If you're a frequent Spotify user, you might have noticed that the app starts slowing down or consuming more storage space over time. This is often due to accumulated cache files that help the app load music faster, but can also take up valuable space on your device. Clearing the Spotify cache is an essential step to improve app performance, free up storage, and ensure a smoother listening experience. So, how to clear Spotify cache?
In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to clear Spotify cache on different devices, whether you're using a Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, Android phone, or iPhone. By following these steps, you can optimize your Spotify app and enjoy seamless music streaming without unnecessary delays or storage issues.
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How to Clear Spotify Cache on Windows
There are two ways to clear Spotify cache on PC: through the app's built-in settings or by manually deleting the cache files from your system. Both methods are effective, and which one you choose depends on your preference for ease versus thoroughness. Below are the steps for both methods:
Method 1. Clear Cache via Spotify Settings
The easiest way to clear the cache is through the Spotify app's settings. This method doesn't require any technical knowledge and only takes a few clicks. Here is how to clear Spotify cache on the app:
Step 1. Open the Spotify app.
Step 2. Go to Settings.
Step 3. Scroll to the Storage section and click "Clear Cache".
Method 2. Manually Clear Cache via File Explorer
If you want to ensure that all cache data is fully cleared, including files that the app settings might miss, you can manually delete cache files from your computer:
For the Official Spotify App (Downloaded from the Website)
Step 1. Open File Explorer and go to "C:\Users*USERNAME\AppData\Local\Spotify*".
Step 2. Delete the Storage folder to remove streaming cache.
Step 3. Then, go to "C:\Users*USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Spotify*" and delete the "local-files.bnk" to remove offline cache.
For the Spotify App from the Windows Store
Step 1. Open the search bar and type "%appdata%" to access the AppData folder.
Step 2. Navigate to "Packages_SpotifyAB.SpotifyMusic_zpdnekdrzrea0_LocalCache_Spotify_Data" and delete the folders inside.
How to Clear Spotify Cache on Mac
Similar to Windows, there are two ways to clear Spotify cache on Mac, depending on how thorough you want the process to be. Whether you prefer a quick solution or a more detailed cleanup, you can follow these simple steps to improve Spotify's performance and free up storage space.
Method 1. Clear Cache via Spotify Settings
The simplest way to clear your Spotify cache on a Mac is by using the app's built-in settings. This process is quick and doesn't require you to manually navigate your system files. Here is how to clear Spotify cache on Mac:
Step 1. Launch the Spotify app on your Mac.
Step 2. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner and scroll down to the Storage section.
Step 3. Under the Storage section, you'll find the option to "Clear Cache". Click this option to remove temporary data.
Method 2. Manually Clear Cache via Finder
For a more thorough cleanup, you can manually delete Spotify's cache files from your system. This method removes all Spotify cache files from your Mac, ensuring more storage is freed up and improving app performance. Here is how:
Step 1. Click on the Finder icon on your Mac, click on Go and then select Go to Folder.
Step 2. Type "/Library/Caches" and press "Enter" on your keyboard.
Step 3. Look for a folder titled "com.spotify.client" (or similar). This folder contains all of Spotify's cached data.
Step 4. Move the "com.spotify.client" folder to the Trash. If Spotify is open, you may need to close the app first before deleting the cache files.
How to Clear Spotify Cache on Chromebook
Clearing the Spotify cache on a Chromebook is simple with just a few clicks, especially if you're using the Spotify app. By clearing the cache, you can free up space and improve the app's performance. Here's how to clear Spotify cache on Chromebook:
Step 1. Tap on the Launcher (the circle in the bottom-left corner) to open the list of apps on your Chromebook.
Scroll through your apps or use the search bar to find the Spotify app, right-click on the Spotify app icon, and then click on "App Info" from the options that appear.
Step 2. In the app information window, tap on "More settings and permissions".
Step 3. Under the "Storage and Cache" section, you will see the option to "Clear Cache".
Step 4. If you want a more thorough cleanup, you can also tap on "Clear Storage", which will reset the app entirely (including saved data).
How to Clear Spotify Cache on Android
Over time, the Spotify app on Android can accumulate a large amount of cached data, which may slow down your device or take up valuable storage. Fortunately, clearing the cache is quick and easy - and it won‘t delete your playlists or downloaded songs.
Method 1. Clear Cache Within the Spotify App
This is the most straightforward way to clear Spotify cache without leaving the app. This method removes temporary files but keeps your downloads and saved content. Here is how to clear Spotify cache on Android:
Step 1. Open the Spotify app on your Android device.
Step 2. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner to enter Settings.
Step 3. Scroll down to the Storage section.
Step 4. Tap on "Clear cache".
Method 2. Clear Cache via Android App Settings
For a more system-level cleanup, you can clear cache through Android's app management. This method is helpful if the app is misbehaving or you want a deeper reset. Here are the steps:
Step 1. Open your Android phone's Settings.
Step 2. Go to "Apps" or "Apps & Notifications", then find and select Spotify.
Step 3. Tap "Storage & cache".
Step 4. Tap "Clear cache".
Step 5. Optional: Tap "Clear storage" to reset the app completely - this will remove all data, including login info and downloads.
How to Clear Spotify Cache on iPhone
While iOS doesn't offer a direct "clear cache" option in the app settings, there are still simple ways to clear temporary data. Here are 3 methods you can use to clear the Spotify cache on your iPhone:
Method 1. Remove Cache by Uninstalling the Spotify App
One of the simplest ways to clear the cache on Spotify is by uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This will remove all cached data, but keep your playlists and saved content intact. Here's how:
Step 1. Go to your iPhone's home screen and find the Spotify app.
Step 2. Tap and hold the Spotify icon until it starts shaking. Tap the "X" symbol on the app, and it will be removed from your device.
Step 3. Open the App Store, search for Spotify, and reinstall it on your iPhone.
Step 4. Once reinstalled, log in to your account. All your saved playlists and settings will be restored, but the cache will be cleared.
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Method 2. Delete Cache by Offloading the App
If you don't want to fully uninstall Spotify but still want to remove cached data, you can offload the app. Offloading removes the app's data while keeping the app icon on your device, so you can reinstall it later without losing your settings. Here's how:
Step 1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2. Scroll down and select General, then tap on iPhone Storage.
Step 3. Scroll down the list of apps and select Spotify.
Step 4. Tap Offload App. This will remove the app's cached data without deleting your music or playlists.
Step 5. After offloading, tap Reinstall App to restore the app, and your Spotify will be free of cached data.
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Method 3. Clear Cache via Spotify App Settings
If you want to quickly clear Spotify's cache without uninstalling or offloading the app, you can do so directly from the Spotify app itself:
Step 1. Launch the Spotify app on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2. Tap on the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.
Step 3. Scroll down to the Storage section and tap on "Clear Cache".
Image name: clear-spotify-cache-iphone
Conclusion
In this article, we've covered various ways to clear Spotify cache across multiple devices, including Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android, and iPhone, such as clearing the cache through app settings or manually deleting files. Each approach is simple and effective, and you can choose the method that best suits your needs.
If you're interested in going beyond just clearing the cache and want to enjoy Spotify music offline without any limitations, consider using TuneFab Spotify Music Converter. It allows you to remove DRM and download Spotify tracks as MP3, M4A, and FLAC, giving you more control over your music.
