Music & Audio

Clear Apple Music Cache on Mac

Clearing the Apple Music cache frees space and often fixes wrong or missing artwork. The cache holds only temporary artwork and streaming data, which the app rebuilds on its own. Your library, playlists and imported songs are not touched.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the Apple Music cache without guessing

Apple Music data usually takes 500 MB – 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 Music
Typical data size: 500 MB – 50 GB
Category: Music & Audio
File Location: ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Music

Apple Music cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Music Cache · artwork and streaming cache Yes, rebuilt automatically

Locations checked on a Mac with Apple Music installed.

What the Apple Music cache holds

Specific to Apple Music

The cache for Apple Music sits in ~/Library/Caches/com.apple.Music and holds artwork and streaming data. Clearing it helps when that folder has grown large, which for this app's typical data can be 500 MB – 50 GB, or when artwork shows incorrectly. If the app offers its own cache option, use that first. Your library and imported songs live in your Music folder and are not part of the cache.

What happens after you clear the Apple Music cache

The cache is rebuilt automatically, so the first start afterward will be slower while artwork and streaming data load again. Your library, playlists and ratings stay in place, and with Sync Library on, they are also kept in iCloud. Songs you imported yourself may exist only on this Mac, so leave them alone.

Confirm Sync Library is on before you clear anything.If Apple Music offers its own cache option, use it first.Quit Apple Music before removing anything from the cache folder.Reopen the app and let artwork reload before judging the result.

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Account and sync: With Sync Library turned on, your Apple Music library and playlists are kept in iCloud; songs you imported yourself may exist only on this Mac.

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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.

Does clearing the cache remove downloaded songs?

No. Downloaded tracks sit in the media folder, not the cache, and can be downloaded again if needed.

Why is the first start slow after clearing?

The cache is rebuilt automatically, so artwork and streaming data have to load again. The slowdown lasts only until the cache is rebuilt.