Video

Clear Plex Cache on Mac

To clear the cache, use the internal tools within the web interface or manually remove temporary system folders. This process recovers disk space without affecting your actual media files.

Last updated: November 1, 20262 min read

Clear the Plex cache without guessing

Plex 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: Plex
Typical data size: 1 GB – 50 GB
Category: Video
File Location: ~/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server

Clear it from inside Plex first

The safest way is the option built into the app: Plex Web > Settings > Manage > Troubleshooting > Clean Bundles / Optimize Database (does not delete media or preview thumbnails)

Plex cache folders you can clear

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

~/Library/Application Support/Plex Media Server/Cache Cache · server cache, including transcoder and update downloads Yes, rebuilt automatically~/Library/Logs/Plex Media Server Logs · Plex Media Server logs Yes, rebuilt automatically

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

Understanding the Plex cache

Specific to Plex

The app stores metadata, artwork, and video preview thumbnails, causing its data folder to grow between 1 GB – 50 GB. Clearing helps when the directory becomes excessively large due to old metadata bundles. These cached files are separate from your movies, shows, and music, which stay in their own folders.

After clearing Plex cache

Removing the Cache or Logs folders triggers the app to rebuild them automatically. You will not need to sign in again because the server remains claimed to your account. However, the first start may be slower while the system regenerates necessary temporary data.

Run Clean Bundles and Optimize Database via the Troubleshooting menuQuit the menu bar app completelyRemove the Cache folder using Finder's Go to Folder optionEmpty the Trash to permanently reclaim the disk space

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Account and sync: The server is claimed to your Plex account; your media files remain in their own folders.

Try it without risk

Download and scan for freeSee every Plex file and its size. No account needed.
Clean free for 7 daysStart the 7-day free trial of the yearly plan inside the app.
Keep it or cancelCancel in your App Store settings at least 24 hours before the trial ends and you won't be charged.

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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 cleaning the bundles remove my movie thumbnails?

No, using the internal clean bundles tool does not delete preview thumbnails.

Does deleting the application also remove the metadata folders?

No, these folders stay on your Mac until you remove them separately.