A nearly full Mac can become slow and may not have enough working space for updates, downloads, or temporary files. Start with Apple’s Storage settings and files you recognize. Do not delete system folders, logs, fonts, caches, or APFS snapshots with Terminal commands as a generic cleanup method.
Protect important files first #
Make a current backup before deleting large amounts of data. If the Mac reports disk errors, repeatedly freezes while opening files, or the internal drive disappears, stop cleanup work and protect irreplaceable files before running repairs.
Remember that deleting a local copy may also delete its synced copy from iCloud Drive or another cloud service. Confirm how the service handles deletions before emptying Trash.
Check what is using storage #
On macOS Ventura 13 or later, choose Apple menu → System Settings → General → Storage. On older macOS versions, choose Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage.
Allow the storage categories time to calculate. “System Data” is a broad category, not a single folder that should be erased. It can include caches, logs, plug-ins, virtual-machine data, local device backups, and files that do not fit another category.
Free space safely #
1. Review Apple’s recommendations #
Use the recommendations shown in Storage settings, such as Optimize Storage or Empty Trash Automatically, only after reading what each option removes. Availability varies by macOS version and enabled services.
2. Review large personal files #
Check Downloads, Movies, Desktop, Documents, and other folders where you store large files. Sort by size, open unfamiliar items before deleting them, and move important archives to a verified external or cloud backup.
Disk images (.dmg), installers, exported videos, virtual machines, and old ZIP archives are common large items. Do not delete a virtual-machine bundle or photo library unless you know where its current backup is.
3. Remove apps normally #
Use the app’s supplied uninstaller when it has one. Otherwise, quit the app and move it from Applications to Trash. Some professional, security, audio, and networking apps install supporting components that their official uninstaller removes more reliably.
Do not delete applications with a recursive Terminal command. A typo or an expanded wildcard can remove the wrong data.
4. Remove downloads inside their apps #
Streaming video, music, podcast, map, and messaging apps may store offline downloads. Remove those downloads inside the app so its library remains consistent.
5. Check iPhone and iPad backups #
Local device backups can be large. In Finder, connect or select the device, open the General tab, and choose Manage Backups. Verify the device and backup date before deleting an old backup.
6. Empty Trash only after review #
Open Trash and confirm that it contains nothing you need. Emptying Trash is permanent unless another backup contains the file.
About Time Machine and APFS snapshots #
Time Machine local snapshots are recovery points stored on an APFS disk. macOS counts their space as available and removes snapshots automatically as they age or when space is needed. They are not ordinary clutter.
Do not manually delete APFS snapshots by UUID as a routine cleanup step. If Time Machine snapshots appear stuck or storage accounting remains abnormal after a restart, follow Apple’s current Time Machine guidance or contact Apple Support.
What not to delete #
Avoid blanket deletion of these locations:
/Library/Fonts/Library/Cachesor your entire user cache folder/private/var/log- application localization folders
- APFS or update snapshots
- anything under
/System
Deleting logs removes diagnostic evidence. Deleting fonts or application resources can break apps. Clearing caches indiscriminately can cause sign-in problems, repeated downloads, lost application state, or slower performance while data is rebuilt.
Do not enable trimforce as a storage-cleanup step. The macOS utility is intended for TRIM support on certain third-party drives and its own manual warns that incompatible drives may mishandle the commands. It does not free ordinary user files.
If Storage still looks wrong #
Restart the Mac and recheck Storage settings. Then:
- Start in Safe Mode to test whether startup software is involved.
- Run Disk Utility First Aid from macOS Recovery if the disk reports file-system errors.
- Check large libraries used by Photos, Mail, creative apps, development tools, or virtual machines.
- Ask the relevant app vendor or Apple Support before deleting unfamiliar system-managed data.
Verifica el resultado #
Return to System Settings → General → Storage and confirm that available space increased. Open important files and synced folders, then complete a backup. There is no universal percentage that guarantees performance, but maintaining enough room for normal work, updates, and temporary files helps prevent storage-related failures.
