Microsoft Teams is a highly regarded communication platform that enables virtual meetings, file sharing, and instant messaging. Microsoft Teams also encounters errors or bugs that affect its efficiency like any other software. You can clear Teams cache to solve these issues, and in this guide, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step solution on how to clear Microsoft Teams cache on Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android.
Things to keep in mind before clearing Microsoft teams cache
- Clearing the cache on your Teams app will remove your temporary files, settings, and preferences.
- The chat history or files on your Teams account will not be deleted as they are stored on Microsoft’s servers.
- You have to enter your login information again.
- Caching should only be used as a last resort.
- Before making any changes, I recommend you backup your important data.
Why clear cache on Microsoft Teams
Cache stores temporary data such as images, audio, and video files, which can accumulate over time and consume a significant amount of storage space. Due to this, your Teams app can face slower loading times and more frequent crashes. However, clearing the cache over your Microsoft Teams app can free up storage, improve performance, and fix certain bugs or issues over time.
Aside from that, the cache stores sensitive data such as login credentials, chat logs, and files shared during a meeting. If your device is compromised or unauthorized users gain access to it, this can lead to privacy concerns. Clearing the cache of your Teams app on your Apple and non-Apple devices is simple and ensures data privacy and security.
How to clear your Microsoft Teams client cache on Mac
Microsoft Teams can perhaps appear sluggish or display outdated information, but you can easily clear its cache on Mac by following the instructions below.
1. Using Finder
- Force quit the Microsoft Teams app if active on your Mac.
- Access the Spotlight search by simultaneously pressing cmd + space on your keyboard.
- Type Finder and wait for the results to appear. Open the Finder app from the search results.
- Click Go from the menu at the top of the screen.
- Select Go to Folder from the dropdown list.
- Type ~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Teams in the displayed pop-up box and press Enter.
- Select all files (cmd + A) or select individually based on your needs in the folder.
- Now, either right-click and select Move to Bin or drag them all to the Bin icon to delete them.
You will not encounter any other issues apart from the initial slowdown when you launch the application for the first time. Therefore, you should not be concerned about deleting these files. It is because the Teams app is preparing the necessary files and folders.
2. Using Terminal
The Terminal is among the most valuable apps available on Mac, as it decreases reliance on your trackpad or mouse, enabling you features like navigating to folders swiftly. Another great and useful feature of the Terminal is to clear the Microsoft Teams cache on your MacBook. All you need to do is follow the below-mentioned steps precisely.
- Head to Launchpad, click on Others, and open Terminal.
- Type the command rm -r ~/Library/Application\ Support/Microsoft/Teams.
- Press return to execute the command.
Note: You will not see any confirmation messages. However, your Microsoft Teams cache on your Mac will be cleared.
How to clear your Microsoft Teams client cache on Windows
When Microsoft Teams on Windows begins to display error messages and other application flaws, it’s time to clear the app’s cache. You can easily accomplish this by precisely following the methods outlined below.
1. Using Settings app
- Right-click on the Start button to open the list and then select Installed Apps.
- Navigate to Microsoft Teams in the Settings window.
- Click the More icon (three dots) next to it, and choose Advanced options.
- Scroll down and click Reset beneath the Reset section.
- Finally, confirm your action by clicking the Reset button in the pop-up.
2. Via File Explorer
- Launch the Run box by pressing Windows Key + R simultaneously.
- Type %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams in the box next to Open and select OK.
- Select all folders in the File Explorer window by pressing Ctrl + A on your keyboard.
- Now, using your mouse or trackpad, right-click and select Delete or the Trash icon.
How to clear Microsoft Teams cache on iPhone
Microsoft Teams is one of the most loved apps, and iPhone users enjoy it as well. If you have an iPhone, you can delete the Microsoft Teams client cache using the methods listed below.
1. Delete the Teams cache via Teams app
- Launch the Teams app on your iPhone.
- Tap on the profile icon or your initials.
- Locate and open the Settings from the side drawer.
- Choose Data and storage under the General section.
- Now, tap on Clear app data beneath the Storage section.
