser cache, your regular account is sufficient.
- Will my passwords and bookmarks be deleted when I clear Safari's cache? No, unless you specifically choose to also delete that data. The cache only stores temporary resources.
- How can I restore accidentally deleted files? You can use recovery applications like Disk Drill to try to restore them from the disk.
- Can I automate cache clearing? Yes, apps like CleanMyMac allow you to schedule automatic cleanings and keep your Mac in optimal condition.
Advanced tools and tips for expert users
For those who want to further customize their cleaning, there are additional options:
- Create custom keyboard shortcuts with apps like Keysmith, to activate cleaning with a single command.
- Use secure erase solutions , the Stellar BitRaser If you need to make deleted files unrecoverable, especially for sensitive data.
- Monitor the cache status with utilities like iStat Menus, which show in real time the memory occupied by the cache on your Mac.
These tools allow you to tailor the cleaning process to your experience level and preferences.
Myths and Facts About Clearing Cache on Mac
There are some myths that are important to clarify:
- 'Clearing the cache may damage your system': False, as long as you don't delete critical folders or files.
- 'Clearing the cache slows down your Mac': In fact, it often improves your performance.
- 'Never clear your cache': It is advisable to do this periodically to avoid problems and keep the equipment in optimal condition.
Clearing Safari's cache on a Mac is a simple and safe task, suitable for both beginners and advanced users. With a few minutes every so often, you'll make your browser and system run more smoothly, maximize storage space, and better protect your personal information. Now you have all the methods at your disposal, from manual cleaning to automatic tools and custom shortcuts. Your Mac will thank you!