How to Clear RAM on Mac: 6 Best Ways to Speed Up Mac

RAM, also referred to as Random Access Memory on Mac, is the space that lets you run macOS and other applications on your computer. It is responsible for various tasks and processes that are required for processing. So your Mac’s performance greatly depends on the size of RAM. If it’s not sufficient to run the programs that are running the system, it’s likely to slow down the Mac’s browsing. In this guide, you’ll learn how to clear RAM on Mac using built-in tools and practical methods.

You may have to reduce or clear RAM when you observe certain apps or programs are performing poorly. In this way, you will free up memory, improving your Mac’s performance. Keep studying and read the info below to learn how to clear RAM on Mac. There are instructions above that you can follow.

Why is Mac Using So Much RAM

Different situations could cause different circumstances that could cause your Mac to overuse RAM, for example, the Mac applications, visited sites, loaded pictures, etc. For instance, if running an application or program that uses a lot of memory, such as games, media software, and so on, your RAM must be adequate for the application to function smoothly. If it isn’t, then your Mac will be unable to handle the various processes, which can cause sluggish Mac performance, particularly when you run multiple applications at the same time. So one of the main reasons your Mac consumes a lot of RAM is the types of applications and many running processes in your macOS.

Also read: 7 Best DDR5 RAM for Gaming, Editing & Multitasking

How to Clear RAM on Mac?

If you know why your Mac consumes so much RAM, you should be interested in how to clear or reduce its usage to free up more memory. Here are the proven methods we’ve compiled to help you solve this issue.

1. Close Unused Browser Tabs

A browsing application is one of the applications that consumes a lot of RAM on the Mac. When you browse online, your browser will automatically store data from various websites you browse. Therefore, it consumes memory, especially when multiple tabs are open, causing the MacBook to slow down. To minimize its usage, close browser tabs you do not use.

Learn the steps below to know how to clear RAM on Mac by closing unneeded tabs on your browsers:

Step 1. If you have multiple tabs open in your browser, go through them one by one and decide which ones aren’t being utilized. Additionally, take a look at the non-essential ones to see if they can close them down.

Step 2. Once you’ve decided on close tabs, click on the ” x” icon at the top of each tab. This will successfully close them in your browser.

2. Restart Your Mac

You can also perform an uninitiated reboot to clear the memory on your Mac. When you shut off your computer, the RAM will be cleared automatically, and you can achieve better performance when it starts up. In addition, restarting could resolve minor problems like glitches and lag. It is regarded as one of the best and most efficient ways to troubleshoot issues for Mac and other gadgets.

Follow the instructions on how to clear RAM on Mac by restarting:

Step 1. The usual way to reboot a Mac is to click on the Apple icon and then Restart. However, if a similar issue has occurred, restart it by holding and pressing the Power button until it turns off.

Step 2. Keep waiting for a few seconds until your Mac is completely shut down. After that, press the power button again to reboot your Mac with a clear RAM.

3. Use Activity Monitor

Activity Monitor is a Mac application, and, as the name suggests, its primary purpose is to monitor activities on the Mac. This application can see the tasks, programs, or background programs that occupy your RAM. It allows you to close them in a few steps on its interface. Additionally, it displays your RAM’s status on the screen.

Follow the easy steps below for a clear understanding of how to clear RAM on Mac by using Activity Monitor:

Step 1. Locate the Activity Monitor application by opening the Finder > Applications > Utilities. You can also click open the Launchpad icon on your Dock, and use the search box on the right side of the app to open Activity Monitor.

Step 2. Select the memory tab at the upper right of the Activity Monitor interface to bring up the process to display. Other details are at the bottom, so that you can look them up. Select the unused processes one by one, then click on the ” x” icon at the top of the screen. If a dialog box appears, then click Quit to close the process or task.

4. Update macOS

And, right now, I’m one of those who cannot wait to upgrade the software on my Mac to the latest version of macOS. If you’re not one of them — and most Mac owners aren’t– it could be some time since you last. Indeed, Apple’s update programs often include bug fixes that can fix the issue you’re experiencing.

Updating macOS is as simple as opening System Preferences, then selecting Software Update. If available, you can update your device.

5. Use Terminal Command

Another way to clear RAM on Mac is to execute a specific command in the Terminal application (found under the Applications menu > Utilities). Input ” sudo purge” and then enter your administrator password if asked, and the inactive memory is erased immediately.

Also read: 10 Best File Recovery Software for Mac: Recover Deleted or Lost Files

6. Clear Cache Files

Cleaning the RAM cache can also help you free up memory on Mac. This action can be performed through the Finder application. Here’s how you can do this:

• Start it using the Finder application for your Mac.
• Select Go and tap Go to Folder.
• Enter “/Library/Caches/” and press Enter. Then drag and drop any folders you don’t want into the trash, finally emptying your trash.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clear RAM on Mac is easy with several steps, such as restarting your Mac, closing unused apps, clearing cache, and managing startup items, which can dramatically improve speed.

FAQs: How to Clear RAM on Mac