You might notice Microsoft Teams running slowly after extended use, and clearing its cache often resolves performance issues. Learning how to clear the Microsoft Teams cache is a simple but effective way to fix lag, login errors, and display glitches without reinstalling the app.
Over time, Teams stores temporary files like images, thumbnails, and chat logs. This cache helps the app load faster initially, but it can become bloated. When that happens, you see frozen screens, slow message loading, or even crashes.
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step methods to clear the cache on Windows, Mac, and even mobile devices. No technical skills needed. Just follow along.
Why Clearing The Microsoft Teams Cache Helps
Before we jump into the steps, let’s quickly understand why this matters. The cache is a folder where Teams saves data to speed things up. But if the cache gets corrupted or too large, it causes problems.
Common issues that clearing the cache fixes:
- Teams won’t start or gets stuck on loading
- Messages take forever to send or appear
- Video calls are choppy or won’t connect
- Calendar events don’t sync properly
- Notifications stop working
Clearing the cache is safe. It doesn’t delete your chats, files, or account settings. You’ll just need to sign in again and wait for some data to reload.
How To Clear The Microsoft Teams Cache On Windows
This is the most common scenario. Windows users can clear the cache in a few minutes. Make sure Teams is fully closed first.
Step 1: Completely Close Microsoft Teams
Right-click the Teams icon in your system tray (near the clock). Select “Quit.” Do not just close the window. Check Task Manager to ensure no Teams processes are running.
Step 2: Open The Cache Folder
Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type this path exactly:
%appdata%\Microsoft\Teams
Press Enter. This opens the Teams data folder.
Step 3: Delete The Cache Contents
Inside the Teams folder, you’ll see several subfolders. Look for these:
- Cache
- Code Cache
- blob_storage
- databases
- GPUCache
- Local Storage
- tmp
Select all these folders and delete them. Don’t delete the main Teams folder itself. Just the subfolders listed above.
Step 4: Restart Teams
Launch Microsoft Teams again. It will create fresh cache files. Sign in with your credentials. The app should feel faster and more responsive.
If you still have issues, try step 5 below.
Step 5: Clear The Desktop Cache (Alternative Method)
Sometimes the cache is stored elsewhere. Press Windows Key + R again and type:
%localappdata%\Microsoft\Teams
Delete the same subfolders: Cache, Code Cache, blob_storage, etc. Restart Teams.
How To Clear The Microsoft Teams Cache On Mac
Mac users have a similar process. The folder location is different but just as easy.
Step 1: Quit Microsoft Teams Completely
Click the Teams icon in the menu bar and select “Quit.” Or right-click the Dock icon and choose “Quit.” Make sure it’s not running in the background.
Step 2: Open The Cache Folder
Open Finder. Click “Go” in the top menu, then “Go to Folder.” Type this path:
~/Library/Application Support/Microsoft/Teams
Press Enter.
Step 3: Delete Cache Subfolders
You’ll see the same subfolders as on Windows. Delete these:
- Cache
- Code Cache
- blob_storage
- databases
- GPUCache
- Local Storage
- tmp
Empty the Trash afterward.
Step 4: Restart Teams
Open Teams from the Applications folder. Sign in again. The app will rebuild the cache. Performance should improve.
How To Clear The Microsoft Teams Cache On Mobile
Mobile apps also store cache. Here’s how to clear it on iOS and Android.
For IPhone And IPad
iOS doesn’t let you clear app cache directly. Instead, you must uninstall and reinstall the Teams app.
- Press and hold the Teams icon on your home screen.
- Select “Remove App” then “Delete App.”
- Go to the App Store, search for Microsoft Teams, and download it again.
- Sign in. Your chats and files will sync from the server.
For Android
Android offers a cache-clearing option.
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Go to “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
- Find Microsoft Teams in the list.
- Tap “Storage & cache.”
- Select “Clear cache.” Do not select “Clear storage” unless you want to reset the app.
- Restart Teams.
How To Clear The Microsoft Teams Cache Using A Script
If you manage multiple computers or just want a faster way, use a simple script. This works on Windows.
Create A Batch File
Open Notepad. Paste this code:
@echo off
taskkill /f /im teams.exe
timeout /t 3 /nobreak
cd %appdata%\Microsoft\Teams
rmdir /s /q Cache
rmdir /s /q Code Cache
rmdir /s /q blob_storage
rmdir /s /q databases
rmdir /s /q GPUCache
rmdir /s /q Local Storage
rmdir /s /q tmp
start "" "C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Teams\Update.exe" --processStart "Teams.exe"
exit
Save the file as ClearTeamsCache.bat. Run it as Administrator. It closes Teams, deletes the cache folders, and restarts the app.
What Happens After You Clear The Cache
After clearing the cache, you’ll notice a few changes:
- Teams may take slightly longer to load the first time because it rebuilds cache.
- Your profile picture and chat thumbnails will reload.
- Some settings might reset to default, like notification preferences.
- You’ll need to sign in again.
These are normal. The app will work smoother after the initial rebuild.
How Often Should You Clear The Cache
There’s no fixed schedule. Clear the cache when you experience problems. Some users do it weekly if they use Teams heavily. Others only do it when issues arise.
Signs you need to clear the cache:
- Teams uses excessive memory (check Task Manager)
- App freezes or crashes repeatedly
- Search results are missing or outdated
- Files won’t upload or download
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Don’t delete the entire Teams folder. Only delete the subfolders listed. Deleting the main folder can break the app and require a reinstall.
Don’t skip closing Teams completely. If it’s running, some cache files are locked and won’t delete.
Don’t use “Clear storage” on Android unless you want to reset all app data. Stick to “Clear cache.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Clearing The Cache Delete My Chats?
No. Your chats are stored on Microsoft’s servers. Clearing cache only removes local temporary files. After you sign in, all messages sync back.
How Do I Clear The Microsoft Teams Cache Without Signing Out?
You must close Teams completely. There’s no way to clear cache while the app is running. But you don’t need to sign out manually—just quit the app.
Does Clearing Cache Fix Teams Not Loading?
Yes, often. Corrupted cache is a common cause of loading issues. If clearing cache doesn’t work, try reinstalling Teams or checking your internet connection.
Can I Clear The Cache On Teams Web Version?
The web version uses your browser’s cache. Clear your browser cache instead. In Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete and select “Cached images and files.”
Is There A Faster Way To Clear Teams Cache?
Yes, use the batch script provided above. It automates the process. You can also create a desktop shortcut to run it quickly.
Final Tips For Keeping Teams Fast
Clearing the cache is just one step. Here are other ways to keep Teams running smoothly:
- Keep Teams updated. Check for updates in the three-dot menu.
- Disable unnecessary integrations and add-ins.
- Limit the number of teams and channels you join.
- Use the web version if the desktop app is too heavy.
- Restart your computer regularly to free up memory.
If you follow these steps, your Teams experience should be much better. The cache clearing method works for most performance issues. Try it the next time Teams feels sluggish.
Remember, the exact keyword “how to clear the microsoft teams cache” is what brought you here. Now you know exactly how to do it. Bookmark this page for future reference.
One last thing: if you’re on a shared computer, clearing cache also removes your sign-in info. Make sure you have your password handy. For personal devices, it’s no problem.
That’s it. You’ve successfully learned how to clear the Microsoft Teams cache. Go ahead and try it. Your Teams app will thank you.