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How to Clear Safari Cache on Your Mac: 4 Quick Methods

Speed up Safari by clearing its cache with these simple steps.

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Last updated: November 27, 2023

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TL;DR

To clear Safari cache on your Mac:

  1. Press Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + E to add Develop to the menu bar. Click Develop > Empty Caches.
  2. Use the Safari menu by clicking Safari > Settings > Privacy, tapping the Manage Website Data button, and clicking Remove All > Done.
  3. Use the Developer menu by opening Safari, clicking Safari > Settings > Advanced, and enabling Show Develop menu in menu bar. Then, click Develop in the menu bar > Empty Caches.

If you frequently use Safari on your Mac, you notice it becomes sluggish over time. One of the reasons for your Mac running slow and web pages loading late is cache accumulation. Clearing the browser cache can speed up your browsing experience and ensure everything runs smoothly. In this guide, I’ll show you how to clear Safari cache on your Mac, step by step.

Before We Begin

Your Mac requires regular maintenance to keep browsers running smoothly. Download MacKeeper and use its Safe Cleanup feature to delete internet browsing history, caches, temporary files, and other leftover files.

Improve Your Browsing Experience With MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup

Why You Can Trust MacBook Journal verify badge We always conduct first-hand research and verify every method or solution we present, ensuring you receive reliable and effective advice. Learn more about our process.

Clearing your Safari cache can speed up your browsing experience and free up space on your Mac. MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup simplifies managing your browser history, cookies, and cache. It quickly scans for old and risky files, offering simple ways to delete them with just a few clicks.

Here’s how to use MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup to clear Safari cache on your Mac:

  1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
  2. Open MacKeeper and click Safe Cleanup under Cleaning.
click safe cleanup under the cleaning section
  1. Click Start Scan.
click start scan in safe cleanup
  1. Select the cache files you want to remove when the scan completes or click Check All.
select junk files to remove or click check all
  1. Tap Clean Junk Files.
tap clean junk files
  1. You’ll get a Cleaning Completed notification. Click Continue to end the program.
click rescan to scan the system again

What Else Can MacKeeper Do?

Besides clearing your browser cache on Mac, MacKeeper also offers other features that help remove browser extensions from your Mac, block websites on Safari, Chrome, and Firefox, and stop annoying ads on your Mac. Learn more about these features in my detailed MacKeeper review.

How to Clear Safari Cache on Your Mac

While I think MacKeeper offers the quickest way to clear the cache on your Mac, there are other methods, too. Below, I have shared some alternatives to clear Safari cache on your Mac.

1. Using a Keyboard Shortcut

Mac keyboard shortcuts are a convenient way to perform various tasks, including deleting the Safari cache. Here’s how to use a keyboard shortcut to clear Safari cache on Mac:

  1. Open Safari on your Mac and press the Command ⌘ + Option ⌥ + E keys on your keyboard.
macbook pro command option e keys
  1. It will add Develop to the menu bar. Click Develop and select Empty Caches.
click develop and select empty caches
  1. This will clear Safari cache files on your Mac.

2. Using the Safari Menu

The Safari menu is another straightforward way to clear the browser cache on Safari. It will refresh your browser and resolve potential issues. Here are the steps to use the Safari menu for clearing your cache:

  1. Open Safari, click Safari in the menu bar, and select Settings.
click safari in the top menu bar and select settings
  1. Select the Privacy tab and tap the Manage Website Data button.
select the privacy tab and tap the manage website data button
  1. Click Remove All to clear all website cookies completely.
click remove all
  1. Alternatively, you can select individual websites and tap Remove.
select a website and click remove
  1. Click Done when you have deleted all cache files.

3. Using the Developer Mode

The next method is to use the Developer Mode to clear Safari cache on your Mac. Developer mode on Mac allows access to additional options and settings not available in the standard user interface.

Enabling Developer Mode can give you access to powerful tools and features that can enhance your browsing experience and improve your system’s performance. Here’s how to enable the Developer Mode and clear your Safari cache:

  1. Open Safari and click Safari in the menu bar. From the drop-down menu, select Settings.
click safari in the top menu bar and select settings
  1. Select the Advanced tab and check the box next to the Show Develop menu in menu bar if it is unchecked.
check the box next to the show develop menu in menu bar
  1. Return to the menu bar, click Develop, and select Empty Caches from this drop-down list.
click develop and select empty caches
  1. You have successfully cleared your browser cache on Safari.

