How to clear cache in Firefox

Asya Karapetyan
Content marketer, who specializes in Mac how-to guides
September 7, 2023
7 minutes to read

The Firefox browser, like any other web browser, saves HTML and media files to its caches. In most cases, cache helps to speed up the page loading time. Nevertheless, a large number of cache files tend to slow down the browser or to display some pages incorrectly if the information on the site has been changed.

Thus, you may need to clear cache in Firefox for different reasons, for example, to solve certain browser issues or to free up memory on your hard disk. In this article, we will share on how to clear the cache in Firefox.

clear cache in Firefox

Contents:

1. Why should you clear cache in Firefox
2. The standard way of clearing Firefox cache
3. What is the “Clear Cache” shortcut for Firefox
4. How to clear Firefox cache on Mac manually
5. How to refresh Firefox with App Cleaner & Uninstaller
6. FAQ about clearing the Firefox cache


Why should you clear cache in Firefox

“Cache” refers to all the data on web pages viewed through a browser. The cache stores information about images, videos and other website content. It helps to make your browser run faster. If the page you want to view is already in the cache, the browser instantly downloads it from your hard drive. At the same time, over a period, cache files take up significant disk space and, as a result, slow down the Mac’s and browser’s performance. Use one of the options below to clear browser cache in Firefox.

Important notes about clearing Firefox cache:

  • After deleting cache files, you will have to log in again to your accounts on different websites. Removing the cache deletes the autofill information and logs out your accounts.
  • You can remove cache right in the Firefox preferences by finding these files manually in the Library folder. However, the quickest way to remove the cache of any application on Mac, including the Firefox browser, is to use App Cleaner & Uninstaller.

The standard way of clearing cache in Firefox

Here is how to clear the cache in Firefox using the built-in option in the browser:

  1. Open the Mozilla Firefox browser.
  2. Go to History in the Menu Bar → select Clear Recent History.
  3. how to clear history in firefox

  4. In the Time range to clear select Everything Firefox-clear all history window
  5. In the History section, check Cache.
  6. Click the Clear Now button.
  7. Then restart the Firefox browser.

What is the “Clear Cache” shortcut for Firefox

Another way to call the History window of Firefox and to clear cache is to use a special key shortcut:

  1. Press Shift+Command+Del. This will open the Clear Recent History… window.Firefox browser-short cut
  2. Select Cache and the time range for it.
  3. Click Clear Now.

How to clear Firefox cache on Mac manually

If for some reason, you can’t clear Firefox cache using the above option, you can do it manually. Follow these steps to manually delete cache files of Firefox:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Press Shift+Command+G.
  3. In the search field enter ~/Library and press Enter.
    Going to library folder
  4. Go to the Caches folder → Mozilla and remove the files inside this subfolder. Library-caches-mozilla
  5. Empty the Trash and restart Firefox.

Refresh Firefox with App Cleaner & Uninstaller

You can also use free software App Cleaner & Uninstaller for clearing cache in Firefox. The app allows you to reset Firefox to default settings.

  1. Download and launch App Cleaner & Uninstaller.
  2. Switch on the Expert Mode.
  3. Find Firefox from the scanned apps and select its Cache files.
  4. Click the Remove button.
App Cleaner & Uninstaller-firefox

Use App Cleaner & Uninstaller to easily clear cache, cookies, logs, preferences, and other support files. The application also allows you to completely uninstall apps, remove their leftovers, change startup programs and default apps.


FAQ about clearing the Firefox cache

What is Firefox cache?
When should I clear the Firefox cache?
Where is the Firefox cache located on a Mac?
How do I clear the browser’s cache on my Mac
Is it safe to clear cache on Mac?
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