Mac OS · macOS
Manage and free storage space on Mac
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Open System Settings > General > Storage, review Apple's recommendations and the largest categories, delete only files you recognize, uninstall unused apps,...
Check prerequisites and the intended result
Before changing Mac storage cleanup, record free space and the largest Storage categories, then verify backups before deleting documents, downloads, messages, or app data. Write down the current value before changing it so you can restore only that setting if the intended result does not appear. Keep the relevant account, app, or system version available if official support is needed. Confirm the saved choice after closing and reopening the relevant settings panel.
Use the supported method
Use Apple's Storage recommendations and uninstall flows instead of deleting unknown Library, cache, system, or application-support folders.
Review Storage
Choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage and wait for categories to calculate.
Use recommendations selectively
Review Store in iCloud, Optimize Storage and Empty Trash Automatically, and enable only options that fit your backup and access needs.
Inspect large files
Open Documents or the file-review tools, sort by size, preview unfamiliar items, and remove only files you can replace or no longer need.
Uninstall unused apps
Remove apps through Finder or their official uninstaller, preserving documents and licenses you still need.
Empty Trash after review
Verify backups and recovered space, then empty Trash to make deleted storage available.
Check that the change worked
Free space increases by the expected amount and important moved or cloud-stored files still open after restart.
Troubleshoot Mac storage cleanup
If categories never finish calculating, purgeable space returns, iCloud optimization is misunderstood, or System Data remains unusually large, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, device or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.