Using Content Caching

You can instruct your Mac to cache software updates, app downloads and iCloud content so the other devices on your home network can access these quickly. This works best if you have plenty of hard drive space to spare and many Apple devices in your home.



Apple’s support document: About Content Caching

Comments: 10 Responses to “Using Content Caching”

    Sas
    6 years ago

    Thanks! This is a great one!

    Ron
    6 years ago

    So, you set content caching ONLY on the Mac with the large disk space and the other Macs benefit via sharing, but content caching is not activated on those other Macs, right?

    6 years ago

    Ron: Right. They just use the cache, they don't become a cache themselves.

    Steve
    6 years ago

    Gary, I like the idea but where are the files stored. Apple says the root directory but after downloading an app from the store I couldn't locate it in the root. I is in the Applications folder. And does the cache automatically broadcast to the other Macs? Maybe I just need to look in the Apps folder of my laptop.

    6 years ago

    Steve: This doesn't change what happens when you download a Mac app. It installs in the Applications folder as before. I'm not sure if it then makes the download available to other Macs like it does for iOS downloads on your network. The whole thing works automatically and there isn't a place for a typical Mac user to look to see those data files it caches.

    Steve
    6 years ago

    OK, can't freeload anymore. I am now a Patron...thanks for all you do for the Apple community

    6 years ago

    Steve: Thanks!

    Steve & Sharin Housley
    6 years ago

    Thought I'd add to the discussion. I downloaded the latest OSX update to my iMac. It took 22 minutes, not including the install. The I opened the download on my 2016 MBP. the download took 2 minutes!!!

    Paulette
    6 years ago

    I have High Sierra V 10.3.4 but could not locate sharing. in System Preferences.

    6 years ago

    Paulette: If you are having trouble locating something in System Preferences, use the Search box at the top. You can also go to the View menu in the menu bar to see an alphabetical list.

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