About Photo Cache folders

Learn more about the Photo Cache folders for iPhone, iPad, iPod and Apple TV, including how to find and remove them if you need to.

When you use iTunes to sync photos, iTunes creates these cache folders:

  • iPod Photo Cache
  • Apple TV Photo Cache

In these folders, iTunes stores photos that are optimized for your device. 

Find or remove the Photo Cache folders

The location of these folders depends on how you sync photos with iTunes. Remove these folders only if:

  • An AppleCare advisor or another Apple Support article recommends that you remove them.
  • You need to free up space on your Mac or PC. 

If you delete these folders, you won't lose your original photos. Your cache folders are restored the next time that you sync photos with your device.

If you use Photos, iPhoto, or Aperture on a Mac

If you sync from a Photos, iPhoto, or Aperture library, find the Photo Cache folder in its default location:

  1. In the Finder menu, choose Go > Home. 
  2. In the Pictures folder, find the Photos Library, iPhoto Library, or Aperture Library file.
  3. Control- or right-click the file, then choose Show Package Contents.
  4. To remove the iPod Photo Cache or Apple TV Photo Cache folder, drag it to the Trash.
    Don't change or remove any other file this window. If you do, you might lose data or corrupt your photo library.
  5. Close the window.

If you can't find your cache folders, or aren't sure that you need to remove them, contact Apple Support.

If you use a Windows PC, another photo app, or a different sync folder

Search your hard drive to find or remove the iPod Photo Cache folder or the Apple TV Photo Cache folder.

To search the hard drive on your Mac:

  1. Open a Finder window.
  2. In the search field, type "iPod Photo Cache" or "Apple TV Photo Cache."
  3. To remove the folder, drag it to the Trash.

To search the hard drive on your Windows PC:

  1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
  2. Click the magnifying glass icon, or click in the search field.
  3. Type "iPod Photo Cache" or "Apple TV Photo Cache," then press Return.
  4. To remove the folder, drag it to the trash.

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