Tasks & Calendar

Clear Apple Mail Cache on Mac

Clearing the Apple Mail cache removes rebuildable copies, such as attachments you opened and sender photos, and leaves your mailboxes in place. Clear it when search misses messages or the mail folder has grown to many gigabytes.

Last updated: November 1, 20262 min read

Clear the Apple Mail cache without guessing

Apple Mail data usually takes 1 GB – 50 GB on a Mac. The free scan shows the exact size on your Mac before you change anything.

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Free scan · No account · Nothing is deleted without your OK · Moves to the Trash first · macOS 14+

Application: Apple Mail
Typical data size: 1 GB – 50 GB
Category: Tasks & Calendar
File Location: ~/Library/Mail

Apple Mail cache folders you can clear

These folders are rebuilt automatically, so removing them does not touch your own files.

~/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Mail Downloads Cache · copies of attachments you opened Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Group Containers/com.apple.MailPersonaStorage Shared container · cached sender photos and logos Yes, rebuilt automatically

Locations checked on a Mac with Apple Mail installed.

What the Apple Mail cache holds

Specific to Apple Mail

Apple Mail keeps a full local copy of every message it downloads, so its data can reach 1 GB – 50 GB. The cache-type parts are copies of attachments you opened and cached sender photos and logos, and both rebuild automatically. Your local mailboxes and downloaded messages live in the V-numbered folder inside the Mail folder, and that folder holds your own data, so do not remove it. Clearing the cache helps when search misses messages or the Mail folder is many gigabytes.

What happens after you clear Apple Mail's cache

Attachment copies and sender images return as you use the app. IMAP, iCloud and Exchange mail stays on the server and downloads again, so the first start after clearing will be slower. POP mail and On My Mac mailboxes exist only on this Mac and do not come back from a server, so copy them somewhere safe before you change anything. Your accounts stay set up unless you remove one in System Settings > Internet Accounts.

Back up POP and On My Mac mailboxes before you start.If Apple Mail offers a cache option in its settings, use that first.Quit Apple Mail before removing any cache files from disk.Reopen Apple Mail and allow time for mail to download again.

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Account and sync: IMAP, iCloud and Exchange mail stays on the server and downloads again; POP mail and On My Mac mailboxes exist only here.

Try it without risk

Download and scan for freeSee every Apple Mail file and its size. No account needed.
Clean free for 7 daysStart the 7-day free trial of the yearly plan inside the app.
Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.

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After the free trial, Pro costs $39.99 per year in your country's App Store; cancel any time.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Folders marked “Yes, rebuilt automatically” are rebuilt automatically; removing them only makes the next start slower.

Will my IMAP mail come back after clearing?

Yes. IMAP, iCloud and Exchange mail stays on the server and downloads again, though the first start takes longer.

Can Mailbox > Rebuild help with search problems?

It can. Mailbox > Rebuild re-downloads a mailbox, which may fix search that misses messages, but it only helps server-based accounts.