A Step-by-Step Guide to Clear Firefox Cache on Mac
Clearing your Firefox browser cache on a Mac is an easy process that can help speed up page loading times and fix certain issues you may experience with web pages. Over time, the Firefox cache builds up with temporary files, cookies, and browsing history that can slow down performance. Clearing this data forces Firefox to re-download fresh copies of website files and helps free up valuable disk space.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn multiple ways to clear the Firefox cache on a Mac, including from within the browser itself or using a system tool like Terminal. We’ll also go over when you should clear your Firefox cache for optimal browsing.
Why You Should Clear Your Firefox Cache
Here are some of the top reasons why clearing your Firefox browser cache can be beneficial:
- Speeds Up Browsing: Over time, the Cache builds up with temporary files and grows in size, which can slow down page loading times. Clearing it forces cached files to be re-downloaded fresh.
- Fixes Page Loading Issues: If pages seem sluggish, won’t load elements properly, or seem dated, clearing the Cache can force the latest files to be downloaded. This solves many page rendering problems.
- Clears Private Data: The Firefox cache contains browsing history, cookies, temporary files, and other private data. Periodically clearing it increases privacy and security.
- Frees Up Disk Space: The browser cache can occupy a significant amount of disk space. Clearing it removes unneeded files and frees up valuable storage space.
- Clearing the Cache can fix browser issues. If Firefox is acting buggy or has problems with bookmarks, it can eliminate software issues caused by outdated or corrupt files.
- Updates Website Data: For sites that update information frequently, clearing the Cache fetches new data and content rather than old cached versions.
How Often Should You Clear the Firefox Cache?
Most Firefox users only need to clear their browser cache occasionally when experiencing issues or desiring more free disk space. Here are some general guidelines on cache-clearing frequency:
- Once every 2-4 weeks for average users
- Once a week for heavy Firefox users and gamers
- Once a month for light Firefox users
- After Firefox starts acting slow or buggy
- After updating to a new version of Firefox
- Before running antivirus scans to remove threats
- When switching between multiple Firefox profiles
Clearing the Cache too frequently can make browsing less efficient, as Firefox will need to re-download fresh copies of cached website files more often. But periodic cache clearing every few weeks is generally recommended. Watch for sluggishness or issues in Firefox to determine if it’s time to clear your Cache again.
Now, let’s look at the various methods to clear the Firefox cache on a Mac.
How to Clear Firefox Cache from Within Firefox
The easiest way to clear the Firefox cache is directly within the Firefox browser itself. Here are the steps:
- Click the “History” menu and select “Clear Recent History.”
- Choose “Everything” from the Time range dropdown.
- Ensure only the “Cache” box is checked (uncheck other options like cookies).
- Click the “Clear Now” button to proceed.
- Exit and restart the Firefox browser.
This will clear the entire Firefox cache, including all temporary files, images, CSS, and Javascript cached files. It’s the simplest method without having to mess with system files.
Note that this doesn’t clear cookies, which are handled separately under the “Cookies and Site Data” section of the preferences. Also, see the details below for instructions on selectively clearing other portions of cache data besides the entire Cache.
How to Selectively Clear Cache Elements
If you don’t want to clear the entire Firefox cache, you can selectively delete only certain elements from within Firefox:
- Browsing & Download History: Uncheck “Cache” and check “Browsing & Download History.”
- Cookies: Click “Cookies and Site Data” in preferences and use “Remove All.”
- Active Logins: Click “Logins and Passwords” and remove saved logins
- Site Preferences: Click “Site Permissions” to clear location, camera, microphone site access
- Cache for a Single Site: Click “History>Recently Closed Tabs” and select “Forget” for the site
This allows more control over exactly which cache data is removed rather than nuking the entire Firefox cache at once.
How to Clear Cache via Firefox Safe Mode
An alternative way to clear the Firefox cache is by using Safe Mode:
- Quit the Firefox browser if it is open.
- Launch Firefox and hold the Shift key immediately after clicking the icon.
- Firefox will open in Safe Mode.
- Click the “History” menu and select “Clear Recent History.”
- Choose the desired time range and check the “Cache” box.
- Click “Clear Now” and then quit Firefox.
- Disable Safe Mode by relaunching Firefox normally.
This achieves the same effect as clearing the Cache. However, Safe Mode turns off extensions and lets Firefox start up with default settings, which can resolve some issues caused by add-ons.
Steps to Clear Firefox Cache on Mac Using Terminal
For advanced Mac users, you can also delete the Firefox cache manually by removing the cache files in the Terminal app:
Enter the details when prompted. The important ones are:
- Quit Firefox if open
- Launch Terminal (in Applications > Utilities)
- Copy/paste this:
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/Mozilla/Firefox/Profiles/*.default/cache*
- Press Enter and authenticate when prompted
- Type “exit” and press Enter to close the Terminal
- Relaunch Firefox, which will recreate Cache
This will force delete all Firefox cache files for the default profile. Before running the command, make sure Firefox is closed. The cache folders will be recreated on the next launch.
How to Delete Firefox Cache Using a Third-Party App
There are also a couple of third-party Mac apps that provide a GUI for deleting the Firefox cache:
- CCleaner: Install the popular CCleaner app and use the Firefox browser section
- OnyX: Install and use OnyX utility to wipe Firefox cache files
- CleanMyMac: Install CleanMyMac and use its Firefox cleaning tool
- Smart Mac Cache Cleaner: Install this Mac cache cleaner and select Firefox cache
However, the easiest approach is still to use Firefox’s built-in cache-clearing features. Third-party apps can provide other system optimization benefits beyond just Firefox.
