Find and show the hidden Library folder on your Mac

Why it happens

The Library folder in your home folder holds app settings, caches and support files. macOS hides it so nothing important gets moved or deleted by accident. It's still there, and you can open it whenever an app's help page or support person asks you to.

How to fix it

1. Click the Finder icon in the Dock so Finder's menus show in the menu bar.

2. Click Go in the menu bar, then press and hold Option. Library appears below Home. Keep holding Option and click it.

   Finder›Go›Library (hold Option)

3. To keep the folder visible all the time, open your home folder with Shift-Command-H, then choose View > Show View Options (Command-J) and tick Show Library Folder.

   Finder›View›Show View Options

Still not fixed?

1. You can also type the path. Press Shift-Command-G in Finder, type ~/Library and press Return.

   Finder›Go›Go to Folder…

2. There are two Library folders. The one at the top of your drive is for the whole Mac and isn't hidden. The hidden one inside your home folder is yours, and it's usually the one you're asked about.

3. Be careful in there. Deleting the wrong file can reset an app's settings or stop it working, so move files to the desktop first if you're unsure, and back up with Time Machine.

4. If Library doesn't appear in the Go menu while you hold Option, click on the desktop first so Finder is in front. If it's still missing, contact Apple Support.