How to Remove Browser Cache on Mac

What Causes This?

Browser cache stores copies of website files like images, scripts, and page data so sites load faster the next time you visit them. Over time, that cache can grow large, become outdated, or get corrupted, which can cause websites to load incorrectly and take up unnecessary storage on your Mac. If you use multiple browsers, each one keeps its own cache, so the problem can build up faster than you expect.

Common Symptoms

• Websites look broken or don’t load the latest version
• Pages load slowly or stall while opening
• You see login issues, missing images, or formatting problems
• Your browser is using more storage than expected
• A site works in one browser but not another

How to Fix It Manually

Follow these steps to clear browser cache on macOS in the browser you use most.

1. Clear cache in Safari

   1. Open Safari.
   2. Click Safari > Settings in the top menu bar.
   3. Go to the Advanced tab.
   4. Turn on Show Develop menu in menu bar.
   5. Close Settings.
   6. Click Develop > Empty Caches.
   7. If a specific site still has problems, click Safari > Clear History, then choose a time range.

2. Clear cache in Google Chrome

   1. Open Chrome.
   2. Press Command + Shift + Delete to open Clear browsing data.
   3. Set Time range to All time if you want a full cleanup.
   4. Check Cached images and files.
   5. You can leave Browsing history and Cookies and other site data unchecked if you only want to remove cache.
   6. Click Delete data.

3. Clear cache in Mozilla Firefox

   1. Open Firefox.
   2. Click the menu button in the top-right corner, then choose Settings.
   3. Select Privacy & Security.
   4. Scroll to Cookies and Site Data.
   5. Click Clear Data.
   6. Check Temporary cached files and pages.
   7. Click Clear.

4. Clear cache in Microsoft Edge

   1. Open Edge.
   2. Press Command + Shift + Delete.
   3. Choose a Time range such as All time.
   4. Check Cached images and files.
   5. Click Clear now.

5. Restart the browser and test the problem site

   1. Quit the browser completely with Command + Q.
   2. Reopen it and load the website again.
   3. If the issue continues, restart your Mac from Apple menu > Restart.

6. Check available storage on your Mac

   1. Click the Apple menu > About This Mac.
   2. Open More Info or Storage Settings, depending on your macOS version.
   3. Review how much free space is available.
   4. If storage is low, clearing browser cache in all installed browsers can help recover space.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you don’t want to dig through each browser’s settings, Kudu can scan for browser cache and other junk files automatically, then remove them safely in a few clicks. It’s an easier way to free storage, fix browsing issues caused by stale cache, and keep your Mac running clean without hunting through menus yourself.

Download Kudu Free →