Are you running out of space on your Mac? One common space-hogging culprit is the "Other" storage category. This mysterious category seems to accumulate over time, taking up valuable space on your hard drive. In this blog post, we will cover several methods to empty the "Other" storage on your Mac, freeing up much-needed space for your files and applications.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of How to Empty Other Storage on Mac
One of the biggest challenges with the "Other" storage category is identifying what exactly it includes. The category can contain a variety of files, including cache files, system backups, log files, and more. This makes it difficult to target specific files and delete them to free up space. Additionally, some users may be hesitant to delete certain files, as they may be important for the system’s functioning.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before attempting to empty the "Other" storage on your Mac, it is recommended that you take the following precautions:
1. Backup important data: It is always a good idea to backup important files and data before making any significant changes to your system.
2. Check storage space: Take a look at your current storage usage to determine how much space you need to free up. You can do this by clicking on the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen, then selecting "About This Mac" and "Storage".
Method 1: Clear Cache Files
Cache files can take up a significant amount of space on your Mac, contributing to the "Other" storage category. Clearing cache files can help free up space and increase system performance. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G to bring up the "Go to folder" window.
2. Type in ~/Library/Caches and press Enter.
3. Select all the folders inside the "Caches" folder and move them to the Trash. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password.
4. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the cache files.
Pros:
– Clearing cache files can free up significant storage space.
– It can also improve system performance by clearing out unnecessary files.
Cons:
– Clearing cache files may temporarily slow down your system as it re-creates necessary cache files.
– Some applications may require you to re-enter login credentials after clearing cache files.
Method 2: Delete System Backups
Your Mac may create backups of your system using Time Machine or other backup software. These backups can take up a significant amount of space, contributing to the "Other" storage category. Here’s how to delete them:
1. Open Finder and select "Applications".
2. Scroll down and open "Utilities", then open "Terminal".
3. Type in the command "tmutil listbackups" and press Enter. This will show a list of all backups.
4. Identify the backups you want to delete and enter the command "tmutil delete /path/to/backup". Replace "/path/to/backup" with the location of the backup you want to delete.
5. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for any additional backups you want to delete.
Pros:
– Deleting system backups can free up significant storage space.
– It can also improve system performance by clearing out unnecessary backups.
Cons:
– Deleting backups can make it more difficult to recover lost or deleted files.
– It may also require additional time and effort to manually backup important data.
Method 3: Remove Large Files
Large files, such as videos or large applications, can take up a significant amount of space on your Mac. Removing these files can help free up space and decrease the "Other" storage category. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open Finder and select "Go" in the top menu bar.
2. Select "Go to Folder" and type in "/Library".
3. Search for large files by clicking the "File Size" column to sort files by size.
4. Identify the large files you want to delete and move them to the Trash.
5. Empty the Trash to permanently delete the files.
Pros:
– Removing large files can quickly free up significant storage space.
– It can also improve system performance by reducing the burden on your hard drive.
Cons:
– Removing large files may require you to sacrifice access to specific files or applications.
– It may also require additional time and effort to locate and remove large files.
Method 4: Use a Third-Party App
If you’re not comfortable manually digging through files and folders, there are several third-party apps that can help you clean up your Mac’s storage. These apps can scan your system for unnecessary files and help you remove them with a few clicks. Some popular options include CleanMyMac X, Gemini 2, and DaisyDisk.
Pros:
– Third-party apps can make the process of cleaning your Mac’s storage much simpler and more streamlined.
– They can also help identify unnecessary files that you may have overlooked.
Cons:
– Third-party apps may not be free, and some may require subscriptions or in-app purchases.
– There is a risk of downloading potentially harmful or malicious software if you’re not careful with your selection of third-party apps.
Why Can’t I Empty Other Storage on Mac?
There are several reasons why you may be having trouble emptying the "Other" storage category on your Mac:
1. System files: Some files included in the "Other" category are necessary for the system to function properly. Deleting these files may cause issues with your Mac’s performance or stability.
2. Hidden files: Some files may be hidden or located in unexpected locations, making it difficult to locate and delete them.
3. Permissions: Some files may be protected by administrator permissions, requiring you to enter a password or modify permissions before you can delete them.
To fix these issues, try using one of the methods listed above or consult with a professional technician if you’re unsure about making changes to your system.
Additional Tips
– Regularly clean up your Mac’s storage to prevent the "Other" category from accumulating.
– Consider upgrading to a higher-capacity hard drive or investing in an external hard drive or cloud storage to store larger files.
– Uninstall unnecessary applications to free up space on your Mac’s storage.
– Consider using optimized versions of apps that take up less space, such as Lite versions or browser-based alternatives.
5 FAQs about Emptying Other Storage on Mac
Q1: What is "Other" storage on Mac?
A: "Other" storage on Mac includes files that don’t fall into common categories such as documents, photos, and videos. These files can include system files, backups, cache files, and more.
Q2: Will clearing cache files harm my Mac?
A: Clearing cache files should not harm your Mac. However, certain applications may require you to re-enter login credentials after clearing cache files.
Q3: How do I know which files are safe to delete?
A: It’s recommended to back up important data before making any changes to your system. Additionally, consult with a professional technician or do research to determine which files are necessary for your Mac’s performance and stability.
Q4: Can I recover deleted files?
A: Generally, once files are deleted and the Trash is emptied, they cannot be recovered. It’s recommended to backup important data before making changes to your system.
Q5: Do I need to use all the methods listed above to empty "Other" storage on my Mac?
A: No, you do not need to use all the methods listed above. Choose the method(s) that are most appropriate for your specific situation.
In Conclusion
The "Other" storage category on Mac can be frustrating to deal with, but there are several methods to empty it and free up space on your hard drive. By clearing cache files, deleting system backups, removing large files, or using third-party apps, you can streamline your Mac’s storage and increase its performance. Remember to backup important data and exercise caution when making changes to your system.