iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To free space on a Mac, first check which storage categories are largest, then review large files and downloads, remove apps or old device backups you no longer need, and empty Trash after checking its contents. Which step helps most depends on what is taking up space, so there is no reliable fixed amount or guaranteed fastest option.
Check what is using storage before deleting anything
On macOS Ventura 13 or later, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage. The storage view groups usage by category and may offer management options for some of them. On earlier macOS versions, Apple’s route is Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. See Apple’s guide to changing Storage settings.
Use the breakdown to choose a cleanup target rather than guessing. The Documents category can help surface large files and downloads. Look for items you recognize and no longer need; a large video or installer you can download again may be a better candidate than a file whose purpose is unclear.
1. Review large files and Downloads
Start with large downloads, old installers, duplicate files, and media you have already backed up or can access elsewhere. Apple’s Storage guidance can help you locate files, while the decision to remove them should depend on whether you still need them.
#1 Best Overall
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
- Open the Documents area in Storage and review large files and downloads.
- Check media folders for videos or other files you can stream, replace, or move elsewhere.
- In Mail, consider clearing junk and deleted messages or unnecessary attachments.
Delete only what you have identified and are comfortable losing. Moving a file to Trash does not immediately return its space; see the final step below.
2. Remove unused apps and old device backups
Uninstall apps you no longer use and remove iPhone or iPad backups you no longer need. Apple lists both as ways to reclaim storage. For a non-Apple app, use its developer-provided uninstaller when available; it may remove associated login items, extensions, or app data as well as the app itself. Apple explains how to delete or uninstall apps on Mac.
Before deleting a device backup, make sure you do not need it to restore an older device. Removing a backup is different from uninstalling the app that created or manages it.
Rank #2
- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
3. Check and empty Trash
Review Trash before emptying it: emptying permanently deletes its contents. Apple states, “When you move a file to the Trash, its storage space doesn’t become available until you empty the Trash.” If you are sure you no longer need the items, empty Trash to make that local space available. Apple’s storage guidance for Mac covers this behavior.
Finder can also be set to remove items that have been in Trash for more than 30 days. That automation permanently deletes those items, so use it only if you are comfortable with automatic removal.
What if System Data is taking up most of the space?
System Data—called Other in some macOS versions—is a broad category for files that do not fit elsewhere. It can include logs, caches, virtual memory, temporary files, fonts, app support files, and plug-ins. Its contents change with the Mac’s current state, and macOS manages many of these files. A large displayed total does not mean every file in that category is safe to delete.
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Avoid manually removing unfamiliar system folders or files to chase a particular System Data number. When macOS needs space, it clears caches and logs that are safe to remove. Apple notes that this can include certain temporary databases, interrupted downloads, staged updates, and Safari website data.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Optional ways to keep files without storing everything locally
Move files to external storage
If you want to keep large files but need room on the internal disk, move them to an external storage device. Apple specifically notes that Photos and iMovie libraries can take substantial space. Choose storage that suits your files and workflow; an external drive is optional, not a prerequisite for the cleanup steps above.
Use iCloud or Optimize Storage
macOS storage recommendations can move Desktop and Documents files, Photos, or Messages into iCloud and keep some content available on demand. This depends on your iCloud account’s available capacity and your access to the cloud; it is not the same as deleting files, and it uses your iCloud storage plan.
Rank #4
- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 17 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
Apple’s Optimize Storage options can remove watched Apple TV movies and shows from the Mac and keep only recent email attachments locally when space is needed. See Apple’s guide to optimising storage space for these options.
If you need temporary space for an update or download
Safe Mode may clear certain system caches that macOS recreates automatically. Apple describes it as a possible temporary aid when you need space for a task such as installing an update—not a guaranteed or permanent cleanup method. If you try it, check available storage again afterward and use the file-review steps above for lasting changes.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
