What is cache on my Mac?
Cache is temporary data your Mac stores to speed up browsing and app performance. Safari might save images and scripts so pages load fast, while Chrome can keep cached copies of site assets, and your favorite apps store logs and workspace files.
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Over time, cache data can become outdated or corrupted, slowing down your Mac. Clearing cache will remove these temporary files -- not your bookmarks, messages, photos, documents, or passwords -- and can give you a major performance boost.
Is cache the same as cookies?
No. They're different.
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Cache data is locally saved files (images, scripts, and thumbnails) that help webpages and apps load faster, while cookies store small bits of personal data, like your preferences and shopping carts. Clearing cache removes temporary files stored on your Mac, but clearing cookies will log you out of sites, services, and apps. Your passwords and bookmarks will still be available to use.
How often should I clear the cache on my Mac?
Here's my routine, which I recommend:
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