Is it safe to delete Sandboxed app caches?

Cached data that sandboxed apps, such as most apps from the App Store, keep inside their own containers.

Safe

Its owner recreates it by itself when it needs it, and nothing you made is lost.

~/Library/Containers/*/Data/Library/Caches

~/Library/Group Containers/*/Library/Caches

What it is

Sandboxed apps keep their files in a container in your Library folder, and each container has its own Caches folder. Apps that share data with other apps from the same developer also get a Caches folder in their group container. Like other caches, this is data apps can recreate when they need it; the app's documents and settings live elsewhere in the container.

If it's removed

Apps may open or load content more slowly at first while they rebuild their caches, and some download data again.

How it's removed

Moved to the Trash, where you can restore it. Quit the app first.

PRO

The free analyzer finds it and explains it. Removing it is Pro, after a review sheet that lists every move and command. It starts checked in the Cleanup checklist, except inside Documents or Desktop.

Sources

Last checked on 26 Sep 2026. Every entry is written and checked by hand; the app and the command-line tool use the same words.