How to Clear Cache in FiveM

Learn how to clear FiveM cache to fix common issues like loading problems, outdated resources, and connection errors.

Overview

FiveM cache stores downloaded resources and game data to improve performance. However, cached files can sometimes become corrupted or outdated, causing various issues. Clearing the cache is often the first troubleshooting step for FiveM problems.

When to Clear Cache

Clear your FiveM cache when experiencing:

• ✅ Connection issues - Can’t connect to servers
• ✅ Loading problems - Infinite loading screens
• ✅ Resource errors - Scripts not working properly
• ✅ Outdated content - Old textures or models showing
• ✅ Performance issues - FPS drops or stuttering
• ✅ Server update problems - New content not downloading

Method 1: Complete Cache Clear (Recommended)

Step 1: Close FiveM Completely

1. Exit FiveM completely
2. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
3. Look for any FiveM processes and end them
4. Also end any Steam or Rockstar Launcher processes if they’re running

Step 2: Navigate to FiveM Data Folder

Windows 10/11:

%localappdata%/FiveM/FiveM.app/data

How to access:

1. Press Windows Key + R
2. Type: %localappdata%
3. Navigate to: FiveM → FiveM.app → data

Step 3: Delete Cache Folders

Delete these folders completely:

• cache/
• server-cache/
• server-cache-priv/

Step 4: Clear Additional Locations

FiveM Application Data:

%localappdata%/FiveM/FiveM.app/logs

CitizenFX Folder:

%appdata%/CitizenFX

Step 5: Restart and Test

1. Restart your computer (recommended)
2. Launch FiveM
3. Connect to your server
4. Allow resources to download fresh

Method 2: Selective Cache Clear

If you don’t want to clear everything, you can selectively clear specific components:

Clear Only Server Cache

Navigate to:

%localappdata%/FiveM/FiveM.app/data/server-cache

Delete folders for specific servers that are causing issues.

Clear Only Resource Cache

Navigate to:

%localappdata%/FiveM/FiveM.app/data/cache/files

Delete resource-specific folders.

Method 3: Using FiveM Built-in Options

Clear Cache via FiveM Settings

1. Open FiveM
2. Click Settings (gear icon)
3. Go to Game tab
4. Click Reset Setting → Clear cache
5. Restart FiveM

F8 Console Commands

Press F8 in FiveM and use these commands:

quit

Then manually clear cache folders and restart.

Advanced Troubleshooting

Clear Steam Download Cache

If using Steam version of GTA V:

1. Open Steam
2. Go to Steam → Settings
3. Click Downloads
4. Click Clear Download Cache
5. Restart Steam

Reset FiveM Completely

For persistent issues, reset FiveM entirely:

1. Uninstall FiveM completely
2. Delete these folders:
   • %localappdata%/FiveM
   • %appdata%/CitizenFX
3. Restart computer
4. Download and install fresh FiveM

Cache Folders Explained

Prevent Cache Issues

Regular Maintenance

1. Clear cache monthly - Prevents buildup
2. Update FiveM regularly - Latest version fixes issues
3. Close FiveM properly - Don’t force quit
4. Monitor disk space - Low space causes cache problems

Server Owner Tips

For server owners experiencing player cache issues:

-- Add to server.cfg
set sv_disableClientReplacement true
set sv_forceVersionMatch true

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Cache Won’t Delete

Solution:

1. End all FiveM processes in Task Manager
2. Restart computer
3. Try deleting cache again
4. If still locked, use Unlocker utility

Issue: Resources Still Not Loading

Solution:

1. Clear cache completely
2. Verify GTA V integrity (Steam: Right-click → Properties → Local Files → Verify)
3. Update graphics drivers
4. Check server status

Issue: Infinite Loading Screen

Solution:

1. Clear cache using Method 1
2. Delete %userprofile%/Documents/Rockstar Games/GTA V/
3. Restart router/internet connection
4. Try different server

Issue: FiveM Won’t Start After Cache Clear

Solution:

1. Run FiveM as administrator
2. Disable antivirus temporarily
3. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables
4. Check Windows updates

Batch Script for Quick Cache Clear

Create a .bat file for quick cache clearing:

@echo off
echo Clearing FiveM Cache...
 
taskkill /f /im FiveM.exe >nul 2>&1
taskkill /f /im FiveM_ChromiumProcess.exe >nul 2>&1
taskkill /f /im FiveM_GTAProcess.exe >nul 2>&1
 
timeout /t 2 >nul
 
rd /s /q "%localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\data\cache" >nul 2>&1
rd /s /q "%localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\data\server-cache" >nul 2>&1
rd /s /q "%localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\data\server-cache-priv" >nul 2>&1
 
echo Cache cleared successfully!
echo You can now restart FiveM.
pause

Alternative Cache Locations

Some installations may have cache in different locations:

Portable FiveM:

[FiveM Installation Folder]/data/cache

Custom Installation:

[Custom Path]/FiveM/data/cache

Best Practices

1. Close FiveM properly - Always exit through the menu
2. Don’t delete while running - Always close FiveM first
3. Backup saves - Keep important game data backed up
4. Regular updates - Keep FiveM and GTA V updated
5. Monitor performance - Clear cache when issues arise

Linux/Mac Instructions

Linux (Wine/Lutris)

rm -rf ~/.local/share/FiveM/FiveM.app/data/cache
rm -rf ~/.local/share/FiveM/FiveM.app/data/server-cache

macOS (if supported)

rm -rf ~/Library/Application\ Support/FiveM/cache

Conclusion

Clearing FiveM cache is a simple but effective solution for most FiveM-related issues. Regular cache maintenance prevents problems and ensures optimal performance. Always start with a complete cache clear for best results.

Remember to be patient after clearing cache - resources need time to download fresh from servers.

Still having issues? Join our GitHub discussions or check out more troubleshooting guides.