Is it safe to delete Safari cache?

Copies of web pages, images and scripts, and previews of your tabs, that Safari saves so pages load faster.

Safe

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

~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari

~/Library/Containers/com.apple.Safari/Data/Library/Caches/com.apple.Safari

What it is

Safari saves the files websites send it, such as pages, images and scripts, in these cache folders so it doesn't have to download them again, along with previews of your open tabs. They grow as you browse. Your history, bookmarks, passwords and cookies are stored elsewhere, so you stay signed in to websites. Safari recreates the cache as you browse.

If it's removed

Websites load a little more slowly the first time you visit them again, and tab previews are created again.

How it's removed

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