Learning to clear your Microsoft Teams cache could be more valuable than you’d think. Cache clutter directly impacts the performance of many different types of software, including your Microsoft apps (from Teams, to Microsoft Places).

If your cache is full of unnecessary information and fragmented files, it can cause a range of issues with your app. For instance, you might struggle to load files in a Teams chat, end up with slow and clunky video feeds in meetings, or face various error messages.

That’s why I recommend clearing your cache as one of the first things to do when you’re bombarded by Microsoft Teams issues.

Here’s how to clear the Microsoft Teams cache and get your app back on track.

What is the Microsoft Teams Cache?

Like many other software solutions, Microsoft Teams uses a “cache” to store temporary data and other recently accessed files. Although the cache might not seem very important, it is a valuable part of the Microsoft Teams application.

A cache stores images, fonts, and other data, like CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, to save bandwidth on your computer. If Microsoft Teams didn’t have a cache, it would run a lot slower because every time you opened it, you’d need to download new files.

By storing temporary data, Teams ensures users can access preserved information quickly, with minimal lag. Your cache helps you log into Teams faster, load files and configuration settings, and maximize the Teams experience.

However, like any cache, the Teams storage system can only handle so much data. The more information you store in your Teams cache, the slower the app will likely run. You might even find your app taking up extra storage space on your system.

What does Clearing the Microsoft Teams Cache Do?

Clearing an application’s cache is common practice in the digital world. While Teams and many other applications can suffer from performance issues for various reasons, sometimes the core reason for a slow or broken app is an overfilled or problematic cache.

Sometimes, there’s a big difference between the version of the data stored in your cache and the version you want to access. This conflict can lead to glitches with your software and harm overall app performance.

Just as too much information on a computer, tablet, or smartphone can slow down its performance, a cluttered cache on Teams can make it harder to access your files and collaborate efficiently.

If Teams starts running slowly for you or your employees, clearing the cache could be the easiest way to fix the issue. The good news is learning how to clear Microsoft Teams cache clutter is relatively straightforward (and safe).

Just remember, deleting your Teams cache will remove previously cached settings, such as icons, thumbnails, and other information. However, it won’t delete all of your data from the Microsoft ecosystem. For instance, you won’t lose files in OneDrive because you clear your Teams cache.

When you clear the cache on Teams, it forces the clients to re-download fresh files. However, you shouldn’t lose any data or message history because Microsoft stores this information in the cloud via Office 365. If you’re concerned, you can always back up any critical data from Teams first.

How to Clear Microsoft Teams Cache Data (Windows and Mac)

There are a few ways to clear the cache for Microsoft Teams, depending on your operating system or device. The process was also slightly different depending on whether you were using the “Classic” version of Teams, or “New Teams”.

The chances are you’re now using “Teams 2.0”, as Microsoft confirmed it will be ending support for Classic Teams on July 1st, 2024. However, just because support has ended for Classic Teams (meaning you won’t get any new updates or fixes), doesn’t mean there’s no way to access sit.

If you’re using an older version of Windows (7,8, or 8.1), you can still access Classic Teams until October 23rd, 2024. Certain MacOS users, and Windows 10 users, will be able to use Classic Teams until July 1st, 2025.

With that in mind, I’ll cover how to clear your cache on both versions of Teams.

Clear Microsoft Teams Cache Data on Classic Teams

If you’re still using the Classic version of Teams for any reason, the easiest way to clear your cache is to sign out of Teams, close the application (completely), and sign back in.

Here’s the process you can use for Mac and Windows devices.

On Windows Devices

To clear your Microsoft Teams cache on a Windows device, start by quitting out of Microsoft Teams. Right-click the Teams icon on your taskbar, and select Quit. Next:

  • Open the Run dialog box on Windows by pressing R and the Windows logo key.
  • When the dialog box opens, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams and hit OK.
  • Right-click on the Teams folder and select Delete. Or delete all the files and folders in the Teams directory.
  • Restart the Teams client.

