macOS Storage Optimization: How to Free Up Space on Mac

Introduction / Why It's Needed

When free disk space on your Mac runs out, the system starts to slow down, errors appear during update installations or when launching programs. Storage optimization helps not only free up space but also maintain macOS performance. After completing this guide, you will learn how to use built-in tools and simple methods to keep your disk tidy and avoid problems with low disk space.

Requirements / Preparation

Before you begin, make sure that:

• You have macOS 12 Monterey or newer installed (this guide applies to Ventura and Sonoma).
• You are logged in with an administrator account (some actions require privileges).
• Important data is backed up to an external disk or iCloud (just in case).
• An internet connection is available if you plan to use iCloud for storage.

Step 1: Check Current Storage Usage

First, you need to understand what exactly is taking up space on your Mac. This will help you clean the disk in a targeted way.

1. Click the Apple menu (in the top-left corner) and select About This Mac.
2. In the window that opens, go to the Storage tab. After a few seconds, the system will display a chart broken down by file types: Applications, Documents, Photos, iOS backups, etc.
3. Hover your cursor over the chart segments to see exact sizes. Pay attention to the categories that take up the most space (e.g., "Documents" or "Applications").

💡 Tip: If you see that "System Data" takes up an unreasonably large amount, this may indicate accumulated cache or temporary files—we will address this later.

Step 2: Use Storage Optimization

macOS provides a built-in "Storage Management" tool that automatically suggests solutions to free up space.

1. In the same Storage window, click the Manage button (or "Show Recommendations").
2. The system will analyze the disk and provide recommendations. Usually, they include:
   • Optimize Storage: automatically removes watched movies and TV shows from iTunes, leaving only previews.
   • Review Large Files: finds and suggests deleting large files you haven't opened in a long time.
   • Review Attachments: removes email attachments that have already been downloaded.
   • Optimize Photos: if you have a Photos library, you can store only thumbnails on your Mac while keeping originals in iCloud.
3. Select the desired options and click Delete or Optimize. macOS will request confirmation for some actions.

Step 3: Clean Temporary Files and Cache

Temporary files and application caches can accumulate and take up gigabytes. They can be deleted manually.

Through Finder:

1. In Finder, open the Go menu → Go to Folder (or press Cmd+Shift+G).
2. Enter ~/Library/Caches and press Go. This is the user cache folder.
3. Open application subfolders and delete the files inside (do not delete the folders themselves to avoid breaking programs). You can select all and move them to the Trash.
4. Similarly, check ~/Library/Logs for logs.

Through Terminal (for advanced users):

# Clear user cache
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/*

# Clear temporary files
rm -rf /private/var/tmp/*

⚠️ Important: The rm -rf commands permanently delete files. Make sure you are not deleting anything important. It's better to check folder contents first.

Step 4: Manage iCloud Files

If you have iCloud enabled, some files may be duplicated on your Mac. Configure optimization to store only what you need on the device.

1. Open System Settings → your name at the top → iCloud.
2. Click Manage Storage (or "iCloud Drive").
3. Enable the Optimize Mac Storage option (may be labeled "Optimize Storage on Mac"). This allows macOS to automatically remove local copies of old files, keeping them in the cloud. Files will be downloaded on demand.
4. Also check the Backups section and delete old device backups if they are no longer needed.

Step 5: Remove Unnecessary Applications and Files

An obvious but effective method—get rid of what you don't use.

1. Applications: Open the Applications folder in Finder. Drag unwanted programs to the Trash. For complete removal, use utilities like AppCleaner (free) to delete associated files as well.
2. Downloads: Check the Downloads folder—installer files (.dmg, .pkg) often accumulate there and can be deleted after installation.
3. Documents and media: Use a size-based search: in Finder, press Cmd+F, set the criterion "Size" greater than "1 GB". This helps find large files you may have forgotten about.
4. Old iOS backups: In Storage Management (from Step 2), delete backups of old iPhones/iPads if they are no longer relevant.

Verify the Result

After completing the steps, return to About This Mac → Storage and assess how much space was freed. The chart should update. Also check:

• Has the system become more responsive?
• Do applications launch without errors?
• Is there enough space for new files?

If space runs out quickly again, consider using an external disk for archiving or increasing your iCloud storage plan.

Potential Issues

• Insufficient permissions to delete: If you cannot delete system files, ensure you are logged in as an administrator. Some folders (e.g., in /Library) may require root privileges. In such cases, use sudo in Terminal with caution.
• Files locked or in use: When deleting, you might see an error "File in use". Close all applications that might be working with these files, or restart your Mac.
• iCloud not syncing: If the iCloud optimization option isn't working, check your internet connection and sign out/in to iCloud again in System Settings.
• Accidental deletion of important data: If you accidentally delete a needed file, restore it from the Trash or from Time Machine if a backup is enabled.