Once the Microsoft Teams app data has been deleted, a Done message is flashed next to Clear app data.
2. Uninstall Microsoft Teams app
- Press and hold a blank space on your screen until all of the app icons on your Home Screen begin to shake.
- Tap the minus (-) icon in the top-left corner of the Teams app.
- Now, choose the Delete App from the pop-up box that appears.
- Lastly, confirm your action by tapping the Delete button.
You can also remove the Teams app from your iPhone’s Home screen by tapping and holding it, selecting Remove App from the dropdown list, picking Delete App from the pop-up box, and finally, picking the Delete option to confirm that you want to delete the application.
3. From Settings app on iPhone
- Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen to open App Switcher; then Force quit the Teams app.
- Navigate to your device’s Settings app.
- Locate and select Teams.
- Toggle on the switch next to Clear app data.
Congratulations! You have now successfully deleted the Microsoft Teams app data from your iPhone. You can now restart the app and use it normally.
Clear Microsoft Teams cache on Android
Clearing the Microsoft Teams cache on your Android device is not only easy but can also help you resolve a variety of app issues. To do so, ensure that you strictly adhere to the procedures outlined below.
1. Using Teams app
- Launch the Microsoft Teams app on your Android device.
- Tap on your image icon on the top left of the screen.
- Select Settings and go to Data and storage.
- Choose Clear app data and tap Clear data.
- Select Clear cache.
- Hit Ok.
- Tap the back arrow (←).
- Choose Clear temporary files and wait until you see a Successfully cleared temporary files notification.
- Tap Reset database.
You will now be redirected to a screen that says Just a moment where you must wait for it to finish resetting the database. When it’s finished, you’ll be taken to the Home screen of the Teams app. Congratulations! You’ve successfully cleared the Microsoft Teams cache on your android device.
2. From Android Settings
- Open the Settings app.
- Locate and select Apps.
- Tap Manage apps.
- Scroll down and navigate to the Teams app.
- Choose Force stop. Remember that this feature is only available if the app runs in the background.
- Select OK.
- Now, tap Clear data.
- Opt to Clear cache.
- Confirm by tapping OK.
How to clear Microsoft Teams cache on web browser
To avoid storage issues on their devices, many users prefer to use the Microsoft Teams website. Although third-party tools make it simple to uninstall apps on Windows or Mac, they prefer to use the browser version rather than downloading the app. If you are one of these users, here’s how to clear the Microsoft Teams cache on your Apple and non-Apple devices’ browsers.
1. Clear Microsoft Teams cache in Chrome
- Head to the Teams website on the Chrome browser.
- Click on the lock icon before the site title in the URL bar.
- Select Site Settings from the dialogue box.
- Hit Clear data under the usage section in the Settings tab.
- Confirm by clicking the Clear button.
2. Delete Microsoft Teams cache on Edge
- On the Edge URL bar, type edge:/settings/sitedata and press Enter.
- Find and expand all of the aforementioned:
- microsoft.com
- microsoftonline.com
- live.com
- Now, click the trash icon next to teams.
- Continue to remove it from all locations.
Say Goodbye to Pesky Microsoft Teams Troubles!
Several factors can cause Microsoft Teams to perform slowly on your Apple or non-Apple devices. Nonetheless, you can clear the cache and restart your Teams by following the above mentioned steps. I recommend contacting Microsoft Support if you continue to face issues. Furthermore, if you are having any other problems with any of your devices, please let me know by leaving a comment below. I’ll make every effort to assist you by resolving the issue on your device.
FAQs
Clearing the cache in Microsoft Teams does not delete any important data or information from the app. However, it will remove some temporary files and data that may be causing problems or provide you with an enhanced user experience.
Clear cache and clear data are two different methods of managing app data on Android devices. Clearing the cache entails deleting temporary files stored by an app on your device. On the other hand, Clearing data means deleting all data associated with an app, including accounts, app preferences, and any other data.
Yes, clearing the Teams cache is entirely safe because it does not harm any of your permanent files and can even help resolve some issues with the Teams app.