How to Remove Temporary Files on Mac

What Causes This?

Temporary files build up on a Mac as apps, browsers, installers, and macOS itself store cached data, logs, and leftover update files. These files are meant to help apps load faster or recover information, but many of them are never removed automatically. Over time, they can take up several gigabytes of storage and add unnecessary clutter. In some cases, corrupted cache files can also cause apps to behave strangely.

Common Symptoms

• Your Mac shows low storage warnings
• Apps feel slower to open or respond
• Browser data and cache seem unusually large
• You notice lots of “Other” or “System Data” storage usage
• Temporary files keep coming back after updates or app installs

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check what is using storage

   1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
   2. Go to General > Storage.
   3. Wait for macOS to calculate storage usage, then review categories like Applications, Documents, and System Data.

2. Empty the Trash

   1. Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock.
   2. Select Empty Trash.
   3. Confirm when prompted.
      Files in the Trash still use storage until they are permanently deleted.

3. Clear browser cache

   1. In Safari, click Safari > Settings > Advanced.
   2. Enable Show Develop menu in menu bar.
   3. Click Develop > Empty Caches.
   4. If you use Chrome, open Chrome and press Command + Shift + Delete.
   5. Choose Cached images and files, select a time range, and click Delete data.

4. Remove user cache files

   1. In Finder, click Go > Go to Folder.
   2. Type ~/Library/Caches and press Return.
   3. Open folders carefully and delete cache files from apps you recognize.
   4. Do not delete the entire Caches folder itself — only its contents or specific app cache folders.
   5. Move deleted files to the Trash, then empty the Trash again.

5. Delete old log files and temporary support files

   1. In Finder, click Go > Go to Folder.
   2. Enter ~/Library/Logs and review large log folders.
   3. Delete logs you no longer need.
   4. You can also check /Library/Caches and /Library/Logs, but be more careful there since these affect all users and system-wide apps.

6. Remove leftover installer and update files

   1. Open the Downloads folder in Finder.
   2. Look for old .dmg, .pkg, and installer files you no longer need.
   3. Delete them and empty the Trash.
   4. Restart your Mac afterward so macOS can rebuild any needed cache files cleanly.

7. Use built-in storage recommendations

   1. Go back to System Settings > General > Storage.
   2. Review recommendations such as Optimize Storage and Reduce Clutter.
   3. Remove large unused files, old attachments, and unnecessary downloads.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you do not want to dig through cache folders manually, Kudu can scan your system for temporary files, leftover junk, and other safe-to-remove clutter automatically. It helps free up storage faster and reduces the chance of deleting the wrong files by mistake.

Download Kudu Free →