Developer Tools

Clear MongoDB Compass Cache on Mac

Clearing the MongoDB Compass cache means emptying three temporary folders inside the app's support folder, which frees space and can fix sluggish or glitchy behaviour. Your saved connections and favorite queries stay where they are, and the databases you browse are never stored on your Mac.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the MongoDB Compass cache without guessing

MongoDB Compass 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: MongoDB Compass
Typical data size: 200 MB – 2 GB
Category: Developer Tools
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/MongoDB Compass

MongoDB Compass cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Application Support/MongoDB Compass/Cache Cache · Compass web content cache Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Application Support/MongoDB Compass/Code Cache Cache · compiled JavaScript cache Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Application Support/MongoDB Compass/GPUCache Cache · GPU shader cache Yes, rebuilt automatically

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

What the MongoDB Compass cache holds

Specific to MongoDB Compass

The cache consists of three temporary folders: web content the interface reuses, compiled JavaScript, and GPU shader data. All three are rebuilt automatically, so clearing them is a low-risk step. It helps most when the window renders oddly, screens load slowly, or the app misbehaves after an update. Saved connections, favorite queries and logs sit in the same support folder but are the app's own data, not cache, so they are not touched.

What happens after clearing the MongoDB Compass cache

The cache is rebuilt automatically the next time you open the app, so you do not need to restore or configure anything. The first launch may be a little slower while the files are created again, and later starts return to normal. Saved connections and favorite queries remain in the support folder, and your data stays on your MongoDB servers. If the problem continues, the app's logs in that folder can help when you ask for support.

Check whether the app offers a clear-cache option, and use it first.Quit MongoDB Compass completely before removing any cache files.Move only the Cache, Code Cache and GPUCache folders to the Trash.Reopen MongoDB Compass and confirm your saved connections are still listed.

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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 MongoDB Compass after clearing the cache?

No. The cache rebuilds itself when the app runs, so reinstalling is unnecessary for this fix.

How much space can I get back?

It depends on how large the cache has grown, but the app's data typically takes 200 MB – 2 GB in total.