VALADILENE

Clear Cache on MacBook Air: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

How to Clear Cache on MacBook Air: A Step-by-Step Guide

MacBook Air is a powerful device that’s capable of handling a wide range of tasks, but over time, it tends to slow down due to clutter and data build-up. One way to speed up your MacBook is to clear its cache. Cache is a storage location for frequently accessed data, and it can become bloated and cause issues. In this article, we’ll discuss how to clear cache on MacBook Air and the benefits of doing so.

Types of Cache

Before we delve into how to clear cache on MacBook Air, let’s discuss the different types of cache you should be aware of:

Browser Cache:

Browser cache is temporary data stored on your computer by the web browser you use. It includes images, files, and pages that the browser has previously downloaded to speed up surfing and make future loading of the same page faster.

System Cache:

System cache includes temporary files created by the macOS system and is not exclusive to browser data. It includes thumbnails from your photo library and documents that you’ve previously accessed.

App Cache:

App cache is data saved by apps installed on your MacBook, including iTunes, Mail, Photos, Slack, and Dropbox.

How to Clear Cache on MacBook Air

To clear the cache on your MacBook Air, follow these simple steps:

A. Clearing Browser Cache

1. Chrome

  • Open Chrome and click on the three small dots on the top-right corner of your screen.
  • Select “More Tools then “Clear browsing data.
  • Choose your time range from the drop-down menu and then select the types of data you want to delete.
  • Click on “Clear Data to confirm.

2. Safari

  • Open Safari and click on “Safari on the top menu, then select “Preferences.
  • Select the “Privacy tab and click “Manage Website Data.
  • Select the data you want to remove and click on “Remove.
  • Click “Done.

3. Firefox

  • Open Firefox and click on the three horizontal lines on the top-right corner of your screen.
  • Select “Options, then “Privacy & Security.
  • Find “Cookies and Site Data and click “Clear Data.
  • Select the types of data you want to delete and click “Clear to confirm.

B. Clearing System Cache

1. User Cache

  • Go to Finder and select “Go from the top menu.
  • Hold down the “Option key, select “Library from the drop-down menu to open the Library folder.
  • Double-click “Cache and delete the data you want to clear.

2. System Cache

  • Open Terminal.
  • Type in “sudo rm -rf /Library/Caches/ and click “Enter.
  • Type your password when prompted.
  • Press “Enter to confirm the action.

3. Font Cache

  • Open Terminal.
  • Type in “sudo atsutil databases -remove and click “Enter.
  • Enter your password when prompted and press “Enter to confirm.
  • Restart your MacBook Air.

4. Thumbnail Cache

  • Go to Finder and select “Go from the top menu.
  • Hold down the “Option key, select “Library from the drop-down menu.
  • Double-click on “Caches and then “com.apple.quicklook.thumbnailcache and delete all files in the folder.

C. Clearing App Cache

1. iTunes

  • Open iTunes and click “Preferences.
  • Select the “Advanced tab.
  • Click “Reset Cache.
  • Click “OK to confirm.

2. Mail

  • Open Finder and select “Go from the top menu.
  • Hold down the “Option key, select “Library from the drop-down menu.
  • Go to “Containers and select “com.apple.mail and delete all files.

3. Photos

  • Open Photos and click “Photos from the top menu.
  • Select “Preferences.
  • Select the “General tab and click “Use as System Photo Library.
  • Close Photos and reopen it.
  • Go back to “Preferences and click “Optimize Mac Storage.

4. Slack

  • Open Slack and click “Slack from the top menu.
  • Select “Preferences.
  • Click “Clear Cache under the “Advanced tab.
  • Click “Yes to confirm.

5. Dropbox

  • Open Dropbox and click on your profile picture.
  • Select “Preferences from the drop-down menu.
  • Select the “Account tab and click “Clear Cache.
  • Click “OK to confirm.

Benefits of Clearing the Cache

Clearing your MacBook Air’s cache has several benefits, including:

A. Improved System Performance

Clearing cache will free up space and increase responsiveness, enhancing your MacBook’s speed by reducing the frequency of storage checks.

B. More Storage Space

Cached files can take up a lot of storage that can be used for other purposes. Clearing cache will free up space needed to store your important files and documents.

C. Removal of Malware and Viruses

Some malware and viruses hide in the cache, so clearing it out will reduce the potential for attacks and infections.

Precautions to Take Before Clearing Cache

Before clearing cache on your MacBook Air, be sure to do the following:

A. Backup Your Data

Backup all critical files, data, and applications that you cannot afford to lose in case of any mishap.

B. Important Files

Ensure that while clearing your cache, no important files are removed.

C. Cache Cleaner Softwares

Use cache cleaner software such as CleanMyMac X or Onyx to delete caches without going through the hassle of navigating specific folders.

Conclusion

Clearing cache on MacBook Air is a necessary process that will benefit your device by increasing its speed and freeing up storage space. By following the steps laid out in this article, you’ll be able to clear up all the caches on your MacBook Air.

FAQ

Q. How Often Should I Clear Cache on My MacBook Air?

A. It is recommended to clear the cache every few months or as needed based on your usage of the device.

Q. Will Clearing the Cache on MacBook Air Delete My Personal Data?

A. You’ll only lose temporary data stored in the cache, such as login credentials and form data. Your personal data, including downloaded files and documents, will not be deleted.