We work on our Mac everyday. For most of us, that means going online. This is where we accumulate data, which ends-up becoming a heavy load for the system. Sometimes it can affect the way that Mac is running or make it behave strangely. Also, some of the sites that you visit will follow you once you have visited them. Here is what you need to know regarding browser cache on Mac, and why you need to clean it, every once in a while.
Why you should delete the Browser Cache Files
The main reason why you should delete cache files is because they take up a lot of space on your system. In fact, if you haven’t been doing it, the moment you will act, your Mac will gain gigabytes of space in one single moment. The problem with a full Mac is that it slows down. If you have that issue with yours, you should probably look at the category “Storage” under “About this Mac,” where you will be shown everything that your computer currently holds inside. Chances are that the browser cache will take up a good percentage of your storage space, if you don’t clean it regularly. However, take note that some of the cache files will automatically be recreated by your Mac.
Another reason is for troubleshooting purposes. Some software or an application may not be working as it should. In this case, deleting the cache files should be your last resource. Although there is a possibility that it is causing the problem, it is a rather small one. First, try reopening the Mac, and see if that solves the issue. If it doesn’t, you may want to reinstall the software or the app. And if it is still doesn’t run smoothly, then try to empty the cache.
Finally, emptying the browser cache is important so that you keep your privacy online. If you don’t delete everything inside it, at least once a week, all the sites where you have been could still be following your every move.
How to delete the Browser Cache
Now, let’s take a closer look at how to go about cleaning the browser cache. First, you should know that the technique will vary according to the online browser that you use. Let us focus on the most popular one on Mac: Safari.
Start by opening a Safari browser, and then look for “Preferences” in the menu. Once you find it, click on “Advanced.” To see it all, you will need to use the “Show Develop Menu” option. It is there that you will find the “Empty Caches” one, that you will need to use to get rid of the information the browser has accumulated.
Now that you have deleted the cache files, you may want to go a step farther, and clear your browsing history. If that is the case, you need to go into the “History” menu. There you will find the option “Clear History.” All you have to do is to click on it.
Do the same for the cookies by going into “Preferences” to look for “Privacy.” In this option, locate “Manage Website Data.” From there, you can either decide to remove them all, or go through the list of websites and choose the ones you want to delete, one by one. And if you don’t want to have to go through this ever again, select the “Block Cookies” option, which will stop all of them from getting on your Mac, in the future. Do keep in mind that cookies help you get back on sites that you are logged in. So, if you tend to forget passwords, maybe it is better that you keep the cookies.