In this age of terabyte flash drives and cloud storage, it's easy to forget that storage space is finite. But it is, and as software gets more sophisticated and must-have apps become more plentiful, you can eat through a 1TB SSD in no time at all.
Sure, in theory, if your Mac hard drive gets full you can just upgrade, but at around $800 for a 2TB iMac SSD and $2800 for a 4TB SSD neither option is exactly affordable. Plus, it's not just room for files that you get from a hard drive, it directly affects performance too. Let your hard drive get full and see how sluggish your Mac runs. Actually, don't do that you'll drive yourself crazy.
Check Storage Space on Mac. Part 1: Top 5 Solutions to Check Free Storage Space on Mac; Part 2: How to Clear up Hard Drive Storage Space on Mac Efficiently; Part 1: Top 5 Solutions to Check Free Storage Space on Mac Solution 1 Preview storage device. When you select a file in the Finder of Mac and press the blank space key, you will get a.
- Open the Apple menu, then select About This Mac. Click the Storage tab in the toolbar to see how much disk space you have available. (On OS X Mountain Lion or Mavericks, click the More info.
- The most basic way to check free disk space on a Mac is by using Finder. Open a new Finder window by pressing Command+N or selecting File New Finder Window in the menu bar. (You can also use a little-known shortcut to open one from anywhere.) In the window that opens, click on the drive you'd like to check in the sidebar.
For optimum performance, you should continually monitor Mac hard drive space to make sure there's always room for your next big download. Keep reading to learn how to find storage on your Mac and use it more efficiently.
How to check storage on your Mac?
The simplest way to check Mac hard drive space is by accessing About This Mac.
- Click on the Apple icon and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage.
Keyboard shortcut icons mac. Note: If you're running an older version of OS X, you may need to click More Info to find the Storage option.
The Storage tab will show you how much space is being taken up by the System, Documents, Apps, and more. It will also display available space.
What to do when your hard drive is full?
If your Mac hard drive is nearing capacity, your system will let you know with a 'disk almost full' warning prompting you to free up some space.
If you see this warning it's best to act on it. To free up space on your startup disk you'll need to do one or all of these three things:
- Delete files
- Move files over to cloud storage or an external hard drive
- Install a second hard drive or add a larger startup disk
Options 1 and 2 are the easiest, but if you're thinking of upgrading your existing disk, check out our guide.
If you're running macOS Sierra or higher, you can get some free space by optimizing your storage with in-build tools. To do this, go to the Apple menu and select About This Mac. Here, go to the Storage tab and press Manage.
In the window that appears, you can see some tips on reclaiming free space. Here's how to manage storage on your Mac:
- Click Store in iCloud. Choose what data you want to transfer to iCloud and confirm.
- Click Optimize to remove movies and TV programs.
- Turn on Empty Bin Automatically.
- Click Reduce Clutter to review all your documents.
This is a quick and easy way to free up space but it's not ideal. You see, when files are moved to iCloud, junk and useless files are moved too. This means you max out your iCloud storage quicker and end up having to pay for more. For this reason, we recommend using CleanMyMac X to detect junk files and completely remove them from your system.
Delete large and old files first
Usually, old large files are the biggest space wasters on our Macs. It probably happens to anyone: you open your brand new MacBook and download multiple files, which seem to be very useful at first. But, later, you forget about these items, and they end up cluttering your storage. It's time to dig up these old massive files. And CleanMyMac X can help you out with that task.
With a dedicated Large & Old Files module, you can quickly clear your Mac.
- Download CleanMyMac X (a free trial is available).
- Install and launch the app.
- Go to the Large & Old files module.
- Press Scan.
Now, all you have to do is select old files that CleanMyMac X has found and press Remove.
Another CleanMyMac X useful feature is Space Lens. It builds a virtual map of your storage, so you can see where all your space is gone. You need just to hover over any folder to find out its weight or click it to view its contents.
How to free up Mac hard drive space manually
Deleting files manually is a simple task, but it can also be time-consuming. The best way to go about it is to find old documents, downloads, music, and applications you no longer need and drag them to the Trash.
When you do this you'll need to remember to empty the Trash, otherwise, files will just sit there and free up no space at all.
- Right-click Trash in the Dock.
- Select Empty Bin and confirm.
You can also remove old iTunes Library backups, iOS backups and updates, and clear cached files using the Finder.
- Open a Finder window and select Go in the menu bar.
- Click on Go to Folder and enter one of the following commands:
- Caches:
~/Library/Caches - iTunes Library backups:
~/Music/iTunes/Previous iTunes Libraries - iOS backups:
~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ - iOS software updates iPad:
~/Library/iTunes/iPad Software Updates - iOS software updates iPhone:
~/Library/iTunes/iPhone Software Updates
3. Browse each of the folders and delete any files you no longer need.
As said, clearing files manually is easy but it comes with one rather sizeable caveat: moving things to Trash leaves behind a residue — leftover pieces of files that serve no purpose other than to take up hard drive space. There you are doing your best to remove files only for Mac to be incapable of fully deleting whatever you want to get rid of.
