How to Clear the Discord Cache

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We’ve all been there: an application starts acting a little sluggish, or perhaps a recent update hasn’t settled well, and things just aren’t running as smoothly as they used to. Clearing cache can often be the solution to such software hitches. For Discord users, clearing the cache can help resolve a myriad of issues, from loading problems to glitches in the interface. Let’s delve into how you can give Discord that fresh restart by clearing its cache.

Why Clear the Discord Cache?

The cache is where Discord temporarily stores data to quickly access it later. Over time, this data can accumulate and might include old, redundant, or even corrupted files. By clearing the cache:

  1. Performance Boost: Just like spring-cleaning can declutter your home, clearing the cache can help Discord run more efficiently.
  2. Troubleshooting: It can solve various issues like not loading images or failing to update properly.
  3. Privacy: Clearing cache occasionally can ensure that remnants of old data or conversations aren’t left lingering on your system.

Clearing Discord Cache on Windows:

  1. Close Discord: Ensure Discord is entirely closed. You can do this by right-clicking on the Discord icon in your system tray (next to the clock) and selecting ‘Quit Discord’.
  2. Open Run Dialog: Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously. This will bring up the ‘Run’ dialog box.
  3. Navigate to Discord Cache: In the ‘Run’ dialog, type or paste %appdata% and press Enter. This command will open the Roaming folder, where many applications, including Discord, store temporary data.
  4. Locate Discord Folder: In the Roaming folder, find the Discord folder.
  5. Clear Cache: Dive into the Discord folder and look for the Cache folder. Delete everything inside the Cache folder. Note: Do not delete the Cache folder itself, just its contents.

Clearing Discord Cache on macOS:

  1. Close Discord: Make sure Discord is completely shut down.
  2. Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in your dock.
  3. Navigate to Discord Cache: In Finder, click on ‘Go’ in the top menu and then ‘Go to Folder’ (or press Shift + Command + G). Type or paste ~/Library/Application Support/Discord and press Enter.
  4. Clear Cache: Find the Cache folder within the Discord directory. Delete all its contents. Remember: Do not delete the Cache folder itself, just the items inside.

Things to Remember After Clearing Cache:

  1. Log In Again: The first time you start Discord after clearing the cache, it might take a little longer to load, and you may need to log in again.
  2. Settings Intact: Clearing the cache will not delete your personal settings or server data. All your conversations, servers, and custom settings will remain intact.
  3. Routine Clean-up: Consider clearing the cache periodically to keep Discord running at its best.

Conclusion

Clearing the Discord cache is a straightforward process, but it can significantly improve performance and rectify various issues. It’s a handy troubleshooting step and can often be the first line of defense when facing software glitches. Keep in mind that the cache exists for quicker loading, so don’t be alarmed if Discord takes a tad longer to start up right after the clear-out. It’s just getting itself set up to serve you better!