How do I manage the Cache for the Content Caching service macOS?

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Arron Wood Author

Level 1

19 points

How do I manage the Cache for the Content Caching service macOS?

I'm using macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 with the Content Caching service built in.

I'd like to:

Know whether iOS devices need to be physically plugged into my mac to utilize the Content Caching.

Keep the latest signed copy of Apple iOS, AppleTV, and macOS.

Make sure that I each 'version' of iOS for say, iPhone 7, iPhone 7+, iPhone 8, etc.

Does Content Caching already pre-download signed OS's?

Is there a way to add IPSW files manually if content caching doesn't automatically add the currently signed OS versions to the content cache?

I hope this makes sense.

Btw, I have learned that holding down the Option button while clicking Options in the "sharing" system preference pane allows for much more options for Content Caching but it doesn't answer my questions.

Thank you!

Mac mini, iOS 11.3

Posted on Mar 30, 2018 8:09 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

More Broccoli Please

Level 2

186 points

Mar 30, 2018 10:01 AM in response to Arron Wood

iOS devices have to be connected via USB to share the Mac's network connection, but not just to use the Mac's content cache. Any iOS device or Mac on the same network will use the Mac's content cache.

Content Caching is not a software update server. It's a cache. It stores a copy of software that your devices and Macs download. The only way to load software into the cache is to download the software on a device or Mac on your network.

There is extensive documentation on Content Caching. System Preferences > Sharing > Content Caching > click the ? in the bottom corner. Or: Select Finder, select Help, type content caching into the search field.

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Answer 2

Mar 30, 2018 10:01 AM in response to Arron Wood

Nothing gets added to the Content Cache until some device

downloads something from the AppStore or the Mac App Store.

This includes any Apple macOS, iOS, etc.

There is now way to access individual files as they seem to be

labeled with some random names assigned to the database and

only the database knows which file is which.

Under the advanced options, you can select where the cache is

located and how big the cache storage can be.

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How do I manage the Cache for the Content Caching service macOS?

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