You can reduce the space used by files macOS groups under System Data, but there is no single System Data folder or safe “clear all” button. Start in Storage settings, use Apple’s recommendations, then remove or move files you recognize and no longer need. macOS also clears certain safe-to-delete temporary files when it needs space.
What System Data means
Apple describes System Data (called Other in some macOS versions) as a general category for Apple and third-party files that do not fit another storage category. It can include items such as caches, logs, temporary files, fonts, plug-ins and app-support files. The category is an accounting label, not one folder you can open and empty. Its contents and displayed size can vary with your apps, files and macOS version.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
That is why the safest cleanup is to target identifiable files and use the controls macOS provides—not to delete unfamiliar items from system or Library folders. Apple says macOS removes caches and logs that are safe to delete when space is needed, including certain temporary database files, interrupted downloads and staged updates. See Apple’s Free up storage space on Mac and Optimize storage space on your Mac.
Check storage and available recommendations
- On macOS Ventura 13 or later: choose Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage.
- On earlier macOS versions: choose Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.
- Review the category breakdown and any recommendations shown. Recheck the display after cleanup; it can take time to update, and not every category offers the same management controls.
Apple documents the current storage display in Change Storage settings on Mac. Recommendations can help you manage eligible content, but they do not guarantee that a specific amount will come out of the System Data figure.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Use Apple’s storage recommendations when they fit
Depending on your Mac and settings, recommendations may include storing eligible Desktop and Documents files, photos, videos, messages and attachments in iCloud and optimizing local copies. Optimize Storage can also remove watched Apple TV content and keep only recent email attachments on the Mac when space is needed. The details are covered in Apple’s storage settings guide.
- Check offline access: content optimized for iCloud may need to download when you open it without a local copy. Keep files you need offline on the Mac or another accessible drive.
- Check your iCloud plan and settings: these features use iCloud storage and may require a plan with enough capacity. Moving content to iCloud is not the same as deleting it, and it does not guarantee a smaller System Data reading.
Remove files you no longer need
Review your own files first. Storage settings may offer category controls, but some folders and apps require you to inspect their contents yourself. Delete only material you recognize and no longer need.
Rank #2
- 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
- Downloads and large documents: sort or review large files and remove installers, archives and duplicates only if they are no longer useful.
- Media and apps: remove unneeded videos, music, photos or apps. If you want to retain a large library, move it to an external storage device rather than deleting it.
- Old iPhone or iPad backups: remove backups only when you are sure you will not need them to restore a device.
- Mail: clear junk and deleted messages, and remove attachments you no longer need.
- Bin: files in the Bin still occupy storage until you empty it. Check its contents before doing so.
Apple’s storage guidance describes these cleanup options and moving files to external storage. A drive can preserve files you move off the Mac, but buying or connecting one does not itself clean System Data.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Do not treat caches as clutter to erase by hand
Deleting arbitrary system folders or cache paths can disrupt apps or macOS, and a cache often returns as software runs. Apple says macOS clears caches and logs that are safe to delete when space is needed. If you are troubleshooting or need a short-term cleanup, Safe Mode may clear certain system caches; macOS recreates caches as required. Safe Mode is not a permanent way to reclaim a predictable amount of space.
Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 500GB external ssd often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 500 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Use Apple’s instructions for your Mac model to start in Safe Mode, rather than removing cache files manually. Apple includes Safe Mode among its suggestions in Free up storage space on Mac.
Understand Time Machine local snapshots before changing backups
When automatic Time Machine backups are enabled on an APFS disk, macOS can keep local snapshots. They let you recover earlier versions of files when your usual backup disk is unavailable. Apple says snapshots are deleted as they age or when space is needed, and their space is counted as available storage. They are therefore not automatically wasted space or a reliable target for freeing a set amount. See Apple’s About Time Machine local snapshots on Mac.
Rank #4
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
If you still want to remove local snapshots manually, Apple’s documented method is to temporarily change the backup schedule: set automatic backups to Manually (or turn them off on older macOS), wait a few minutes, then restore your normal schedule. Follow Apple’s steps in About Time Machine local snapshots. Keep a normal backup routine so you retain a recovery copy; changing snapshot behavior can affect what you can restore locally.
When an external drive makes sense
Use external storage if your goal is to keep large files while freeing internal capacity, or to store a separate Time Machine backup. These are different uses: a file-storage drive holds items you move to it, while a Time Machine disk is for backups. Apple recommends that a Time Machine backup device ideally have at least twice the capacity of the Mac; that is a recommendation for backup media, not a minimum for a drive used only to store files. See Back up your Mac with Time Machine.
Best Value
- Capacity Display Variance: 250GB external ssd often appears as around 232GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 250 GB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Moving files can free internal space, but it does not guarantee a particular change in the System Data category. Keep important files backed up before deleting originals or relying on a single external drive.
What cleanup result to expect
There is no universal target for a “normal” System Data size and no dependable number of gigabytes that every Mac can reclaim. The result depends on what is on that Mac, its settings, the macOS release and how storage is being categorized. Use the storage display to identify practical candidates, then judge success by whether you have enough usable space for the work you need to do—not by forcing the System Data bar below an arbitrary threshold.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
