Cloud Storage

Clear Google Drive Cache on Mac

Clearing the Google Drive cache frees space and often fixes files that open slowly, and you can do it without removing the app. Your own files stay in your Google account and in your Drive folder, so only the cached copies go.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the Google Drive cache without guessing

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

Scan your Mac free

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

Application: Google Drive
Typical data size: 1 GB – 50 GB
Category: Cloud Storage
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS

Google Drive cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS/Logs Logs · sync logs Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS/cef_cache Cache · cache of Drive's built-in web views Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Caches/com.google.GoogleUpdater Cache · Google updater downloads, shared by Google apps Yes, rebuilt automatically

Locations checked on a Mac with Google Drive installed.

What the Google Drive cache holds

Specific to Google Drive

The cache is the content_cache folder inside the app's DriveFS data. It stores copies of streamed files so they open faster, and it can grow to tens of gigabytes. A very large cache or files that open slowly are the signs that clearing will help. Your Drive files appear under CloudStorage for each account, and mirrored files there are real local copies, so leave that folder alone. The DriveFS folder also holds the account database and logs, so only the content_cache subfolder should go.

What happens after you clear the Google Drive cache

The cache rebuilds as you use the app, so the first start afterwards may be slower. Files you open again are downloaded from your Google account, which needs an internet connection. Because only the cache is removed, your account database stays, and you should not need to sign in again. Settings and mirrored files stay where they are. The cache will grow again with normal use, so clearing is a periodic fix.

If the app offers a cache option in its settings, use that first.Quit Google Drive completely before touching any files.Move only the content_cache folder to the Trash, not the whole DriveFS folder.Empty the Trash only after your files open normally again.

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Account and sync: Files are stored in your Google account; in streaming mode only files you opened or made available offline are on the Mac.

Try it without risk

Download and scan for freeSee every Google Drive file and its size. No account needed.
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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.

Do I need to reinstall Google Drive after clearing the cache?

No. Clearing the cache leaves the app in place, so there is nothing to reinstall.

Will my Google Drive files still be there afterwards?

Yes. Files stored in your Google account stay there, and mirrored files remain as local copies.