How to Clear Outlook Cache on Mac - All Methods Covered

If Outlook isn’t working properly on your Mac, like emails loading slowly or the app frequently crashing, clearing the cache might resolve the problem. Fortunately, clearing the Outlook cache on Mac is simple, no matter which version you are using. Whether you are running Legacy Outlook or the New Outlook for Mac, this guide will walk you through easy-to-follow steps to remove the cache and get your email client back on track.

What Happens If Outlook's Cache is Cleared?

Outlook's cache consists of temporary support files that help the email service load faster. Over time, this cache can grow, and if it becomes too large or corrupted, it may cause issues like freezing, slow loading, or crashes. Clearing the cache can resolve these problems and improve Outlook’s performance on your Mac.

If you’re experiencing synchronization issues, such as incomplete or incorrect data, clearing the cache can force Outlook to re-sync the affected items. Keep in mind, however, that this process will delete any data not yet synced with your email provider’s server.

Deleting the Outlook cache doesn’t affect essential data like your emails, contacts, or account information. Once the cache is removed, the app automatically regenerates it the next time you open Outlook. However, you might notice a temporary slowdown while the app rebuilds the cache.

How to Manually Clear Outlook Cache on Mac

While it is safe to delete cache files in Outlook for Mac, it is always a good idea to back up any important emails before proceeding. Fortunately, Outlook for Mac includes built-in tools to manage cache, making the process simple and convenient. The steps to clear the cache may vary depending on the version of Outlook you are using.

Clear the cache in the Legacy Outlook for Mac

If you are still using the Legacy version of Outlook for Mac, follow these steps to clear its cache.

Step 1. Log into the Outlook for Mac app and open it.

Step 2. In the navigation pane, right-click on the email folder for which you want to empty the cache, and then click Properties.

Step 3. On the General tab, click Empty Cache.

Remove the cache in the New Outlook for Mac

For users of the New Outlook for Mac, clearing the cache involves resetting the account, which removes all cached data.

Step 1. Log into the Outlook for Mac app and open it.

Step 2. On the Outlook toolbar at the top of your screen, go to Tools and Accounts.

Step 3. In the left pane, select the account you want to reset.

Step 4. Click the three dots on the bottom left and choose Reset Account from the list.

Delete Outlook cache in Mac's Caches folder

Another method to clear Outlook cache files on Mac is by manually deleting them from the caches folder. By default, macOS stores cache files in the Library/Caches directory. Follow these steps to locate and delete the Microsoft Outlook cache files.

Step 1. Quit Outlook on your Mac.

Step 2. Open Finder and click Go from the top menu and choose Go To Folder.

Step 3. Enter the file path ~/Library/Caches and press Return.

Step 4. In the Caches folder, find a folder named com.microsoft.Outlook using the search bar.

Step 5. Right-click on it, choose Move to Trash and empty your Trash.

The Quickest Way to Mac Outlook Clear Cache

We recommend regularly clearing cache files on your Mac to free up disk space and prevent performance issues - not just for Microsoft Outlook, but for all apps. The quickest and easiest way to do this is by using a specialized cleanup tool.

BuhoCleaner is a powerful and versatile junk removal tool designed for Mac users. It not only clears cached data for specific apps but also identifies all junk files on your Mac in one go. Packed with additional cleanup features, such as removing duplicates, deleting forgotten large files, and uninstalling unused apps, BuhoCleaner helps you reclaim gigabytes of storage space on your Mac in just minutes.

Clearing the cache in Outlook for Mac with BuhoCleaner is an automated process that requires minimal effort. Here's how it works:

Step 1. Use the button below to download BuhoCleaner on your Mac and install it for free.

Step 2. Launch the app and select the Flash Clean option from the left-side menu.

Step 3. Click Scan, and BuhoCleaner will immediately begin scanning your Mac for all user cache files and other unnecessary data.

Step 4. Once the scan is complete, click View Details to see all the junk files detected.

Step 5. Open the User Cache Files category and use the search bar in the top-right corner to type "Outlook" to find the Microsoft Outlook cache files on your Mac.

Step 6. Check the box next to the Outlook software.

Step 7. Click Remove twice and BuhoCleaner will delete all Outlook cache files in seconds.

Conclusion

You can clear the cache in Outlook for Mac either by using the built-in options within the app or by manually deleting the Outlook cache subfolder from your Mac's cache library. For a more efficient and thorough way to regularly clear Outlook cache and manage your Mac's storage space, consider using BuhoCleaner. It simplifies the process and helps remove cache and other unwanted files with ease.