Is ~/Library/Caches Safe to Delete?
Yes, ~/Library/Caches is generally safe to delete. These are temporary files that apps recreate when needed.
Side effects: Apps may load slower initially as they rebuild their caches.
What is ~/Library/Caches?
The ~/Library/Caches folder contains cached data from various applications. This includes temporary files, thumbnails, and other data that apps store for faster access. Deleting this folder forces apps to recreate their caches, which may cause slower initial load times but won't cause any permanent issues.
Is it safe to delete?
Yes — ~/Library/Caches is generally safe to delete. The data in this folder is temporary and will be recreated by the application when needed.
Before deleting, make sure:
- You don't have any important unsaved work in the related application
- You're not in the middle of a critical task that might need this cached data
- You understand that initial load times may be slower after deletion
What happens after deletion?
Apps may load slower initially as they rebuild their caches. The folder will be recreated automatically by the application when needed. This process is typically seamless but may take some time depending on the amount of data that needs to be regenerated.
How to delete it
Use MacMop
MacMop finds this folder automatically and lets you delete it safely with one click.
Terminal
rm -rf ~/Library/CachesWarning: This command permanently deletes the folder. Double-check the path before running.
Finder
- Open Finder
- Press ⌘ + Shift + G (Go to Folder)
- Paste:
~/Library/Caches - Move the folder to Trash
MacMop scans all your hidden caches and tells you exactly what's safe to delete.