Mac storage basics · Caches, logs and temporary files

How do I clear Safari's cache on a Mac?

Short answer: Use Develop → Empty Caches (after enabling developer features in Safari's Advanced settings) to clear only the cache, or Privacy → Manage Website Data to remove site data.

Safari has two levels:

  • Website data only: Safari → Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data…, then remove individual sites or all. This signs you out of those sites.
  • Cache only, keeping history and sign-ins: turn on the developer features in Safari's Advanced settings, then choose Develop → Empty Caches.

History → Clear History… removes history, cookies and cached data together.

Safari's cache is usually modest; clearing it is more often about fixing a misbehaving site than about space.

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