To clear the Steam download cache on Mac, open Steam, go to Steam › Settings › Downloads, and click Clear Download Cache. Steam on Mac sometimes gets stuck after a broken or interrupted download, leaving gigabytes of corrupted install data it can't clean up on its own. Clearing the cache resets that temporary state without deleting installed games or save files — then you can manually remove any orphaned game folders to reclaim the rest of the space.
TL;DR
- Clear the cache in-app: Steam › Settings › Downloads › Clear Download Cache.
- This does not delete installed games or save files — it only resets the install state.
- You'll need to log back into Steam afterward.
- Remove leftover folders for uninstalled games under
~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common. - Only delete folders for games you've confirmed are uninstalled, or Steam re-downloads them.
What is the Steam download cache?
The Steam download cache is temporary install-state data — partial downloads, update manifests, and queued patch files — that Steam keeps while it fetches or updates games. It is separate from your installed games and save files. When a download is interrupted or corrupted, this cache can get stuck, causing stalled downloads, repeated "corrupt update files" errors, or wasted disk space. Clearing it forces Steam to discard the bad state and rebuild it cleanly on the next download.
How to clear the download cache in Steam
The built-in cache clear is the safe, supported method and takes under a minute.
- Open Steam.
- In the menu bar, click Steam › Settings (or Preferences on older builds).
- Select Downloads in the sidebar.
- Click Clear Download Cache.
- Confirm, then log back into Steam when prompted.
This does not touch your installed games or save files — it only removes the temporary install state. After logging back in, your library and downloads resume normally.
How to remove orphaned game folders
If a game was uninstalled but its folder still sits on disk eating space, remove it manually:
- Open Finder.
- Press Command + Shift + G to open Go to Folder.
- Paste
~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/and press Enter. - Drag any folder for a game you uninstalled months ago into the Trash.
- Empty the Trash to reclaim the space.
Is it safe to delete Steam game folders?
It's safe only for games you've confirmed are uninstalled in your Steam library. Removing an active game's folder will force a full re-download next time you launch it, and can leave Steam in a confused state. Save files for most games sync to Steam Cloud and aren't stored in these common folders, but verify a game is fully uninstalled before deleting its directory. Clearing the download cache itself is always safe — it never deletes games or saves, it just signs you out temporarily.
Cache clear vs. folder cleanup — which do you need?
| Problem | Action | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|
| Downloads stall or fail mid-update | Clear Download Cache | Yes — re-downloads as needed |
| "Corrupt update files" errors | Clear Download Cache, then verify files | Yes |
| Old uninstalled game still on disk | Delete its steamapps/common folder |
Re-download to reinstall |
| Whole disk still full | Both, plus check other large folders | Yes |
FAQ
Does clearing the Steam download cache delete my games?
No. Clearing the download cache only resets temporary install-state data. Your installed games and save files remain intact — you'll just need to log back into Steam afterward.
Why does Steam keep gigabytes of stuck download data on Mac?
When a download or update is interrupted or corrupted, Steam can't always clean up the partial files. They sit in the download cache until you clear it manually via Settings › Downloads.
Where are Steam games stored on Mac?
Installed games live under ~/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/. Each game has its own folder, which you can safely delete only after confirming the game is uninstalled.
Will I lose my save files if I delete a game folder?
Usually not — most games sync saves to Steam Cloud rather than the local common folder. Still, confirm the game is uninstalled and your saves are synced before deleting anything.
Do I have to log back in after clearing the cache?
Yes. Clearing the download cache signs you out of Steam, so have your credentials ready. Your library and settings return as soon as you log back in.
Free up the rest of your Mac
Once Steam is tidy, look at what else is filling the disk. Mysterious System Data on Mac: how to safely clean the disk explains the catch-all category that often hides leftover game and cache data, and the cross-platform storage running out checklist walks you through finding the biggest offenders. If your PC is the next device to clean, how to uninstall heavy PC games properly and deep cleaning Windows 11 and 10 without third-party utilities cover the Windows side, while how to use TreeSize Free maps large folders visually. For local-only cleanup of phone clutter — photos, videos, and app caches — Cleanor does it on iPhone with nothing uploaded to the cloud.