Has it been forever since you got rid of cache on your Mac?
If yes, then it’s time to get rid of these asap, folks. Cached files build up in the browser, your applications, and your system. These old files tend to eat up space on your device and slow down the system. Now that you know it’s essential to get rid of cache on your device, you must know the maxims of doing so. But, before that, it is vital to know what cache exactly is?
What Is Cached Data?
Cached data contains multiple temporary files that stick on your computer’s reserved area. According to Apple, cached data speeds up the downloading of Apple software and iCloud data users store. All you’ve to do is save the content so that local iOS devices, Mac computers, and Apple TV devices have downloaded it already. Thus, you don’t need the internet to retrieve files on your browser.
But as long as your Mac is set up to cache, you need to clear the data periodically to make the computer run efficiently. It is because clearing your cache can protect your identity. It can also make your apps run better and prevent you from using outdated forms.
Here’s how to clear the cache on your Mac:
- Using Shortcuts:
Shortcuts make the process of clearing cache in your Mac extremely easy and fast. Just follow some simple steps:
- Press shift- Command G through your open Finder window.
- Enter the command ~/Library/Caches into the search box.
- Click “Go.” Doing so will bring you here to the folder that contains all your Mac’s cached files.
- Press Command-A to select the folders
- Click on Command D to delete the folders.
- You’ll get a pop-up by asking to confirm about the files you wish to delete. Enter your Mac’s password to complete the action.
Note: If you have windows open, you’ll still see a folder out there. Otherwise, the folder must be empty ultimately.
Without Shortcuts:
If your keyboard has some issues or the command keys aren’t reliable enough, you can still clear the cache on your Mac. You have to spare some extra time to get things done.
- Just close or minimize all the windows so that the toolbar says “Finder.”
- Click on “Go” and select “Go to the Folder.”
- Enter ~/Library/Caches command in the search box
- Click on Go to view the folder that contains Mac’s cached files
- Go to the toolbar at the screen’s top and click on Edit. Choose“Select All” now
- Under “File” located in the screen’s toolbar, select “Move to Trash.”
- Enter your Mac’s password confirming the action in the pop-up to clear your computer’s cache.
The Verdict
While clearing the cache seems pretty straightforward, but it isn’t as easy as you think. Although you may remove your cache in a few seconds, know that it starts building up again immediately. When it comes down to application and system caches, not messing up around system folders seems the best solution. After all, you don’t want to break into something accidentally.
