Is it safe to delete caches on a Mac?
Caches are rebuildable by definition, so removing one costs a slower first launch, not data. The risk is deleting the wrong folder next to it or clearing a cache while its app is running. Quit the app and use the Trash.
How do I clear the Safari cache?
Safari → Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All clears cache and cookies together. To clear only the cache, enable the Develop menu under Advanced and choose Develop → Empty Caches.
Read the guide: Clear Safari or Chrome cache on Mac, keep your logins
How do I clear the Chrome cache on a Mac?
From Chrome’s own settings, under Privacy and security → Delete browsing data, choose cached images and files only if you want to keep logins. Do not delete Chrome’s folders in the Library by hand.
Read the guide: Clear Safari or Chrome cache on Mac, keep your logins
How do I clear the system cache?
Not by hand. Apple’s supported route is starting up in safe mode, which clears certain system caches that macOS recreates as needed. User-level caches live in ~/Library/Caches and can be reviewed app by app.
Can I delete everything in ~/Library/Caches?
You can, but it is the blunt version. Apps rebuild what they need, so you lose time rather than data, and any app that is open while you do it may misbehave until restarted. Clear the largest folders for apps you have quit instead.
Read the guide: How to show the Library folder on Mac, and what is inside
Why does the cache grow back so fast?
Because caching is the app’s normal behaviour. If a cache returns to the same size within days, lower the app’s cache limit or change its download settings; deleting it again only repeats the cycle.
Which developer caches take the most space?
Xcode’s Derived Data and simulators, Docker’s disk image, node_modules folders, and the package caches of npm, pnpm, Yarn, pip and Homebrew. Each has a documented command or setting to shrink it.
Read the guide: Clear the npm cache on Mac, plus pnpm, Yarn and pip
How do I clear the Homebrew cache?
Run brew cleanup -n to preview, then brew cleanup to remove stale downloads and old versions; add --prune=all to clear every cached download. Homebrew runs cleanup automatically after installs unless you disabled it.
Read the guide: Clean the Homebrew cache on Mac with brew cleanup
Is it safe to delete Xcode’s Derived Data?
Yes; it is build output Xcode regenerates on the next build. Keep archives, source and simulator data separate, and expect the first build afterwards to take longer.
Do apps have their own clear-cache buttons?
Many do: chat, meeting, music and creative apps usually offer a cache limit or a clear-cache control in their settings. Use it before opening the Library; it clears exactly what the app can rebuild.