Mac users often encounter the issue of running out of storage space on their devices. If you are one of them, you must have tried several ways to free up the space on your Mac. However, you may notice a significant amount of storage space is taken by the ‘Other’ category, which is challenging to identify and delete. Lesser space on your Mac can result in slower performance, and a slower-running device is something we all want to avoid. In this blog post, we will discuss how to clear ‘Other’ storage space on your Mac so that you can achieve maximum performance.
If you want to improve your Mac’s speed, you should first identify the cause of the storage issue. Mac devices usually come with limited storage space, but you can increase the storage or external storage disks for extra space. However, clearing the ‘Other’ storage space should be your primary focus before trying to get additional storage.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To clear the ‘Other’ storage space on your Mac, you need the following:
- Access to your Mac device
- Admin permissions
- Time to identify and remove unwanted files
What Requires Your Focus?
Several factors require your focus while clearing the ‘Other’ storage space on your Mac. Here are the primary factors:
- Identifying the files and applications taking most of the space on your Mac
- Deleting duplicate files, caches, logs, and old backups
- Removing old and unused files, including apps and downloads
- Reviewing and maintaining your iCloud account storage if you use it regularly
Different Methods to Clear Other Storage Space on Mac
Method 1: Using DaisyDisk
DaisyDisk is a user-friendly app that allows you to visualize and delete files and folders that take up space on your Mac.
- Download and install DaisyDisk from the official website.
- Launch the app and let it scan your Mac for all the files and folders that take up space.
- Identify the files or folders that you want to delete and then select them.
- Click on the ‘Delete’ button to remove the selected files or folders.
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy to use
- Scans Mac device comprehensively
- Allows visual representation of files and folders
Cons:
- Not a free app
- May accidentally delete essential files or folders
Method 2: Using the Terminal App
Terminal is a built-in app on your Mac that allows you to enter commands to perform various functions on your device, including deleting unwanted files.
- Launch Terminal app from your Applications folder or by using Spotlight.
- Type ‘sudo rm -R /path/to/folder/’ in the Terminal window and replace ‘/path/to/folder/’ with the path to the folder you want to delete.
- Press the ‘Enter’ button to execute the command.
- Enter your admin password when prompted by the Terminal app.
Pros:
- A built-in app that comes with Mac devices
- A faster way to delete files and folders from your Mac
Cons:
- No visual representation of files and folders
- Entering incorrect commands or paths can harm your device
Method 3: Using CleanMyMac X
CleanMyMac X is an app that scans and optimizes your Mac device to help you free up storage space. It offers several features to clean up your Mac effectively.
- Install and launch CleanMyMac X app on your Mac device.
- Click on the ‘Large & Old Files’ option, which will display all the files and folders that take up the most space on your device.
- Select the files or folders that you want to remove.
- Click on the ‘Remove’ button to clear your Mac from unwanted files and folders.
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy to use
- Allows you to free up storage in a few clicks
- Scans your device quickly and efficiently
Cons:
- Not a free app
- May accidentally delete essential files or folders
Why Can’t I Clear Other Storage Space on Mac?
Several reasons make it challenging to clear ‘Other’ storage space on your Mac. Here are the primary reasons and fixes:
- The ‘Other’ storage category is a combination of several file types: ‘Other’ storage space consolidates several file types such as caches, logs, browser data, backups, and more. This makes it hard to identify the files taking most of the space. You can use various apps to scan and identify the space-taking folders and files.
- Your device may have several duplicate files: Duplicate files, including pictures, music, and videos, can take up a lot of space on your Mac. You can use various apps to scan and remove duplicates on your device.
- The applications on your device are taking up too much storage: Applications with large files or apps that you rarely use can take up a lot of storage space on your Mac. You can uninstall the apps that you don’t use regularly and remove their associated files.
Implications and Recommendations
Clearing the ‘Other’ storage space on your Mac can improve its speed and performance. However, you should also make sure that you maintain a healthy Mac system. Here are some recommendations:
- Regularly delete unwanted files and folders from your Mac
- Use cloud storage or external disks for additional storage space
- Keep your Mac’s software up-to-date
- Use Mac cleaning apps to maintain device performance
5 FAQs about Clearing Other Storage Space on Mac
Q1: Is it safe to delete files from the ‘Other’ category on my Mac?
A: Yes, It is safe to delete files from the ‘Other’ category on your Mac. However, you should make sure that you know what you are deleting before you delete the files.
Q2: Does deleting browser data help clear other storage space on my Mac?
A: Yes, deleting browser data is one of the ways to clear ‘Other’ storage space on your Mac. Browser data, including caches and history, can take up a lot of space on your device. You can clear them using your browser’s preferences or using cleaning apps.
Q3: Is it necessary to use cleaning apps to clear other storage space on my Mac?
A: No, it is not necessary to use cleaning apps to clear other storage space on your Mac. However, cleaning apps can make the process more manageable and efficient, especially if you have a lot of files and folders to scan and delete.
Q4: Can I delete files from the ‘Other’ category while they are in use on my Mac?
A: No, you cannot delete files from the ‘Other’ category while they are in use on your Mac.
Q5: How often should I clear other storage space on my Mac?
A: It is recommended to clear other storage space on your Mac every three to six months or whenever you feel like your device has become slow or less responsive.
Final Words
Clearing ‘Other’ storage space on your Mac is crucial to maintain its performance and speed. You can use various methods to remove unwanted files and folders. However, you should make sure that you know the files you are deleting to avoid deleting essential files accidentally. Use Mac cleaning apps, manage your iCloud storage regularly and delete old backups, caches, and logs to ensure maximum performance for your device.