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~/Library/Caches and /Library/Caches are not folders Apple tells Mac users they must never delete—but neither is a blanket invitation to erase everything inside. Apps use caches for temporary data they can generally recreate or download, while the system-wide folder may contain data relevant to multiple users. For routine storage cleanup, use macOS Storage settings; for a specific app problem, use that app’s own troubleshooting guidance.
What the two Cache folders do
The path names identify different scopes. The tilde (~) means your home folder; a path beginning with / is at the top level of the startup disk.
| Folder | Scope and purpose | What to know before removing files |
|---|---|---|
~/Library/Caches |
User-level cache location for non-sandboxed apps. Apps distributed through macOS sandboxing may keep cache data inside their app containers instead. Apple describes the Caches directory as a standard location for discardable cache files. Apple Developer: Using the File System Effectively | Cache data is generally designed to be recreated or downloaded, but that does not make every file safe to remove while its app is open or using it. |
/Library/Caches |
System-domain Library location that can hold cache files relevant to all users, according to Apple’s archived filesystem guidance. Apple Developer Archive: File System Basics | Apple’s reviewed documentation does not provide a current, universal list of files users can safely delete here. Avoid treating the entire folder as disposable. |
“Discardable” describes how app developers should design cache storage; it is not a user instruction to empty either folder wholesale. Apple’s developer guidance says the system does not back up the temporary or caches directory, and that apps should be able to recreate or download cache data. If you remove data at the wrong time, an app may still need to rebuild it, download it again, or recover from a disrupted operation. Apple Developer: cachesDirectory
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~/Library/Application Support
This is a separate location for app-specific support files and resources, not a synonym for cache. Do not delete its contents just because the folder is under Library or belongs to an app. Apple’s archived directory reference describes its role. Apple Developer Archive: macOS Library Directory Details
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/System/Library
Do not modify this folder. Apple’s archived filesystem overview says it contains Apple-provided resources that must not be changed. It is distinct from /Library/Caches, despite the similar names. Apple Developer Archive: File System Basics
Safer ways to free space or troubleshoot an app
For general storage pressure: review Storage settings
- On macOS Ventura 13 or later, open System Settings > General > Storage. On earlier macOS releases, open About This Mac > Storage.
- Review the categories and Apple’s suggested options, then remove files or apps you recognize and no longer need. Apple also lists moving large media libraries as a possible way to free space.
Apple’s current user-facing guidance focuses on Storage management rather than a manual checklist for clearing both Library cache folders. Apple Support: Free up storage space on Mac
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For temporary space during a task: consider Safe Mode
Apple says Safe Mode clears certain system caches, which are automatically created again as needed. This is a targeted system action, not a promise to remove all cache data or reclaim a predictable amount of space. Startup instructions differ between Apple silicon and Intel Macs, so follow Apple’s model-specific Safe Mode instructions linked from its storage guidance rather than guessing at the startup procedure.
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For one malfunctioning app: follow its own instructions
- Check the app maker’s troubleshooting steps or built-in cache-clearing controls first.
- Quit the app before changing its files, and follow the app maker’s directions for the specific cache involved.
- Do not use a blanket deletion of either general Cache folder as a substitute for app-specific guidance.
Apple’s documentation establishes that cache data is generally recreatable; it does not provide a universal manual deletion procedure for ~/Library/Caches or /Library/Caches.
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What manual cache deletion does—and does not—promise
- It may remove temporary app data: cache files are generally intended to be recreated or downloaded when needed.
- It can interrupt work: deleting files while an app or service is using them can cause app-specific problems.
- It does not guarantee a speed improvement: Apple’s storage guidance does not present bulk cache deletion as a Mac performance fix.
- It does not guarantee a particular amount of free space: the reviewed Apple guidance gives no cache-size estimate or predictable recovery figure.
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