To free up space on a Mac, first check what is using it in macOS Storage settings, then remove only files you recognize and no longer need. If you want to keep large files, move them to external storage or use iCloud optimization instead of deleting them. The steps below follow Apple’s guidance and avoid treating unfamiliar system files as cleanup targets.
1. Check what is using storage
The Storage view shows how your Mac’s internal disk is being used and updates as you make changes. The route depends on your macOS version:
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- macOS Ventura 13 or later: Choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.
- Earlier macOS versions: Choose Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.
Review the categories and, where available, select More Info to see management choices. For Apple’s version-specific guidance, see Free up storage space on Mac.
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Depending on macOS version, a broad category may be called System Data or Other. Apple describes it as space used by Apple and third-party files that do not fit a more specific category. The label alone does not identify what is safe to delete.
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- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Inspect the files or use the storage controls in macOS or the app that created them. Avoid deleting unfamiliar items from system folders or removing caches by hand: a large category total is not proof that its contents are unnecessary.
3. Remove files you recognize and no longer need
Look for personal files and content that can be downloaded or restored again. Apple identifies these as reasonable places to review:
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- Get NVMe solid state performance with up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write speeds in a portable, high-capacity drive(1) (Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device & other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.)
- Up to 3-meter drop protection and IP65 water and dust resistance mean this tough drive can take a beating(3) (Previously rated for 2-meter drop protection and IP55 rating. Now qualified for the higher, stated specs.)
- Use the handy carabiner loop to secure it to your belt loop or backpack for extra peace of mind.
- Help keep private content private with the included password protection featuring 256‐bit AES hardware encryption.(3)
- Easily manage files and automatically free up space with the SanDisk Memory Zone app.(5). Non-Operating Temperature -20°C to 85°C
- Unneeded files in Downloads.
- Music, movies, or other media you can stream or download again.
- Apps you no longer use.
- Old iPhone or iPad backups that you no longer need.
Before deleting anything that matters, make a backup or move it somewhere you can access later. Deleting an app or file is not the same as deleting data you may want to keep, so check the relevant app’s own storage and backup options when unsure.
Empty the Bin to reclaim the space
Files moved to the Bin still use disk space until you empty it. Apple puts it plainly: “When you move a file to the Bin, its storage space doesn’t become available until you empty the Bin.” The corresponding folder is called Trash in some regional versions of macOS.
Rank #3
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
4. Keep large files by moving them elsewhere
If you want to retain files rather than delete them, move them to another storage device. Apple specifically calls out Photos and iMovie libraries as examples of media that can take up substantial space. A portable external SSD is one option; after copying files, verify that the copy opens before removing the originals from your Mac.
This approach preserves a local copy on the external drive, but you will need that drive to access the files stored there. Apple’s guidance does not specify a particular SSD model or capacity, so choose one based on the size of the files you intend to move.
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- Note: Magsafe is not available in this version
- High-speed Data Transfer: Lexar external SSD ES3 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 1050MB/s read and 1000MB/s write to transfer files fast for more efficient work. (Performance may be lower if not supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 on Mac and other systems)
- Wide Compatibility: Lexar Portable SSD ES3 compatibility with iPhone 17 series (Not supported on iPhone 14 and older models), Android mobile devices, laptops, cameras, Xbox X|S, PS4, PS5, gaming console, and more
- On The Go: Lexar external solid state drive ES3's thin, stylish, and durable design, weighs 42g and is only 10.5mm thick, making it smaller than a card and easily fits in your pocket. It comes with a Type-C cable for plug-and-play convenience
- Data Safety First: Lexar SSD ES3 includes Lexar DataShieldTM 256-bit AES encryption software to protect files
5. Consider iCloud optimization or temporary relief
Use iCloud if its storage and access model suit you
Apple says iCloud can make more space available on your Mac automatically when needed. This relies on iCloud storage capacity, so the files you store there count against your plan. Consider whether the available capacity and your preference for cloud-based access fit the amount of data you want to keep.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use Safe Mode only for a short-term need
Starting your Mac in Safe Mode can temporarily free some space by clearing certain caches, which macOS recreates as needed. Apple describes this as a temporary aid—for example, when you need room to complete an update—not a lasting cleanup routine.
Choose the option that matches what you need to keep
| Approach | Where the file lives afterward | Ongoing dependency |
|---|---|---|
| Delete content you no longer need | Removed from the Mac; files in the Bin still occupy space until it is emptied. | No additional copy or service is needed, but deleted files may not be recoverable unless backed up. |
| Move content to external storage | On the external storage device rather than the Mac’s internal disk. | You need the device to access those files. |
| Use iCloud optimization | Managed through iCloud and macOS optimization. | The files consume iCloud plan capacity. |
Apple supports these broad routes but does not rank one as best for everyone. Decide based on whether you need to keep the files, where you want them stored, and what access or storage-capacity trade-off you are comfortable with.
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