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How to Clear Google Drive Cache on Mac

Fix slow Mac performance caused by Google Drive cache buildup without deleting any files.

Last Updated: July 2026

When to use this

Your Mac is running slow, Finder isn't loading, or everything feels sluggish after working off Google Drive for an extended period. This is a cache buildup issue — not a file problem. Nothing in Drive is at risk.

Why this happens

Google Drive for Desktop stores temporary cache files on your local machine as you work. Over time these files accumulate and eat up storage, causing performance issues even though your actual files live in the cloud.

What you need

  • Mac with Google Drive for Desktop installed
  • Admin access to your Mac (standard for all designers)
  • 5 minutes

Steps

  1. Quit Google Drive completely
    • Click the Drive icon in your Mac menu bar
    • Click the gear icon
    • Select Quit
  2. Open Go to Folder in Finder
    • Press Shift + Cmd + G
    • Or: Finder menu bar → Go → Go to Folder
  3. Paste this path exactly:
    ~/Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS
  4. Open the DriveFS folder and locate the folder named cache
  5. Delete the cache folder only
    • Right-click → Move to Trash
  6. Empty the Trash
  7. Relaunch Google Drive
    • Drive will rebuild the cache automatically — this is normal

Critical warning

Only delete the cache folder inside DriveFS. Do NOT delete the full DriveFS folder or any other folder inside it. Deleting only the cache removes temporary files — nothing linked to Google Drive is affected.

After the fix

Your Mac should load Finder normally and run significantly faster. If slowness returns within a short period, flag it to E.A. — it may indicate a deeper storage issue on the machine.

IF THE CACHE CLEAR DOESN'T WORK — FULL REINSTALL

If your Mac is still slow after clearing the cache or Google Drive isn't syncing properly, a full uninstall and reinstall is the next step. This does not delete your Drive files — everything lives in the cloud.

  1. Quit Google Drive completely
    • Click the Drive icon in your Mac menu bar
    • Click the gear icon
    • Select Quit
  2. Uninstall Google Drive
    • Open Finder → Applications
    • Drag Google Drive to the Trash
    • Empty the Trash
  3. Restart your Mac
  4. Reinstall Google Drive
    • Download the latest version from drive.google.com/drive/download
    • Install and sign in with your Signature Google account
  5. Allow Drive to fully resync before opening any files

WHEN TO USE WHICH FIX

Issue Fix
Mac running slow, Finder lagging Cache clear first
Drive not syncing, files not updating Full reinstall
Cache clear didn't help Full reinstall

 

Applies to

All Signature Athletics designers using Mac + Google Drive for Desktop.