So, what can you do about that? Yep… CleanMyMac X.
Freeing up Mac hard drive space with CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X scours your system for all old, outdated, and broken files, and completely removes them from your system. It's the quickest and easiest way to free up a lot of space at once.
If you need to optimize disk space in a hurry, download CleanMyMac X and select the option to clean up System Junk. This will remove old cache files and logs, broken app data, unused languages, and excessive versions of documents in a couple of clicks.
- Download and launch CleanMyMac X.
- Choose System Junk from the menu.
- Click Scan.
- Click Clean.
A full disk is something all Mac users experience at some point. Thankfully, it's easy to reclaim space using Mac's own optimization feature or the Finder if you're doing things manually, or CleanMyMac X if you prefer a more comprehensive solution. As you'll likely need to clean up the hard drive a few times a year, we'd suggest going down the CleanMyMac X route but, of course, we're biased. Try the different methods and see what works best for you.
Keep your Mac in good shape
I hope you managed to find out what exactly took too much space on your Mac. Here're some tips to prevent clutter in your storage in the future:
- Clear old files
To use your storage more efficiently, you need to declutter your Mac once in a while. Remove apps, documents, photos, and media that you don't need on your Mac. Transfer your data to the hard drive or store it in the cloud. A perfectly organized storage also boosts your productivity, which is another advantage of keeping your space tidy.
How to install a font in word for mac.
- Delete apps completely
And by 'completely,' I mean together with all the files associated with the app. Dragging an app to the Trash will probably leave its data in your system. So, make sure you remove your apps using native uninstallers or special tools, like CleanMyMac X.
- Empty Trash
This is pretty straightforward advice, but many of us still forget to do it. Trashed files can take gigantic amounts of space. https://chrislaveket1980.mystrikingly.com/blog/download-special-k-for-sierra-utility-1-0. Remember to clear the Bin after you deleted some files on your Mac.
- Update your software
Best format for external drive mac. When you Mac acts laggy, you may think it's running out of space. But, outdated software can cause the same symptoms. Updates often contain bug fixes and improvements that can positively affect how your app and your Mac run. Updating both OS and apps to the latest version will ensure the smooth performance of your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is taking up so much space on my Mac?
To find out what's taking storage on your Mac, go to the Apple menu. Here, choose About This Mac. Go to the Storage tab and click Manage to see how much space takes each category.
How to find large files on Mac?
In Finder, press the little gear icon and select Show Search Criteria. Click Kind filter and choose Other. Then select File Size from the list. Select 'is greater than' criteria in the second box. Enter the size (for example, 400 MB), and then the search results will update, showing you the large files on your Mac.
How much space should the system take up on Mac?
Mac's system takes about 20 GB on average. If your Mac's system is considerably bigger than 20-25 GB, try emptying the Trash. Performing a clean install may be necessary in some cases – it will reinstall your OS and clear your storage. But, make sure to back up your data first.
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When you check the storage on your Mac, you might see a significant percentage of space occupied by something called ‘Other.' macOS does not go into much detail. You may wonder what is Other storage on Mac, why it eats up so much space, and how can I delete it? Let me help by telling you more about this to free space on your Mac.
How to Check Storage on Mac
- Click on the Apple logo from the top-left and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage. Wait for a few seconds.
- Take the mouse pointer to colored sections. You will see how much space is occupied by different categories like Apps, Photos, System, Trash, Other, etc.
What is Other on Mac Storage?
Just like the ‘Other' on iPhone and iPad, it is home to several files, cached data, and more. This section houses a mix of junk and important files.
In the simplest of terms, the 'Other' category is a combination of files that are not recognized as one of the other file types. Here are some examples:-
- Common documents and file types, including PDF, doc, PSD, etc.
- Any type of archives and disk images, including zips, dmg, iso, tar, etc.
- Files in the system folders of macOS, including temporary files, swap, voices, etc.
- Application Support files, iCloud files, Screensavers, etc.
- Cache items, including browser cache and locally stored message media files.
- Fonts, app accessories, application plugins, and app extensions.
- Various file and file types not recognized by Spotlight, for example, a virtual machine hard drive, Windows Boot Camp partitions, etc.
How to Delete Other on Mac Storage
Delete Cache Files on Mac
In typical situations, you do not need to worry much about cache. macOS handles them smartly. But if you are too low on storage or believe in having the cache of unused/uninstalled apps, here is how to delete them.
Note: Caches are there to make your Mac experience better and faster. Make sure you remove only the unnecessary ones.
- From Finder, click on Go.
- Press the option key. You will see a new option for the Library. Click on it.
- Click on Caches.
- Right-click on unnecessary app/service folders and choose Move to Trash.
- Right-click on the Trash icon and choose Empty Trash.
