How to Clear Cache on Safari for Mac

Clearing the cache makes Safari discard locally stored copies of website files, such as images and scripts. Safari can download fresh copies the next time you visit those pages. This can help when a site looks out of date, loads incorrectly, or continues to show an error after you have checked your connection.

Before starting, save work in open web pages. You do not need to install an app or download a cleaner. The menu names and layout can differ slightly by macOS and Safari version, but the usual method is to enable Safari’s Develop menu and use its cache command.

What You’ll Need

A Mac with Safari installed.
Access to Safari settings. You may be asked for your Mac password or Touch ID if you change certain system permissions, but enabling the Develop menu normally does not require either.
A moment to reload the pages you want to check afterward. The first visit to some sites may be slower while Safari fetches files again.

Step-by-Step

Save your work. Finish or save anything you are editing in Safari. Clearing the cache does not normally close tabs, but it is sensible to protect unsaved work before changing browser settings.
Open Safari settings. Launch Safari, then select Safari > Settings from the menu bar. On older macOS versions, the item may be called Preferences instead of Settings. The menu path can differ slightly by version.
Find the Advanced settings. Select the Advanced tab or section in the settings window. Look for the option to show features for web developers. Depending on your version, its wording may be Show Develop menu in menu bar or a similar developer-tools option.
Turn on the Develop menu. Enable that option, then close settings. A new Develop menu should appear in the Mac menu bar while Safari is active. This setting only exposes additional Safari tools; it does not clear data by itself.
Empty the cache. In the menu bar, select Develop > Empty Caches. If a keyboard shortcut is shown beside the command in your version, you can use it instead. Safari may not display a confirmation message; selecting the command is normally enough.
Reload the affected page. Return to the site and reload it. If the page still appears unchanged, try a full reload using the reload button or the keyboard shortcut shown by Safari for your Mac. A website may also need you to sign in again if you separately remove its cookies, but emptying caches alone should not normally sign you out.
Hide developer tools if you prefer. To remove the Develop menu, return to Safari > Settings > Advanced and turn off the option you enabled. This does not restore the cache; Safari will build new cached files as you browse.

Common Mistakes

Confusing cache with browsing history: Empty Caches targets stored website files. It is not the same as clearing your history, which removes records of pages you visited.
Removing all website data unnecessarily: The Privacy settings include controls for cookies and other website data. Deleting that data can sign you out, reset site preferences, or affect shopping carts. Use it only when you intend to remove those items, not as the first step for a display problem.
Expecting a permanent speed boost: Cache files help sites load faster on later visits. Clearing them may make the first reload slower because Safari has to fetch files again; it is mainly a troubleshooting step, not routine maintenance.
Looking in the wrong menu: The Develop menu may be hidden until enabled in Advanced settings. If you cannot see it, check the setting rather than assuming your Safari installation is missing the feature.
Using an unfamiliar cleaner: You generally do not need third-party cleaning software to clear Safari’s cache. Built-in controls are more direct and avoid giving another app access to browser data.

Tips

Try reloading the page before clearing the cache. A normal reload may be enough if the site simply failed to finish loading.
If only one website is affected, first check whether it works in another browser or on another device. That can help distinguish a Safari cache issue from a site outage or network problem.
After clearing, visit the affected site again and allow it to finish loading. Images or other files may take longer to appear on the first visit while new copies are downloaded.
Keep the difference between cache and cookies in mind: cache stores files used to display sites, while cookies and related site data can store login state and preferences.

Troubleshooting

There is no Develop menu: Make sure Safari is the active app, open its Settings or Preferences, and check Advanced for the developer-menu option. Close and reopen the settings window if the menu does not appear immediately. The exact label depends on the version.

You cannot find Empty Caches: Confirm that you are looking in Safari’s menu bar, not the page’s right-click menu or the macOS System Settings app. If the menu is present but the command is named differently or unavailable, consult Safari’s built-in Help for your version.

The website still looks wrong: Reload the page, then quit and reopen Safari. Check your internet connection and try the page in a private window or another browser. If the issue happens only on one site, its own service or content may be the cause; contact the site’s support if needed.

You are still signed in, or you expected to be signed out: That is normal after emptying caches. Cache clearing is not the same as removing cookies or website data. If you deliberately need to remove a site’s login data, use Safari’s Privacy settings and review the listed websites before deleting anything.

Safari behaves differently from these directions: Menu wording and placement can vary by macOS and Safari version. Open Safari Help and search for cache or developer settings, or check Apple Support’s instructions for the version installed on your Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does clearing Safari’s cache delete my bookmarks?

No. Empty Caches removes stored website files; it does not normally delete bookmarks, passwords, or browsing history.

Will I be signed out of websites?

Usually not when you use Empty Caches alone. Sign-in status is generally tied to cookies or other website data, which are controlled separately.

How often should I clear Safari’s cache?

There is no required schedule. Clear it when troubleshooting a site that displays stale content or behaves unexpectedly, rather than as routine maintenance.

Can I clear the cache for just one website?

Empty Caches clears Safari’s cached files broadly rather than offering a simple per-site cache command. Safari’s Privacy settings can manage data for individual websites, but removing that data may also affect cookies, preferences, and sign-ins.

Is clearing cache the same as clearing history?

No. History records pages you visited, while cache stores files that help websites load. Safari provides separate controls for these.

Further reading: Apple Support. Details can change, so check the official page for anything that matters to you. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How we write an answer.