You open FiveM, ready to jump into your favorite GTA server. and boom. It’s slow. It crashes. It feels nothing like the smooth experience you had before.
Sounds familiar?
Before you blame the server or your internet, there’s one thing you need to check. Your FiveM cache.
Just like a cluttered drawer, your cache holds onto all sorts of junk files. Temporary data from past sessions, leftover logs, even corrupted game bits. Over time, it builds up and starts causing problems.
If your FiveM feels broken, slow, or weird. Clearing the cache is usually the fix.
Let me walk you through it. It takes just a few minutes.
1. Close GTA V and FiveM
Before you start, make sure you’ve completely exited GTA V and any games using FiveM. You might need to use Task Manager to ensure all related processes are closed.
2. Navigate to the FiveM Application Data folder
Open File Explorer and follow this path: “<Username> Folder > AppData > Local > FiveM > FiveM Application Data“
In this folder, find the file named “caches.xml“. Right-click on it and tap on the Delete icon.
3. Locate the FiveM Shortcut
Find the FiveM shortcut on your desktop or in the Start Menu. Right-click on it and choose “Open file location”.
4. Access the FiveM Application Data folder
In the opened location, look for a folder named “FiveM Application Data“.
5. Clear the Crashes Folder
Inside the FiveM Application Data folder, find the “crashes” folder. Open it and delete all files inside.
6. Clean Up the Logs Folder
Next, locate the “logs” folder. As with the crashes folder, delete all files inside.
7. Tidy up the Data Folder
Find the “Data” folder and delete all folders inside it, except for the “game-storage” folder. Leave this one untouched.
8. Empty your Recycle Bin
To complete the process, make sure to empty your Recycle Bin.
By following these steps, you’ve successfully cleared your FiveM cache. This should help resolve any issues you were experiencing with the mod.
What happens next?
When you launch FiveM again, it’s going to feel a bit different.
Why? Because it’s like the app just woke up from a deep nap. It needs to re-download some files and rebuild new cache folders.
That’s normal. Give it a minute. Everything will start fresh. No more lag. No more strange behavior.
Why does cache cause issues in the first place?
Every time you join a server, FiveM stores tiny pieces of information. like skins, maps, sounds, and server files.
It does this to speed up load times the next time you join.
But when one of those files gets corrupted or outdated, it can cause:
- Crashes
- Black screens
- Visual bugs
- Audio glitches
- Connection issues
Clearing the cache wipes out those broken files. FiveM replaces them with fresh ones the next time you join a server.
Should you clear the cache regularly?
Yes.
You don’t need to do it daily, but once a month is a good habit.
This is important if you switch between different servers. If you download a lot of custom content, you might notice strange behavior.
Think of it like spring cleaning for your game. It helps keep everything running smoothly and stably.
Will you lose saved data?
No.
Clearing your FiveM cache does not delete your characters, game progress, or server data.
All of that is stored server-side or in other folders. You’re only deleting temporary junk.
Your game is safe.
Can this fix crashes and lag?
Yes, in most cases.
If your game randomly crashes, takes forever to load, or lags when joining a server. Clearing the cache is one of the first things you should try.
It’s faster than reinstalling. Safer than messing with your settings. And usually, it works.
The takeaway
You’re not alone if FiveM is glitching or acting slow. It happens. And most of the time, the problem is sitting right there. in your cache.
Now you know how to clean it out. Step by step.
Close the app. Find the folders. Delete the junk. Keep only what’s needed.
Your FiveM will thank you. It’ll run smoother. Load faster. Crash less.
Make this part of your monthly routine. Treat it like maintenance. Because even digital engines need a little cleaning now and then.
And the next time your friends complain about lag, you’ll know exactly what to tell them.
You fixed yours. Now help them fix theirs.