Note + Tip: With regular use, macOS will recreate these caches. If you do not understand what to delete, go back and copy the entire Caches folder to desktop (for backup). Next, open the Caches folder, press Command + A, right-click, and then Move to Trash. Finally, empty the Trash. See if everything works properly or not. In case not, copy the contents of the backup Caches folder from desktop inside the actual Caches folder.
Clearing browser cache and website files for Safari also reduce the Other storage. How to play mobile games on mac.
Clear Temporary Files Located in Other Storage on Mac
- From Finder, click on Go.
- Press the option key.
- Click on Library.
- Click on Application Support.
- Delete files from here that you do not need. For example, old app folders that you do not need or have.
Remove Safari Extensions on Mac
At times, we install a browser extension for a purpose, and then do not reuse them or simply forget that it exists. The extension continues to occupy space (shown differently than the application itself. It is thus categorized under Other)
To remove an extension:
- Safari: Open Safari → Click on Safari from top left → Preferences → Extensions → Click on an extension → Choose Uninstall.
- Chrome: Open Chrome → Extensions icon (puzzle icon next to account picture) → Manage Extensions → Remove those you do not use.
Remove Old Downloads
Downloads are usually saved in the Downloads folder (unless you changed them). We often download .dmg files, large packages, videos, zip files, and leave them there. For example, many people do not delete the .dmg file even after app installation. Same for zip files.
- Open Finder and click on Downloads from the left sidebar.
- Click on the word ‘Size' to arrange the items by size. This will help you locate the large files quickly.
- To delete, right-click on the file and choose Move to Trash. You may also select the files(s) and press Command + Delete.
Tip: Use Spotlight Search to search for big file types like – .dmg, .zip, .mp4, .mkv, .avi, etc. Then click on Show all in Finder… from the lower-left of the Spotlight Search screen. Next, you can delete them easily.
How To Check Hard Disk Space On Mac Catalina
Delete Unnecessary iPhone and iPad Backups
iOS and iPadOS device backups might run into various gigabytes. If you have several archived backups or unnecessary backups of old devices, make sure to delete them.
- Click on the Apple logo and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage → Manage.
- Select iOS Files from the sidebar.
- Click on the files and choose Delete.
Note: If you accidentally delete a backup, go ahead and easily create a new one now.
Delete Unused Applications
Applications, when combined with their data, folders, etc. might be vast and occupy significant space. If you have several apps that are sitting idle, go ahead and delete them. Additionally, remove macOS install files, if any.
- Click on the Apple logo from the top-left and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage. Next, click on Manage.
- Select Applications from the sidebar.
- Click on an unnecessary one and then click on Delete.
Note: You may also use apps like App Cleaner for perfect uninstallation.
Use Third-Party Software to Free Storage on Your Mac
Apart from the inbuilt solutions, several third-party apps do almost the same thing but in an easier way. You launch them, and in a minute or so, they will help you free significant space. The interface for most is visually pleasing. If you have difficulty following the above methods, you may try one of the apps listed below.
How To Check Hard Disk Space On Macbook
- DaisyDisk ($9.99)
- Onyx (free)
- CleanMyMac (free download with paid version $39.95)
Signing Off…
These are some of the effective ways to delete Other storage on Mac. As stated earlier, it has lots of useful files, too (that are different from listed categories). Thus it is tough to remove Otherdata entirely. But the above ways, help you declutter it. Next, it would be an excellent idea to know how to use optimized storage on Mac.
You may also read:
iOS and iPadOS device backups might run into various gigabytes. If you have several archived backups or unnecessary backups of old devices, make sure to delete them.
- Click on the Apple logo and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage → Manage.
- Select iOS Files from the sidebar.
- Click on the files and choose Delete.
Note: If you accidentally delete a backup, go ahead and easily create a new one now.
Delete Unused Applications
Applications, when combined with their data, folders, etc. might be vast and occupy significant space. If you have several apps that are sitting idle, go ahead and delete them. Additionally, remove macOS install files, if any.
- Click on the Apple logo from the top-left and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage. Next, click on Manage.
- Select Applications from the sidebar.
- Click on an unnecessary one and then click on Delete.
Note: You may also use apps like App Cleaner for perfect uninstallation.
Use Third-Party Software to Free Storage on Your Mac
Apart from the inbuilt solutions, several third-party apps do almost the same thing but in an easier way. You launch them, and in a minute or so, they will help you free significant space. The interface for most is visually pleasing. If you have difficulty following the above methods, you may try one of the apps listed below.
How To Check Hard Disk Space On Macbook
- DaisyDisk ($9.99)
- Onyx (free)
- CleanMyMac (free download with paid version $39.95)
Signing Off…
These are some of the effective ways to delete Other storage on Mac. As stated earlier, it has lots of useful files, too (that are different from listed categories). Thus it is tough to remove Otherdata entirely. But the above ways, help you declutter it. Next, it would be an excellent idea to know how to use optimized storage on Mac.
You may also read:
I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.
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