Running out of storage on your Mac? You don’t need to delete precious photos or files! Follow these simple, non-destructive methods to reclaim space and keep your Mac running smoothly.
Why Macs Run Out of Storage (and How to Fix It)
Macs store temporary files, app caches, backups, and more—all of which add up over time. Freeing up storage isn’t about deleting memories; it’s about clearing hidden clutter. Let’s dive into the safest ways to do this.
Quick Cleanup: Free Space in Minutes
1. Delete Unused Apps & Files
- Step 1: Go to System Settings > General > Storage.
- Step 2: Click the ℹ️ icon next to Applications or Documents.
- Step 3: Select apps/files you don’t need → Tap Delete.
✅Pro Tip: Use this tool to sort files by size and target space-hogging culprits first.
2. Empty the Trash
Deleted files linger in the Trash, eating up space.
- Open System Settings > General > Storage → Click ℹ️ next to Trash.
- Select items → Hit Delete.
Advanced Storage Management
3. Remove Old iPhone/iPad Backups
- Connect your iPhone/iPad → Open Finder → Select your device.
- Click Manage Backups → Delete outdated backups.
Check Also – How to Recover Deleted Voicemail on iPhone
4. Clear Browser Cache (Safari Example)
- Open Safari > Settings > Privacy → Click Manage Website Data.
- Tap Remove All → Confirm with Remove Now.
Works for Chrome/Firefox: Look for “Clear browsing data” in settings.
5. Delete Mail Attachments
- Open Finder → Click Go > Go to Folder → Type
~/Library/Mail/. - Search for Attachments → Right-click → Move to Trash.
Prevent Future Clutter: In Mail > Settings > Accounts, set Download Attachments to None.
Tech-Savvy Solutions for Hidden Space
6. Wipe Temporary Files & Cache
- Open Finder → Go > Go to Folder → Type
~/Library/Caches/. - Delete unnecessary folders (e.g., Safari, Chrome).
⚠️ Caution: Avoid deleting folders for apps you actively use.
7. Rebuild Spotlight Index Manually (Without Apps)
Spotlight helps you find files quickly, but a corrupted index can waste storage. Instead of using third-party tools like OnyX, you can rebuild it manually using Terminal:
- Open Terminal:
- Press Command + Space → Type Terminal → Press Return.
- Stop Spotlight:
sudo mdutil -i off / - Enter your Mac password (it won’t show as you type) → Press Return.
- Delete Old Index:
sudo rm -rf /.Spotlight-V100 - Restart Spotlight:
sudo mdutil -i on / - Rebuild the Index:
sudo mdutil -E / Wait patiently—this can take minutes to hours. Your Mac will work in the background.
⚠️ Important:
- Keep your Mac plugged into power.
- Don’t interrupt the process—it could corrupt the index again.
7a. Use Free Tool to Rebuild Spotlight Index
Use OnyX (free tool):
- Download OnyX → Open Maintenance tab → Enable Rebuild Spotlight Index → Click Run Tasks.
8. Delete Time Machine Local Snapshots
- Open Terminal (Utilities folder) → Paste: tmutil deletelocalsnapshots /
- Enter your Mac password → Press Return.
What to Avoid When Freeing Up Mac Storage
- Don’t Delete System Files: Stick to Library/Caches or Mail Attachments.
- Back Up First: Use Time Machine or iCloud before major cleanups.
- Skip Unknown Apps: Tools like OnyX are safe, but research third-party software first.
Keep Your Mac Storage Healthy Long-Term
- Monthly Checkups: Use System Settings > Storage to monitor usage.
- Use iCloud: Store photos/docs online with iCloud Drive.
- External Drives: Offload large files (e.g., videos) to a USB drive.
Need More Space? Try This First!
Before deleting anything, restart your Mac. Temporary files often clear automatically!
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