Is ~/.cache Safe to Delete?
Usually yes. ~/.cache is a standard user cache directory (uv, pip, huggingface, etc.). Apps recreate it.
Side effects: CLI tools may re-download models or packages on next use.
What is ~/.cache?
~/.cache follows the XDG convention used by many developer tools. It is not your documents. Large tenants include uv, pip, huggingface, and Playwright. Safe to delete if you can wait for tools to refill it.
Is it safe to delete?
Yes — ~/.cache 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?
CLI tools may re-download models or packages on next use. 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.
Download MacMopTerminal
rm -rf ~/.cacheWarning: This command permanently deletes the folder. Double-check the path before running.
Finder
- Open Finder
- Press ⌘ + Shift + G (Go to Folder)
- Paste:
~/.cache - Move the folder to Trash
MacMop scans all your hidden caches and tells you exactly what's safe to delete.
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