By Gina Barrow, Last updated: April 24, 2020
Caches and temporary files, or temp files, found on your Mac include the browser cache, browser’s history, messaging or application cache, and much more. Before proceeding, knowing that deleting such files around our temporary files may lead to unpleasant and unfavorable consequences. A word of caution. Playing around with the temporary files on our Mac requires considerable deliberation and here are some things you need to know of how to clear temp files:
- May 17, 2019 According to the developer, this app removes up to 74 GB of junk on average Mac. Most of it is system junk, in other words, temporary files and caches. If you are overloaded with temporary files and too much cache data, it will highlight this and you can.
- Run a large file scan to locate files which are safe to clean and get rid of those you no longer use. Temp files - Free up additional disk space by cleaning up temporary files and emptying the Windows recycling bin. Temp files include log files, application cache files, browser cache files, leftover items and more.
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Jul 06, 2018 System cache is composed of files stored by system applications that run in the background of a Mac. App cache consists of media files downloaded by the applications in order to speed it up, as well as system thumbnails, temporary downloads, and so on. Although useful, app cache takes up significant space over time and needs to be cleared.
The Purpose of Temporary Files
Temporary files are created by our operating system or applications to serve various functions and intended purposes. It functions as a storage location which holds temporary and cache files. While both hold temporary data, cache and temp files, there are still distinguishing characteristics between the two.
- Cache Files
Cache files are considered to be persistent files because they tend to exist and remain even after the process has closed. They are frequently updated and remained on the system and occupy a substantial amount of space on our Mac memory. Example of these files includes our browser cache which we obtained by downloading the previously viewed page. They are used for storing information which is often accessed by the system instead of recreating the data.
- Temporary Files
As its name suggests, these files include temporary data or short-existence data on our Mac device. They are created by our operating system and applications to hold data while installing or updating new apps. It holds the previous status of the application which allows the user to navigate back through various levels. Typically, when the program or process ends, it should be deleted from the system. However, it is not advisable to proceed with the process manually. App switcher mac touch bar.
How to Clean Temporary Files Using PowerMyMac?
FoneDog PowerMyMacis an all-in-one application which can be utilized for various functions and useful benefits. It has been popular among Mac users because it helps solves numerous issues and problems with any of our Mac device. FoneDog PowerMyMac is a powerful and smart tool that optimizes and boosts our Mac’s performance. Here is a guide on how it works and how to effectively use it.
- Download and Launch PowerMyMac
Clean Up My Mac
The first thing you need to do is to download and install the app to your Mac device. Anyone can easily get it by visiting their official website. They also offer a free trial for interested and prospect customers who wanted to experience the service first before taking a purchase.
- Scan Junk Files
Mac Temp File Cleanup
As soon as the installation is completely done, the main screen will welcome you with the status of your Mac system status. On the module, click the Junk Files and run a scan on it. The scanning process may take for a moment. When the scanning process is finished, the results will inform you of all the junk files lingering on your system. This is easier for you to take a look and examine the suggested files and confirm whether or not it is no longer needed.
- Review and Select Items
Review the list of the suggested items and see whether or not those suggested files are still needed or not. You may select as many items as you desire. The software will show junk files from various categories such as application cache, photo junks, system logs, system caches, and other temporary files.
To save you from so much effort, there is a Select All box at the upper left corner of the window.
- Confirm and Clear All
After reviewing all the list and selecting all the desired files to be deleted, the system will ask for your confirmation before it proceeds. As soon as you approve and confirm, it will delete all of the selected files. In just a few seconds, everything will be cleared as you please.
Many of them will be marked as a complete zero, but there also some instances wherein it will not be marked as zero. This may happen because you did not select all the suggested files to be removed from the system.
How to Clear Temp Files and Cache Files Manually?
Removing caches and temporary files can free up some space and storage on any of our Mac devices. Freeing some space will also help boosts our Mac’s performance and even our browsing experience. The process may trigger existing applications to build new file. However, caches and temporary files may cause issues to the system in the long run.
The following guide will help us understand how to manually clear cache and temporary files from our system:
- Close All Active Apps
Before doing anything else, make sure that you have completely closed down all active apps running on your device.
How To Clean Up Mac
- Go To Finder
Go to the Finder in your Mac OS to get started.
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- Proceed To Go To Folder
In the Finder menu, click the Go To Folder dialog box. You may also use the shortcut: Shift + CMD + G.
- Enter Library Caches
In the Go To Folder dialog box, enter the Library Caches to proceed.
- Secure A Backup (Optional)
At this moment, if you want to make a quick copy before deleting all the files. To do this, hold the Alt key and drag the folder to your desktop.
- Select Files
After securing the files you needed, you may now select as many files as you desire to delete. You may also select all the items found in the Cache folder by clicking the Select All button under Edit Menu. You may also use the shortcut: CMD + A.
- Empty Trash
Once you have finally selected all the desired files to delete, you may now proceed. You can delete it by dragging them to the Trash folder in the dock and clicking the Empty Trash in the main menu. By doing so, you had now completed the process and fully deleted all the cache and temporary files.
The Bottom Line
There are several ways to clean and clear out caches and temporary files from our system. The process can be tricky and if done manually, it needs to calculate caution and close attention. It should not be done carelessly especially if you are a novice Mac user. Doing so will only result in unfavorable consequences to your operating system. Such probability is higher when opting for a manual approach of clearing temporary files on your Mac.
However, there are safer ways to address this issue and at the same time avoid additional future troubles. This is also a great aid especially for first-time Mac users who are not comfortable with navigating their Mac’s file system. Deleting cache files and temporary files all by yourself may be a tricky task; however, with PowerMyMac, everything is much easier.