Cloud Storage

Clear iCloud Drive Cache on Mac

To get space back safely, clear only the sync caches and downloaded copies, never the files themselves. Your iCloud Drive files stay in iCloud, so nothing in your account is lost when local copies are removed.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the iCloud Drive cache without guessing

iCloud Drive data usually takes 1 GB – 200 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: iCloud Drive
Typical data size: 1 GB – 200 GB
Category: Cloud Storage
File Location: ~/Library/Mobile Documents

iCloud Drive cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Caches/CloudKit Cache · iCloud sync cache Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Caches/com.apple.bird Cache · iCloud Drive sync daemon cache Yes, rebuilt automatically

Locations checked on a Mac with iCloud Drive installed.

What the iCloud Drive cache holds

Specific to iCloud Drive

The sync caches hold temporary data that iCloud Drive rebuilds automatically, so clearing them is safe. The Mobile Documents folder is different: it is the live iCloud Drive folder, and deleting anything in it removes that item from iCloud. Clearing helps when sync seems stuck, or when Mobile Documents is large because many files are downloaded locally rather than kept in iCloud only. In that case, the safe way to free space is to remove those downloaded copies, which remain available in iCloud.

What happens after clearing the iCloud Drive cache

Your documents and Desktop files are not deleted when you clear the caches, and your Apple Account stays as it is. The sync data is rebuilt automatically, so the first start afterward may take longer while it is recreated. Files you removed locally stay in iCloud, so you can still reach them there once syncing settles.

Confirm the files you need are fully synced before removing anything.Remove downloaded copies you no longer need from the iCloud Drive folder.Quit the app before removing files from the cache folders.Reopen the app and let sync finish before relying on it.

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Account and sync: iCloud Drive is part of your Apple Account; files stay in iCloud even if local copies are removed.

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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 I need to sign in again after clearing the cache?

Clearing the caches does not change your Apple Account, which iCloud Drive is part of. If macOS asks you to sign in, use your usual Apple Account details.

Can I clear the cache while the app is open?

Quit the app first, since it may be writing to its cache folders. Reopen it once you have finished.