How do I determine specifically which cache files I can delete?

Question

How do I determine specifically which cache files I can delete?

Hello, I have an M3 MacBook Air that runs MacOS Sequoia. In the past, I used to rely on third party cleaner applications to delete cache files. After learning that such cleaning applications are unnecessary, I'm trying to manually delete cache files that I don't need associated with applications but am unsure as to which cache files can be deleted and which cache files should not be deleted. How do I determine which cache files are associated with applications, which cache files are safe to delete and which cache files should not be deleted? I'd be grateful if anyone could advise me on this, please.

MacBook Air 13″

Posted on May 2, 2025 5:24 AM

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Answer 1

May 2, 2025 7:56 AM in response to Owl-53

Owl-53 wrote:

@ BDAqua and @Mac Jim ID

Only for the purposes of continuity

How do I determine and locate junk files … - Apple Community

Yes, there are junk files that will remain on your computer. Files/Folders that are specifically named for an app that you no longer use are junk. These can be in any cache folder, Application Support folder, and even in your Launch folders when the app has not been deleted with an Uninstaller. If you have ever used an Adobe product, such as PhotoShop, you will see very large folders in the Application Support folder that are totally useless without the app and are not removed on their own.

As for needing to constantly remove cache files for maintenance, I agree that is a complete waste of time and not recommended as stated in my previous post. And never use any product that makes a claim to clean your computer.

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Answer 2

May 2, 2025 6:01 AM in response to mrmagnetoman88

If you see a cache file for an app that you no longer use, it is safe to delete. For any other file, just leave them. Any used program or the OS, will just rebuild them anyway, and it is going to slow your machine down without having those cache files.

Deleting Cache files is one of the great fallacies promoted by those cleaning apps that you used to use and it is totally unnecessary.

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Answer 3

leroydouglas

Level 10

200,352 points

May 2, 2025 8:08 AM in response to mrmagnetoman88

mrmagnetoman88 wrote:

I guess I shouldn't be too obsessed with these kind of Cache files either, then?

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

if you have an issue A SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, Caches get rebuilt automatically.

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Answer 4

BDAqua

Level 10

250,325 points

May 2, 2025 5:32 AM in response to mrmagnetoman88

It’s really tough to tell, but basically you can delete all cache files I’d your omeflder.

You can also use Onyx for your os version to clean them.

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Answer 5

Owl-53

Level 10

104,569 points

May 2, 2025 7:29 AM in response to BDAqua

@ BDAqua and @Mac Jim ID

Only for the purposes of continuity

How do I determine and locate junk files … - Apple Community

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Answer 6

May 2, 2025 7:54 AM in response to Mac Jim ID

Hello Mac Jim ID, thanks for your response. Yes, cache files should not always be deleted as, from what you've mentioned, they help speed up the opening of associated programmes. I was just keen on freeing up space wherever possible.

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Answer 7

May 2, 2025 8:02 AM in response to Owl-53

Hello again, Owl-53, thanks for your response. I've asked a question relating to removing files to free up space before and you went to some lengths to explain the importance of some perceived 'junk' files and not getting too obsessed with removing files. I was kind of narrowing down my obsession of removing files to specific cache files associated with applications that I don't frequently use or require to open quickly(eg Calculator). I think I might have a little bit of OCD....pardon me. I guess I shouldn't be too obsessed with these kind of Cache files either, then?

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Answer 8

Owl-53

Level 10

104,569 points

May 2, 2025 7:29 AM in response to mrmagnetoman88

What is the Object of this exercise ?

Is this a hypothetical questions related to Managing the Drive space ?

Is the computer exhibiting unusual behaviours that warrant some type of house cleaning ?

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Answer 9

May 2, 2025 8:07 AM in response to BDAqua

Hello BDAqua, thanks for your response. I see. If I may ask, why isn't Onyx frowned upon the same way CleanMyMac and some other cleaning applications are?

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