Where Is the pip Cache Stored?
pip download cache folder on Windows, macOS and Linux, and how to check or clear it safely.
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pip caches downloaded wheels to skip re downloads on repeat installs. The folder grows quietly and surprises people auditing disk use.
The location is one command away. Ask pip for its cache dir instead of trusting guides, since virtualenvs and env vars move it.
Where pip stores this, by platform
%LOCALAPPDATA%\pip\Cache
Default when PIP_CACHE_DIR is unset. The cache dir command prints the live path for your user and Python.
~/Library/Caches/pip
Follows Mac cache conventions. Clearing it never touches installed packages, only re download speed.
~/.cache/pip
Follows XDG cache home. Root installs may cache under /root/.cache instead of your user.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see my real pip cache path?
Run the pip cache dir subcommand. It resolves env vars and virtualenv overrides for you.
Can I delete the pip cache?
Yes. Purge removes everything safely. Future installs re download wheels as needed.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.