On Mac Devices

Clearing your Microsoft Teams cache on MacOS includes many of the same steps you’d use for a Windows device. If Teams is running, right-click the icon, select Quit, or use the shortcut Command+Q. Next:

  • In the Finder application, open the Applications/Utilities
  • Double-click on Terminal.
  • Enter the command: rm -r ~/Library/Application\ Support/Microsoft/Teams
  • Hit Return
  • Restart your Teams client.

Clear Microsoft Teams Cache Data on New Teams

If you’re using the new Microsoft Teams app, designed to run faster and take up fewer computing resources, there are two ways to clear the cache on Windows and Mac devices. Your first option is to simply “reset” the app. Again, this means exiting Teams, closing the app, and launching the app again.

This deletes all of the existing app data on your device. However, it will also remove any personalized settings you’ve configured, so I’d recommend noting anything you want to re-configure.

Clear New Microsoft Teams Cache on Windows

To reset your app on Windows, open the Windows Settings app. To do this, tap the Windows key on your keyboard, type “Settings,” and tap the enter button.

Click on the Settings app in the results. Then:

  • Navigate to Apps > Installed Apps and search for “Microsoft Teams.”
  • Locate the Microsoft Teams app and select the More Options (…) button on the right.
  • Select Advanced Options, and in the Reset section, click
  • Relaunch your Teams application.

Alternatively, you can delete the files in your cache manually. To do this, right-click the Teams icon in your taskbar and select Quit. Then, open the Run dialog box using your Windows key and the R key:

  • In the Run dialog box, enter: %userprofile%\appdata\local\Packages\MSTeams_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache\Microsoft\MSTeams, then click OK
  • Delete all the files and folders in the directory. To do this, use CTRL+A to select everything quickly, then hit the Del key on your keyboard.
  • Relaunch Teams.

Clear New Microsoft Teams Cache on Mac

Once again, you have a couple of options to clear new Microsoft Teams cache clutter on a Mac. If Microsoft Teams is still running, right-click the Teams icon and select Quit. Alternatively, you can use the Command+Q shortcut to close the application.

  • Select the Finder app, or click on your desktop background.
  • In Finder, open the Go tab, then Go to Folder
  • When a text box appears, enter this line of text: ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.com.microsoft.teams
  • You can move the contents of the folder that appears into the Trash. You can select an item or click CTRL+A to select everything, then right-click to choose “Move to Trash.”
  • Repeat the steps above and delete the items from this folder: ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.teams2
  • Relaunch Teams.

Alternatively, you can use the Terminal application on a Mac, which might be a little simpler. Again, quit out of Microsoft Teams and open the Finder app. Then:

  • Open the /Applications/Utilities folder and double-click the Terminal option
  • Enter the command: rm -rf ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.com.microsoft.teams, and hit return.
  • Then enter the command: rm -rf ~/Library/Containers/com.microsoft.teams2 and hit return.
  • Relaunch Teams.

Clearing Cache Data on Chrome, iOS, and Android

As most Microsoft Teams fans know, Teams isn’t just available as a desktop app. Users can also access the application on smartphones and directly on their browsers. The steps are slightly different if you need to clear the cache for a web or mobile Teams version.

How to Clear the Microsoft Teams Cache on a Browser

If you’re using a browser to access Microsoft Teams, the location of the data cache will vary depending on the browser you choose. You should be able to search for “cache” information about any popular browser online.

However, here’s a quick guide to how you can clear your browser on Chrome:

  • Go to the web interface for Microsoft Teams on your browser.
  • Click on the padlock icon in your URL bar (next to the URL).
  • From the menu, click on Site Settings.
  • Select Clear data.
  • Restart your browser.

How to Clear the Microsoft Teams Cache on iOS or Android

Clearing an app’s cache on Android is simpler than on iOS devices. On Android, you only need to open your smartphone’s Settings page and go to Apps. From there, scroll down to Teams and tap on the app.

