Comments
How to Clear Cache in Safari on Mac
Edited 2 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
SafariMacCachePrivacyBrowserPerformanceStorageSettingsCleanupMaintenance
This content is available in 7 different language
Cached data helps Safari run faster by keeping certain elements stored locally on your Mac, reducing load times for websites you visit frequently. However, over time, these files can grow large and slow down your system or cause webpage display problems. Therefore, it is important to know how to clear the cache in Safari on your Mac.
Understanding the browser cache
Before we proceed with the process of clearing the cache, it is important to know what a cache is. In simple terms, a cache is a form of storage that holds temporary files from the websites you visit. This can include things like images, scripts, and other components needed to load a webpage. Caching helps reduce the time it takes for pages to load by retrieving information from your local storage instead of downloading it afresh each time.
Why clear the cache?
There are several reasons you might want to clear your cache:
- Free up space: Over time, cached files can accumulate and take up a lot of space on your hard drive.
- Fix browsing issues: A corrupted cache can cause loading problems on webpages, such as unresponsive scripts or layout issues.
- Privacy concerns: Although cached data does not store personal data, it may store a record of the websites you visit, which may be a concern for some users.
- View updated content: If a website isn’t showing updated content, clearing the cache can force Safari to download the latest version of the page.
How to clear the cache in Safari on Mac
Step 1: Open Safari
Start by launching the Safari browser on your Mac. You can do this by clicking the Safari icon in your Dock or by searching for it using Spotlight (by pressing Command+Space and typing “Safari”).
Step 2: Access Preferences
Once Safari opens, go to the menu option labeled Safari in the top left corner of your screen and click on it. From the drop-down menu, select Preferences. This will open a new window with various settings for you to adjust.
Step 3: Select the ‘Advanced’ tab
Inside the Preferences window, you will see several tabs at the top. Find and click on the Advanced tab. This section contains more technical options for configuring Safari. Here, you will find an option that allows you to access the Develop menu.
Step 4: Show the Develop menu
Under the Advanced tab, you will find a checkbox called Show Develop menu in menu bar. Click this checkbox to enable the Develop menu, which will now appear in the main menu bar at the top of your screen.
Step 5: Open the Develop menu
Now that the Develop menu is available in your menu bar, click Develop. This menu contains a number of options, mostly used by developers, but it also includes the functionality needed to clear your cache.
Step 6: Clear the cache
In the Develop menu, look for the option labeled Empty Cache and click on it. Safari will immediately clear all cached data. This is usually a quick process, but it may take longer if you have a large amount of cached data stored.
Alternative method: Clear cache and browsing data
In some cases, you may want to clear not only your cache but also other browsing data such as history, cookies, and form data. To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open Safari and view access history
With Safari open, go to the menu at the top of the screen and click on History. From the drop-down menu, select Clear History...
Step 2: Select the time frame
In the Clear History window that appears, a drop-down menu allows you to choose the time range of the data you want to clear. You can choose the past hour, today, today and yesterday, or all history. Selecting "All History" will delete all cached data, history, and cookies from Safari.
Step 3: Confirm your selection
After selecting your preferred time range, click the Clear History button. This action will delete data based on the range you specified. It is important to note that this will not only delete your cache but also cookies and history records, so make sure this is the desired action before proceeding.
Benefits of clearing the cache
Regularly clearing your Safari cache can have several benefits:
- Improved performance: Removing old cache files can make Safari run more smoothly and faster.
- Resolve errors: If you encounter errors or problems on specific webpages, clearing the cache can often resolve the problem.
- Increased privacy: Clearing the cache can help maintain your privacy, especially if you share your computer or use public or shared systems.
- Update content: You will be able to see the latest content available on the websites.
What to expect after clearing the cache
Once you clear the cache in Safari, you’ll notice a few changes:
- Slow initial load times: The first time you visit a website after clearing the cache, it may be slower than usual, as Safari re-downloads necessary files.
- Log out of sites: If you cleared cookies and cache, you may be logged out of websites you visit frequently. You'll need to log in again.
- Clearing the cache more frequently: Some users have found that they need to clear their cache more regularly to maintain optimal browser performance, as the cache grows rapidly over time.
Troubleshooting cache clearing issues
If you encounter problems when trying to clear your cache in Safari, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Check for Safari updates: Make sure you're running the latest version of Safari as updates may resolve known bugs.
- Restart Safari or your Mac: Sometimes simply restarting the application or your Mac can solve the problem.
- Verify preferences: Double-check that the Develop menu is enabled under Safari Preferences, Advanced tab.
- Consult Apple Support: If the problem persists, consulting Apple Support or visiting their support forum may help find a solution.
Conclusion
Clearing the cache in Safari on your Mac is a straightforward process that can benefit your computer's performance, fix problems with specific sites, and help keep your browsing activities private. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily manage your cache and ensure that your Internet browsing experience remains smooth and efficient. Remember to clear the cache regularly to optimize performance and keep your system neat and tidy.
Hopefully you now feel comfortable with the process of clearing your cache in Safari and understand when and why to do it. Feel free to use this guide whenever you need to refresh your Safari browsing data.
If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can