Can I Recover Firefox Deleted Cache Data
Keep in mind that clearing the Firefox cache deletes all temporary browsing data. This must be done and recovered. The data is permanently deleted and will be rebuilt as you browse.
However, Firefox bookmarks, preferences, and other user data are stored in separate profile folders and are not affected by cache clearing. Only temporarily cached website files are removed from the disk.
So don’t hesitate to clear your Cache, knowing it can be rebuilt quickly as you continue browsing.
What Are the Common Firefox Cache Issues and How to Troubleshoot Them?
If clearing the Firefox cache did not resolve your issues, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Restart your Mac after cleaning the Cache
- Make sure to quit Firefox before clearing the Cache
- Try a different cache-clearing method like Safe Mode
- Check for Firefox or add-on updates to install
- Try disabling all extensions to isolate problems
- Create a new Firefox profile as a test
- Reinstall the Firefox application as a last resort
For advanced cache issues, you may need to investigate specific Firefox configurations and profile settings to isolate the cause. However, a simple cache clearing fixes most common browsing problems.
What Can I Do If Firefox Cache Size is Too Big?
Firefox allocates up to 250MB of disk space for its Cache by default. This size will grow as you browse until hitting the ceiling.
You can check your current Firefox cache size by navigating to About Cache in the URL bar. This special page will display usage for different cache types.
If your cache size is too large, pages may load faster, and responsiveness can improve. Try clearing it to free up room. You can also tweak the maximum cache size allotted in preferences.
The ideal Firefox cache size varies depending on your Mac’s free space and browsing habits. However, keeping it under 250MB is recommended for optimal speed. Monitor your cache size periodically to prevent unwanted growth.
How to Adjust Firefox Cache Settings
The advanced configuration editor in Firefox provides more options for controlling cache behavior:
- Type about:config in the address bar.
- Search for cache-related preferences.
- Double-click an entry to modify its values as desired.
- Changes will take effect immediately.
- browser.cache.disk.capacity: Total cache size in KB
- browser.cache.memory.capacity: Memory cache capacity
- browser.cache.disk.smart_size.enabled: Self-tuning cache algorithm
Carefully adjusting these hidden settings can provide more fine-grained cache control for advanced users.
Tips for Keeping Your Firefox Browser Clean and Optimized
In addition to clearing the Cache, here are some other tips for keeping Firefox lean and optimized:
- Review extensions and remove any unused ones
- Check for Firefox software updates
- Reset preferences as a last resort troubleshooting step
- Use private browsing mode for sensitive browsing to limit Cache
- Set Firefox to clear history/cache on exit
- Delete old Firefox backups from Time Machine or backups
- Use a popup blocker extension to limit clutter
Final Thoughts
Clearing the Firefox browser cache should become part of your regular computer housekeeping routine. Firefox offers many flexible options for wiping the Cache, including simple built-in tools accessible within the browser itself.
Remember to clear your Firefox cache a few times per month, especially if you notice browsing sluggishness or strange page loading issues. Keeping your Cache lean will maximize speed and performance.
Combined with other optimization habits, diligent cache management allows Firefox to deliver its fastest browsing experience on your Mac. Don’t let outdated, bulky cache files slow you down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clearing Firefox Cache on Mac
Below are answers to some common questions about managing the Firefox browser cache on MacOS:
Does clearing the Cache delete my history or bookmarks?
No, your browsing history, bookmarks, cookies, and other profile data are stored separately and are not affected when clearing the Cache. Only temporary internet files get deleted.
Should I clear the Cache for other browsers too?
Yes, it’s a good idea to periodically clear the Cache for any browsers you use, including Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc. The performance benefits are the same.
Does Clear History delete the Cache?
No, the “Clear Recent History” function in Firefox’s History menu only deletes browsing history, downloads, searches, etc. You need to check the box for Cache to clear cache data specifically.
How can I tell if my Cache is too big?
Navigate to about:cache in Firefox to view current cache disk space used. Anything over 250MB may impact performance. Cache size grows over time as you browse.
Is it safe to delete the Firefox cache?
Yes, the Cache contains temporary website files that can be safely deleted. Firefox will simply re-download assets as needed on sites you visit again, so no critical data is lost.
Should I clear the Cache if Firefox is running slow?
Definitely. A large, cluttered cache can significantly slow down Firefox. Clearing it often resolves browser sluggishness and speeds up page loads.
Will clearing the cache cause data loss?
No, when clearing the Firefox cache, only temporary internet files are deleted. All other important profile data, such as bookmarks, history, downloads, etc., are stored separately and will not be affected.
What is the recommended minimum frequency for clearing cache?
Most experts suggest clearing your Firefox cache at least once every 2-4 weeks for optimal performance. Frequent browser users may want to clear it even more often for maximum speed.
What causes the Cache to grow so large over time?
Normal web browsing results in many website files being cached on disk. Images, Javascript, CSS, and media files quickly add up. Regular clearing is needed to prevent the Cache from becoming bloated.
Priya Mervana
Verified Web Security Experts
Priya Mervana is working at SSLInsights.com as a web security expert with over 10 years of experience writing about encryption, SSL certificates, and online privacy. She aims to make complex security topics easily understandable for everyday internet users.
