How to Clear Temp Files on Mac [with Recovery Tip]

In this article, you'll learn how to clear Temp files on Mac to enhance its speed and storage capacity. Temporary files are data or files created while using applications and browsing the Internet on a Mac. When a Mac is used, temporary files are generated to ensure the device's performance.

These temporary files typically include caches from apps, system files, web browsers, old system logs, and intermediate document versions. Some of these files help speed up browsing without slowing down Mac loading times, while outdated ones can occupy space and negatively impact your Mac's performance.

How to Clear Temp Files on Mac

When you use applications and surf the web on your Mac, files, also known as temp files, are generated. These files can accumulate over time, occupying some of your hard drive space. 

Fix 1. Clean App Temp Files in Finder

To clean application temporary files in Finder on your Mac, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Start by clicking your dock's "Finder" icon to open a Finder window.

Step 2. Head to the top of your screen. Select "Go" in the Finder menu bar. Next, choose "Go to Folder..." from the choices.

Step 3. A dialog box will pop up; enter ~/Library/Caches. Press the "Enter" key.

Step 4. You will see a list of folders for different applications. Open the relevant application's folder and select the temporary files you want to delete.

Step 5. Drag them over to the "Trash can" symbol on your dock.

Step 6. Right-click on the Trash can. Pick "Empty Trash" to remove the files.

Fix 2. Empty the Cache in Safari

Step 1. Open Safari, then click "Safari" > "Settings" in the menu bar.

Step 2. Select the "Privacy" tab, then click "Manage Website Data".

Step 3. Click the "Remove All" button to clear cache files for all websites, then click "Remove Now" to confirm.

Fix 3. Clear Browser Temporary Files

Google Chrome tends to slow down after some time. You can speed it up by clearing its cache files. Here's a simple guide to get it done:

 Step 1. In Chrome, click the "three dots" at the corner to access the menu. 

Step 2. Then, choose "Settings". Navigate to "Privacy and Security".

Step 3. Select" Clear browsing data," then check the "Cookies and other site data" & Cached Image and file" boxes.

Step 4. Click the "Clear Data" button.

If you've found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with your circle on media to help them delete temporary files on a Mac.

Windows users operating on a Mac environment may need to clear Temp files for several reasons:

• Performance Improvement: Accumulated Temp files can slow down system performance. Clearing them can help maintain the Mac's optimal operation. 
• Freeing Up Space: Temp files can take up significant storage space. Regular cleaning frees up space for other important files and applications.
• System Stability: Excessive Temp files can lead to system errors and crashes. Clearing these files can contribute to a more stable system environment.
• Security: Some Temp files may contain sensitive information. Removing them helps protect privacy and secure data against unauthorized access.
• Troubleshooting: Clearing Temp files can resolve issues related to software conflicts or corrupted files, aiding in troubleshooting various system problems

[Bonus Tip] How to Recover Deleted Files on Mac

Losing files accidentally while cleaning out files on your Mac can be pretty frustrating. Fortunately, tools like EasеUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can help in situations. This reliable software is designed to recover lost macOS data from scenarios, including deletions.

• If you've misplaced documents, photos, videos, or emails, this software is tailored to assist in retrieving them.
• It enables data recovery from storage devices such as drives, solid-state drives, USB drives, and memory cards.

The tool's dependability is evident through its recovery rate and ability to restore files from Mac that won't boot. If you have emptied your Trash Bin or experienced a system crash, EasеUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac can be a lifesaver.

Step 1. Select the location to scan

Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac and choose the hard drive, SSD,  SD card, USB flash drive, or TF card where you lost data. Click "Search for lost files" to start scanning.

Note: Before data recovery, you'd better click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your Mac to avoid further data loss. After backing up, the software can recover data from the Mac backup, and your computer can wirte new data again.

Step 2. Filter lost Mac data

The software will automatically scan for lost data on MacBook/iMac. When the scan completes, filter wanted data through the "Type" and "Path" buttons.

Step 3. Recover lost data or files

Double-click a file to preview it. Then, click the "Recover" button to restore the lost data to another place. 

Summary

If you own a Mac, this post has illustrated how to clear temp files hassle-free. Just follow the solution above, and if you lose any important data in the process, we recommend you use  EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac to restore them in a minute.

How to Clear Temp Files on Mac FAQs

In this section, you'll learn more about how to clear temp files on a Mac.

1. How do I delete temp files on Mac?

To clear out files, on a Mac, you can access the ~/Library/Caches folder using Finder, which is where most temporary files related to apps are kept.

• Once you have Finder open, click on "Go" then choose "Go to Folder. "
• Type the path. Hit Enter.
• You can select the files or folders you wish to remove and then drag them to the Trash.
• Remember to empty the Trash to ensure those files are completely removed.

2. How do I find temporary files on my Mac?

• Temporary files on a Mac are typically stored in the /Caches folder.
• To find them using Finder, click "Go" in the menu and select "Go to Folder." Type ~/Library/Caches in the pop-up box.
• Hit Enter. This will bring you to the place where you can access the files generated by your apps.