How to Check the Cache on a Mac Computer
Checking the cache, a storage area containing frequently accessed data, on a Mac computer is simple. You can locate and check the cache of a given Mac application, including web browsers, via its corresponding menu options, or locate a global folder that holds an organized list of subfolders containing the cache for all applications. System cache and user cache are found in different locations for Macs. In both, you may view the cache's contents and size to decide whether you wish to clear this data.
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Instructions
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Click the "Finder" icon. In the left column of the Finder window, locate your user name within the "Places" section. Click your user name. A list of folders will appear in the Finder window, including "Desktop," "Downloads," "Music," "Documents," "Library" and others.
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Expand the "Library" Folder. A list of subfolders will display below the "Library" folder. Locate the "Caches" folder within this list.
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Click the arrow to the left of the "Caches" folder to expand it and view its contents. Check the contents by browsing and expanding each of the folders corresponding to numerous applications you use.
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Right-click the "Caches" folder. Choose the "Get Info" option from the drop-down menu. A window appears showing the size of the folder, its path and other attributes.
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Check the cache on your system by viewing your hard drive contents. In the Finder window, click your hard-drive icon, generally located within the "Devices" section and titled "Macintosh HD." A new set of folders appear in the Finder window, including "Applications," "System," "Users" and "Library."
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Expand the "Library" folder to view its contents. Locate the "Caches" folder within that "Library" folders list and expand it to view and check its contents.
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Tips & Warnings
To view, check or clear the cache on a web browser exclusively, the steps vary depending on the type of browser you are using and its version. For specifics on this, see the Resources link for "Clearing Your Browser's Cache Memory."
