Developer IDEs

Clear PhpStorm Cache on Mac

The safest way is to open File > Invalidate Caches inside the app, then restart it. This clears only the current version's caches, and your projects and settings stay where they are.

Last updated: October 31, 20262 min read

Clear the PhpStorm cache without guessing

PhpStorm data usually takes 1 GB – 20 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: PhpStorm
Typical data size: 1 GB – 20 GB
Category: Developer IDEs
File Location: ~/Library/Caches/JetBrains

Clear it from inside PhpStorm first

The safest way is the option built into the app: File > Invalidate Caches, then restart; this clears only the current version's caches, not folders left by older releases or by other JetBrains IDEs.

PhpStorm cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Caches/JetBrains Cache · indexes and caches of JetBrains IDEs, one subfolder per product and version Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Saved Application State/com.jetbrains.PhpStorm.savedState Window state · window positions from the last session Yes, rebuilt automatically

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

What the PhpStorm cache holds and when clearing it helps

Specific to PhpStorm

The folder in ~/Library/Caches/JetBrains holds indexes and caches that the app builds from your projects so search and completion stay fast. Clearing it helps when indexing runs again and again, when code completion gives wrong results, or when old version folders pile up. Each release leaves its own folder behind, and the app's data typically ranges from 1 GB – 20 GB, so upgrades can add up quickly.

What happens after you clear the PhpStorm cache

The app rebuilds its indexes on the next start, so the first launch and the first project open will be slower than usual. Your projects keep their own .idea folders, and settings and plugins in Application Support are untouched. Deleting the app itself does not remove these folders either, so they stay until you remove them separately.

Save your work and note which projects are open before you start.Choose File > Invalidate Caches in PhpStorm, then restart the app.Expect the first PhpStorm launch to take longer while indexing reruns.Quit PhpStorm before removing any old cache folders by hand.

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Account and sync: Paid JetBrains IDEs are activated with a JetBrains Account; settings can also be synced to that account with Backup and Sync.

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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 clearing the cache sign me out?

Clearing the cache does not change your settings, which can also be synced to your JetBrains Account with Backup and Sync. If your license is tied to a JetBrains Account, sign in there if the app asks.

Why are older version folders still there after I clear the cache?

Invalidate Caches only clears the current version's caches, not folders left by older releases or other JetBrains IDEs. Once the app is closed, you can remove the older cache folders by hand.