Dec 21, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
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In today's age of terabytes based hard drives, solid-state drives, and cloud storage, it is easy to forget about the storage limits of your Mac. You keep on upgrading your operating system and installing software without even checking their storage needs. Eventually, Mac's HD space runs out, and it does not function properly.
Sure, you can upgrade the hard drive and keep going, but that would cost you hundreds of dollars. Therefore, you have to rely on regular monitoring and storage space optimization.
So, let's get down and see the steps for these tasks.
Part 1- How to See Disk Space on Mac
For optimizing your Mac's hard drive space, start by monitoring the storage. It will give you a basic idea about the type of files occupying the hard drive and find the data that can be deleted.
The following are the different ways that you can use to check your storage space.
With 'About This Mac'
The recent versions of iOS come with an 'About This Mac' feature to help you with storage space monitoring.
Check hard drive space Mac with the following steps:
Step 1: Open the Apple Menu
In the regular home interface of Macbook, there is an apple icon located in the top-left corner. Click on this button.
Step 2: Open the 'About This Mac' tab
In the menu that pops after clicking the Apple icon, find and select the 'About This Mac' option.
Step 3: Open Storage Detail
The about tab will have multiple options and is set to 'Overview' by default. From the available options, click on the 'Storage.'
The storage tab will display all your disks along with the data of file types on your HD storage partitions.
Using Disk Utility
MacBook has an in-built utility application that provides you access to the memory details. The following steps will show you how to see disk space on Mac using this app.
Step 1: Open Search Bar
There is a spotlight icon on your Macbook screen. It usually sits on the menu bar near the networking icon and the clock. Click on this icon to open a search bar.
Step 2: Search Disk Utility
Write 'disk utility' and press 'Enter' to search it.
Step 3: Open Utility
You will see disk utilities in the results window; double click it.
In the disk utilities, select the name of your hard drive. It will present you with a detailed view of your drive. You can use it to see free disk space Mac and drive's total capacity. Backup your mac without time machine.
Part 2. How to Clear Disk Space on Mac
Now that you know how to find disk space on Mac devices, let's move to the next phase, cleaning your storage.
The following section will guide you with the various methods you can use to free up the hard drive. Take a look.
Remove The Duplicated files.
There are various instances when a Mac user downloads the same data twice or creates a copy and forgets to delete the original file. This duplicated file stays in the system and can cover considerable space. Deleting these files can free up disk space for Mac to a great extent.
There are two ways to deal with them. You can either do it manually or with an application.
- Manual
Step 1: Open Finder window
Step 2: Click 'File' in the menu bar
Step 3: Navigate to 'New Smart Folder' and click on it.
Step 5: Click on the '+' in the top right corner.
Step 6: Select the parameters like file type, name, date, kind
The smart folder will search the memory and show you all the files with your fed parameters. You can manually browse the list and delete the repetitive ones.
- Software-Based
There are a lot of applications that you can use to clear disk space Mac and remove redundancy issues. The procedure to use the software will depend on its developers and suppliers. So, in this case, you will have to refer to their website or manual.
Empty the Trash Can
The quickest way to free up disk space Mac is to delete its files permanently. You can do it by long clicking the trash can icon and then selecting 'empty trash' in the interface that pops up.
Mac will ask for a confirmation and then permanently delete the files from the trash can.
Uninstall Old Application
You may have rarely used or older version software on your system. Removing them will add to your HD space and also boost system startup time.
The following are the steps you can use to access the software list and delete the unnecessary programs.
Step1: Open Finder by clicking its icon in the menu bar
Step 2: Navigate to the application option
Step 3: Select the application and delete it by dragging or sending it to the trash can.
Step5: Empty the trash can
Clean iTunes Backup Files
If you use your Macbook for generating backups of your iTunes, iPhone, or iPad, you will have a bunch of massive backup files on your system. Cleaning these files can boost anywhere from a few GBs to a few hundred GBs.
