How to Clear Safari Cache on macOS

Safari’s cache can accumulate hundreds of megabytes over time, causing slowdowns and outdated content display. Clearing it requires enabling a hidden developer setting first.

Enable Developer Features

Open Safari and navigate to settings:

Safari → Settings → Advanced → Check "Show features for web developers"

This adds the Develop menu to Safari’s menu bar and enables cache-clearing shortcuts.

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut

Press Command (⌘) + Option + E to instantly empty the cache.

This is the fastest method and preserves cookies, history, and login sessions. The shortcut only works after enabling developer features.

Method 2: Developer Menu

Click Develop → Empty Caches from the menu bar.

Alternative option: Develop → Empty Caches for All Profiles if you use multiple Safari profiles.

Method 3: Clear All Website Data

For complete cleanup including cookies and stored data:

Safari → Settings → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All

This logs you out of all websites and removes saved preferences. Use this when troubleshooting persistent issues or freeing maximum storage space.

Performance Impact

Clearing cache provides:

• Freed storage: 100MB-2GB depending on usage
• Faster page loads after initial re-caching
• Resolution of stale content issues

The keyboard shortcut executes in under 1 second. Full website data removal takes 2-5 seconds depending on cache size.

Important Notes

• The Command + Option + E shortcut requires enabling developer features first
• Cache clearing affects only cached files, not passwords or AutoFill data
• Websites reload assets on next visit, temporarily increasing load times
• Developer menu remains visible after enabling until manually disabled