Select the Storage option, and click Clear cache. This should empty your cache without affecting the functionality of the Teams software. On iOS, the process is slightly more unusual due to the complex security settings on Apple devices.

The only effective way to clear cache files on an iOS phone or tablet is to offload, uninstall, and reinstall the Teams app. To do this:

  • Open your device’s Settings app and tap
  • Select the Storage option for your device.
  • Locate and tap on the Teams
  • Choose to either Offload or Delete the app.

Offloading the app will remove all temporary Teams data on your device, including information within the cache. However, the app icon and other vital data will still be accessible. If you uninstall the app, you’ll need to reinstall it again before accessing Teams.

One Other Option: Use an External App

It doesn’t really take a lot of time or effort to clear Microsoft Teams cache clutter, but if you’re doing it regularly and find the process annoying, you can consider using a third-party app. There are apps online that you can use for all-in-one computer clearing and performance optimization.

Just make sure if you’re using one of these apps, you’re not deleting anything you actually need accidentally. Check exactly which information is going to be deleted in advance.

The good news is that a third-party app will usually allow you to clear other data from your system at the same time, such as unwanted files from your browser and cookies.

Troubleshooting Tips

If clearing your Microsoft Teams cache didn’t resolve the problems you’re having with Microsoft Teams, then various other factors could be at play. Check out my “Is Microsoft Teams Down” guide for more troubleshooting tips. Some quick strategies you can try include:

  • Checking online for Microsoft Teams technology outages.
  • Updating your version of Teams by clicking on the three dots next to your name, and selecting Update and restart Teams.
  • Deleting your Teams desktop app, uninstalling it, and re-downloading it. This will fix any potential corrupted files.
  • Check your firewall and antivirus software to ensure nothing is preventing access to certain Teams features.
  • Check your Wi-Fi and internet connection.
  • Update your operating system, graphics drivers, and other essential software.
  • Adjust your device’s power-saving settings to run on full performance mode.
  • Contact your IT support team, or Microsoft’s service team.

Remember, clearing your cache will usually fix a multitude of problems, but you might need to dig a little deeper if your app still isn’t behaving after the cache is clear.

How Often Should You Clear the Teams Cache?

Learning how to clear Microsoft Teams cache data is a valuable way to improve app performance. However, you shouldn’t need to do this too regularly. This is particularly true if you’re using the latest version of Microsoft Teams, built on more efficient architecture.

The new version of Teams already delivers a better overall performance than its predecessor, but that doesn’t mean its cache can’t become cluttered. Occasionally clearing your cache is a good way to overcome common issues, and keep your app working smoothly.

FAQ

What is cache storage in Teams?

Like most apps, Microsoft Teams uses a cache to store temporary information like files and chat history. The cache is crucial for improving the app’s performance but can also gradually slow down the app as it becomes more cluttered. It’s important to clear your cache semi-regularly to ensure the app performs as well as possible.

Where is the Teams cache stored?

The Teams cache will usually be stored on your device in one of the folders within your Mac or Windows system. On Windows, for instance, your Teams cache will be stored in the [user]\%appdata%\Microsoft\teams folder, which you can find with Windows Explorer.

Does clearing Teams cache delete chat history?

Your chat files will typically be stored in OneDrive, while Teams files are logged in SharePoint, so you shouldn’t use any essential data. Your conversion history and other factors should be unaffected, but you might need to personalize your app again.

Is it safe to delete Microsoft cache?

Deleting your Microsoft Teams cache is perfectly safe. It only removes temporary information from Teams, not any essential files or features you might need. Usually, after you delete your cache, your Teams system will sync any historical data to your app again automatically.

What happens if you delete all cache files?

Deleting all your cache files removes any unnecessary data stored by your Teams app and frees up extra disk space. However, it also removes personal data stored by your app, so you might need to re-implement any settings you’ve configured in Teams.

 



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