rplist

How to clear FiveM cache and fix the common errors

Most FiveM problems, like crashing on join, endless loading or textures missing, go away after clearing the cache. Here's how to do it without breaking anything, and what to try when it doesn't help.

Short answer
Close FiveM, open %localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\data, delete the cache, server-cache and server-cache-priv folders, and keep game-storage. Start FiveM again; the next join takes longer while it downloads fresh files.

Clear the FiveM cache, step by step

Takes a minute. Nothing here touches your GTA V install or your characters, which live on the servers.

  1. 1Close FiveM completelyCheck the system tray; FiveM sometimes keeps running in the background.
  2. 2Open the data folderPress Win + R, paste %localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\data and press Enter.
  3. 3Delete the cache foldersDelete cache, server-cache and server-cache-priv. Leave game-storage: deleting it forces a much bigger re-download.
  4. 4Start FiveM and rejoinThe first join downloads the server's files again, so give it a few minutes on a big server.

If clearing the cache didn't fix it

Crash on join, same server every time: the server's files may be broken or too heavy for your PC. Try a different server. If others work, ask that server's Discord.

“Needs to update the game cache” on every launch: verify GTA V's files in your launcher (Steam: Properties → Installed Files → Verify), then start FiveM again.

Stuck on loading screen: big cities download hundreds of megabytes on first join. If it hasn't moved for ten minutes, clear the cache and try again on a wired connection.

Game crashes for every server: update your graphics drivers, turn off overlays (Discord, Steam, GeForce Experience) one at a time, and remove any ReShade or graphics mods from the FiveM folder.

Global bans vs server bans

A global ban comes from Cfx.re and blocks every FiveM server, usually because cheat software was detected. A server ban is one community's decision and only blocks that server. Cfx.re support is the place for global bans; for a server ban, read that server's rules and ask on its Discord.

Questions

Where is the FiveM cache folder?
In %localappdata%\FiveM\FiveM.app\data. The cache lives in the cache, server-cache and server-cache-priv folders inside it.
Is it safe to clear the FiveM cache?
Yes, as long as you keep the game-storage folder. Everything else is downloaded again the next time you join a server.
What does 'FiveM needs to update the game cache' mean?
FiveM keeps its own copy of some GTA V files and needs to download updated ones. Let it finish. If it repeats every launch, verify your GTA V files in Steam, Rockstar Games Launcher or Epic, then start FiveM again.
Why was I banned from FiveM?
Global bans come from Cfx.re's anti-cheat, usually for cheat software, and apply to every server. Server bans are one server's decision. Cfx.re support explains global bans; for a server ban, ask on that server's Discord.
Will clearing cache fix a global ban?
No. Bans aren't stored in the cache. Anything promising to remove a ban by deleting files is a scam or malware.