So open the '~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup' path and delete all the randomly named folders in the location.
Erase Temporary Files
The application that runs on your Macbook creates some temporary files and cache that remains in the HD storage even after closing the application.
Removing them can free up some hard disk space and also enhance your system's processing performance.
Step1: Open the 'Go' menu from the menu bar and click on 'Go to Folder'
(You can also use the shortcut keys: Shift+CMD+G)
Step 2: In the dialog box that opens, enter '~/Library/Caches.'
Step3: Select all the file by pressing CMD+A and delete them
(You can create a backup by moving the data to a flash drive)
Once all the files are in the trash can, empty it and delete the files permanently. Then you can move to your browsers. You can open their setting and remove the history, passwords, and other saved data to save some space.
One thing that you must know is that these temporary files will need timely cleanup. The application needs them and builds them again and again. The only reason to delete them is that the new cache files are much compact than the older ones. They are light that makes them less vulnerable to crashing or corruption issues.
Clear Language Files
When you buy a Macbook, it comes with multiple language packages. Mac os is based on. It's essential to ensure that any user around the world can use the MacBook. However, these language packages occupy a lot of storage space, and you don't even need them all. So, it is a wise choice to delete the unnecessary ones. They will empty some space and also make your system faster by reducing the boot-up load.
However, removing the language packages manually is complicated and risky. So, you have to deploy a specific application for it. The best app that you can use is Monolingual. It is free and easy to use.
Simply download the application, drag it to the application folder, and run it. Monolingual will show you a list of available languages; you can uncheck the once you use and remove the other packages.
Delete Email Attachments
If you are using the Macbook's inbuilt mail app for a long time, the chances are that you will have a large email attachment in the drive. Most of these files will be useless for you, so deleting them is an excellent way to free up disk space for Mac and boost inbox speed.
Here's how you can delete the attachment in a single go:
Step 1: Open the storage manager by clicking the Apple menu and about this Mac
Step 2: Choose the storage device and click manage.
Step 3: Navigate to the mail option on the left side and click on it.
It will show you the details of the HD space occupied by the attachments. Click on attachment and press delete.
Use Storage Tools
Mac comes with some inbuilt storage optimization programs. The programs present you with options to shift your data, clean temporary files, and many more choices.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to learn how to free up disk space on Mac by using these inbuilt options.
Step1: Open Mac hard drive space menu as you did in part 1
Step2: Click the 'manage' button that's next to your storage device
A window with several storage optimization options will pop on your screen. The following are the options that you will see in this window.
i. iCloud
iCloud is Apple's cloud-based storage services that let you shift your data from a hard drive to the cloud server. If you click this option, it will ask you to select the files and then synchronize your selected files to the cloud server. Once uploaded, you can easily delete them from your system memory. However, you will see the file's icon and can access the data at any time.
ii. Optimize Storage
This option is mainly a clean app that changes your setting to save space. It removes the iTunes downloads, prevents auto-downloads, restricts email attachments, and limits email storage space.
iii.Empty Trash Automatically
If you want to avoid emptying trash can all the time, choose this option. It restricts the duration of deletes files and auto deletes them after the set time.
iv. Reduce Clutter
Reduce clutter is a unique optimization tool. The tool checks your system for large files and presents you with data that is less frequently used. You can then choose to keep or delete it.
Closing Words
Apple Macbooks are highly integrated and advanced systems that provide a lot of advanced features. The only restriction that you can face with it is low storage spaces.
However, the tips you read in this post can help you deal with the Mac disk space issues. They will also help you keep your Macbook optimized, fast, and ready for every new file.
So, get down with the work and apply these tips in your system. In case something goes wrong, don't worry, download Recoverit Mac Data Recovery to help you out. The tool is very efficient in recovering deleted data, even the permanently deleted files.
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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.
Mac Storage Other
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. Is there an alexa app for my 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.
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.
- 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:
Clean Up Mac Storage Other
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.
Free Clean Up Mac Storage
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