Is it safe to delete App caches?

Data that apps and macOS services keep so they can load things faster. Apps create it again when they need it.

Safe

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

~/Library/Caches/*

Never inside ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.nsurlsessiond

What it is

Apps and macOS services store cached data in the Caches folder of your Library folder, usually in a folder named after the app or its bundle ID. Apple's guidelines say apps should keep only data they can recreate here. Most apps follow that; the exceptions we know of are listed on their own. Caches grow as you use apps, and folders from apps you've deleted stay behind.

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

developer.apple.com/library/archive/documentation/FileManagement/Conceptual/FileSystemProgrammingGuide/MacOSXDirectories/MacOSXDirectories.html

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.