Developer IDEs

Clear Cursor Cache on Mac

To clear the cache, quit the app first, then remove only the folders it rebuilds on its own: the network cache, downloaded update files, extension packages and logs. Your settings, projects, local chat history and unsaved file backups stay where they are, so you get space back or a fix without losing your work.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the Cursor cache without guessing

Cursor data usually takes 500 MB – 10 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: Cursor
Typical data size: 500 MB – 10 GB
Category: Developer IDEs
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Cursor

Cursor cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Caches/com.todesktop.230313mzl4w4u92 Cache · app network cache Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/HTTPStorages/com.todesktop.230313mzl4w4u92 Network cookies · network cookies used by the app itself Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Application Support/Cursor/CachedExtensionVSIXs Cache · downloaded extension packages Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Application Support/Cursor/logs Logs · Cursor and extension logs Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Caches/com.todesktop.230313mzl4w4u92.ShipIt Cache · downloaded app updates Yes, rebuilt automatically

Locations are the standard macOS folders Cursor uses; some appear only after you use the matching feature.

What the Cursor cache holds and when clearing helps

Specific to Cursor

Most of the cache is made of files the app downloads again whenever it needs them, including network cache, update files, extension packages and logs. Clearing these helps when startup has become slow, when the cache folders have grown large, or when state from projects you deleted still appears. Other folders hold your own data: your settings, per-project state with local chat history, and hot-exit copies of unsaved files. Those are not part of a cache clear, and neither are the extensions stored in the .cursor folder.

What happens after you clear the Cursor cache

The app rebuilds the removed folders the next time it runs, so the first start will take longer than usual. Your projects, settings and local chat history are unchanged, and your installed extensions stay in place. You may be asked to sign in to your Cursor account again, because the app stores its own network cookies in one of the folders you removed. Your plan belongs to that account, so signing in again restores it.

Save open files in Cursor before you quit it.Quit Cursor completely from the menu bar before removing any folders.Remove only the rebuilt cache, log and update folders, never your settings.Reopen Cursor and expect a slower first start while it rebuilds.

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Account and sync: Cursor requires a Cursor account for its AI features; the plan and usage belong to that account.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Will I have to sign in again after clearing the cache?

You might, because the app's network cookies are removed along with the cache. Your plan stays with your account, so it is available again once you sign in.

Should I clear the cache if the app is just a little slow?

Not necessarily. Clearing helps most when startup is clearly slow or when projects you deleted still show up, so check the folder sizes first.