Communication

Clear Element Cache on Mac

Clearing the Element cache means removing three rebuildable cache subfolders, which frees space and can fix slow or glitchy screens. Leave the main Element folder alone, because it holds your encrypted message store and the keys for your end-to-end encrypted rooms.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the Element cache without guessing

Element data usually takes 200 MB – 2 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: Element
Typical data size: 200 MB – 2 GB
Category: Communication
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Element

Element cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Application Support/Element/Cache Cache · Chromium disk cache for web content Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Application Support/Element/Code Cache Cache · compiled JavaScript cache Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Application Support/Element/GPUCache Cache · GPU shader cache Yes, rebuilt automatically

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

What the Element cache holds and when clearing helps

Specific to Element

The cache subfolders store web content, compiled JavaScript and GPU shader data so the app loads faster. They are rebuilt automatically, so removing them does not touch your messages or keys. Clearing them tends to help when the app shows stale or broken screens, displays oddly after an update, or when the data folder has grown toward its typical 200 MB – 2 GB range. If none of these signs apply, clearing the cache is unlikely to change much.

What happens after you clear the Element cache

The app rebuilds the cache folders the next time you open it, so the first start will be slower than usual. Your encrypted message store and crypto keys stay in the main folder, so nothing you rely on is removed. Encrypted history remains readable on this Mac, but on a new device it can only be read if key backup or a recovery key is set up.

Open Element settings and confirm key backup or a recovery key is set up.Quit Element completely before touching any files.Move only the Cache, Code Cache and GPUCache subfolders to the Trash.Reopen Element and expect a slower first start while caches rebuild.

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Account and sync: Element signs in to a Matrix account; encrypted message history can only be read on a new device if key backup or a recovery key is set up.

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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 the cache come back on its own?

Yes. The Cache, Code Cache and GPUCache folders are rebuilt automatically as you use the app.

What if I removed the main folder by mistake?

Check the Trash first, since items there can be restored until it is emptied. Without key backup, old encrypted messages may be unreadable.