Why Should You Clear Safari Cache on Mac?

Clearing the cache of your Safari browser can provide several benefits, including the following:

  • ⚡️ Improves Website Performance: Clearing Safari cache improves the speed of the websites you visit via Safari. These websites will reload their resources from scratch, resulting in faster loading times, removing previous buggy cache files related to that particular site, and a smoother browsing experience.
  • 🌐 Fixes Browser-related Issues: If you experience slow loading times, errors while browsing, or websites not displaying properly, clearing the cache can resolve these issues.
  • 🧹 Frees Up Storage Space: The cache stores temporary data from websites you visit, such as images, scripts, and stylesheets. Over time, this data can accumulate and take up valuable storage space on your device. Clearing temp files and cache can free up space on your Mac.
  • 🔒 Enhances Privacy and Security: The cache retains information such as website login credentials, cookies, and browsing history. Unauthorized parties can potentially access this data if your device is compromised. Clearing the cache removes this data, reducing the risk of a security breach.

What If You Can’t Clear the Safari Cache on Mac

If you’re unable to clear the Safari cache on your Mac, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

  1. 🔄 Restart Safari: Sometimes, simply closing and reopening Safari can resolve minor glitches preventing cache clearing.
  2. 🆙 Update Safari and macOS: Ensure that both Safari and your macOS are updated to the latest versions, as updates often fix bugs that may be causing issues.
  3. 🔌 Check Extensions and Plugins: Disable any Safari extensions or plugins temporarily, as they can sometimes interfere with browser functions.
  4. 🛡️ Use Safe Mode: Restart your Mac in Safe Mode to check if any background processes are affecting Safari’s performance.
  5. 📞 Seek Professional Help: If none of these steps work, it might be a more complex issue, and you may need to seek assistance from Apple Support or a professional technician.

Delete the Safari Cache on Your Mac

Now that you know how to clear Safari cache on Mac, you may want to learn more about optimizing your browsing experience. Here are some areas to explore further:

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does clearing the Safari cache on Mac affect my stored passwords or bookmarks?

    No, clearing the Safari cache on Mac does not affect your stored passwords or bookmarks. They are saved separately by Safari. However, clearing cookies with cache will remove website-specific settings and login details, so you must log in again.

  2. Will clearing the Safari cache on Mac delete my browsing history?

    No, clearing the Safari cache on Mac will not delete your browsing history. However, clearing history with cache will remove all records of websites you’ve visited, so you will not be able to access them easily. 

  3. How often should I clear the Safari cache on my Mac?

    The frequency of clearing your Safari cache on Mac depends on your usage patterns and preferences. If you use Safari frequently and visit a lot of websites, you may want to clear your cache more often. As a general rule, clearing your cache once every few weeks is a good idea.

  4. Can clearing the cache in Safari help improve browser security?

    Yes, clearing the cache in Safari can help improve browser security. It removes stored data, including potentially sensitive information, reducing the risk of unauthorized access in case of a security breach.

  5. What’s the difference between clearing cache and cookies in Safari?

    Clearing the cache in Safari removes stored website data, enhancing loading speed and resolving display issues. Cookies, on the other hand, are specific to user data like login credentials and preferences. Clearing cookies can log you out of sites and reset personalization while clearing the cache mainly impacts page loading.

  6. Is clearing the cache the same as deleting browsing history in Safari?

    No, clearing the cache is not the same as deleting browsing history in Safari. The cache stores temporary files from websites to speed up future visits while browsing history records the URLs of sites you’ve visited. Clearing the cache affects website loading performance, but does not erase your visit records.

  7. Can I automate the cache-clearing process in Safari?

    No, you cannot automate the cache-clearing process in Safari through built-in settings. However, you can use third-party automation tools or create a script with AppleScript to schedule and automate cache clearing. This requires some technical knowledge in scripting and automation.

Hashir Ibrahim

Author

I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

Ojash

Reviewer

Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

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