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Mac storage full: how to free up space

Your Mac says the disk is almost full. Check what uses the space, empty the Trash, use Apple's storage recommendations and move files safely, with a backup first.

  • Updated
  • 15 min
  • Beginner
Applies to
  • Mac

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Your Mac warns that the startup disk is almost full, or updates and downloads fail for lack of space. See what is using the space and free it safely, starting with the lowest-risk steps.

Before you start

Menu names are for macOS Ventura and later (System Settings). On earlier versions, choose Apple menu then About This Mac then Storage then Manage.

Back up before you delete

Deleting files and emptying the Trash is permanent. Before you remove anything you are unsure about, make a copy of your important files. See how to back up your Mac with Time Machine.

Freeing space, safest firstA top-to-bottom flow chart with 8 boxes. Work through them in order and stop when the problem is fixed. The full text follows the picture.Freeing space, safest firstNoNo1Open Storage and seewhat is big2Empty the Trash3Enough space now?Yes: You are done4Use Apple'srecommendations5Remove apps you nolonger use6Enough space now?Yes: You are done7Move large files to anexternal driveStill full? Consider a largerdrive or storage plan.
Stop when you have enough room.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Step 1: Open Storage and see what is big
  2. Step 2: Empty the Trash
  3. Question 3: Enough space now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  4. Step 4: Use Apple's recommendations
  5. Step 5: Remove apps you no longer use
  6. Question 6: Enough space now? If yes: You are done. If no, go on to the next item.
  7. Step 7: Move large files to an external drive
  8. If nothing worked: Still full? Consider a larger drive or storage plan.

Step 1: See what is using the space

  1. Choose Apple menu then System Settings then General. You may need to scroll the sidebar.
  2. Click Storage.
  3. Wait a moment while the Mac calculates. The page shows how the space is divided between categories such as apps, documents and photos.

The list under the bar shows the largest groups. Concentrate on the biggest ones you recognize, usually documents, photos, movies or apps.

Step 2: Empty the Trash

Files you delete still take space until the Trash is emptied.

  1. Click the Trash icon at the right end of the Dock.
  2. Look through the items. Drag back anything you want to keep.
  3. Click Empty at the top right of the window, then confirm.

The files are erased and you cannot undo it. The free-space figure on the Storage page may take a moment to update.

Step 3: Use Apple's storage recommendations

At the top of the Storage page, macOS lists recommendations. Apple describes these:

Storage recommendations and what each does
OptionWhat it does
Store in iCloudMoves Desktop and Documents files, photos and videos, and messages with attachments to iCloud. When space is needed, only recently opened files stay on the Mac.
Optimize StorageRemoves Apple TV movies and shows you have already watched, and keeps only recent email attachments on the Mac when space is needed.
Empty Trash automaticallyPermanently erases items that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days.

iCloud has limits

Store in iCloud counts against your iCloud storage plan, and files you rarely open are kept in iCloud rather than on the Mac. Check your plan and your internet access before choosing it. Menu names for these options may differ slightly in newer macOS releases.

Apple also says macOS clears caches and logs that are safe to delete when space is needed, so you do not have to hunt for these yourself.

Step 4: Remove apps and large files you no longer need

  1. Open Finder and click Applications in the sidebar.
  2. For an app you no longer use, run its Uninstaller if it has one. Otherwise drag the app to the Trash.
  3. Open the Downloads folder. Delete installers and old files you no longer need. Disk images (.dmg) are safe to delete after the app is installed.
  4. Empty the Trash again.

Some built-in apps that macOS protects cannot be removed. More details are in install apps on a Mac and fix warnings.

Leave system folders alone

Do not delete files from the System, Library or other system folders to gain space, and do not use "cleaner" apps that promise to do it for you. Deleting the wrong item can stop macOS or your apps from working.

Step 5: Move big files to an external drive

Photos and videos are usually the largest personal files. Copying them to an external drive frees space.

  1. Connect the external drive. See external hard drive not showing up if it does not appear.
  2. Drag the files you want to move onto the drive in Finder, which copies them.
  3. Open a few of the copies to check they work.
  4. Only then delete the originals from the Mac and empty the Trash.

If it still does not work

  • A nearly full disk makes the Mac slow. See Mac running slow.
  • If your Mac has little built-in storage, a larger iCloud plan or an external drive may be the only lasting fix. Check Apple's pricing page for current plans.
  • For a phone with the same problem, see phone storage full.

Frequently asked questions

How much free space should I keep?

Apple does not publish one figure. Keep enough free room for macOS updates and your own work, and act when the Mac warns you that space is low.

Is it safe to delete files marked as purgeable?

You do not need to do anything with it. Apple says macOS clears caches and logs that are safe to delete when it needs room, so leave that to the system.

Will Optimize Storage delete my own files?

Apple describes it as removing watched Apple TV items and keeping only recent email attachments on the Mac when space is needed. It is not a general clean-up of your documents.

Do I need a cleaner app?

No. The built-in Storage tools are enough. Be cautious about pop-ups claiming your Mac is full or infected, and never call a number they show.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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