To free up Mac storage, check Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage (macOS Ventura 13 and later), find large files under Documents, then remove only items you no longer need. Empty the Trash to reclaim space. If you want to keep files, move them to an external drive or use iCloud options to reduce local copies.
Check what is using storage
On macOS Ventura 13 and later, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage. The storage view groups used space by category so you can see where to start. On earlier macOS versions, Apple’s route is Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage. Category names and available controls can vary by macOS version.
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Start with the categories that appear largest, but treat the graph as a guide rather than a list of files to delete. Some categories are managed by macOS and do not map neatly to user documents.
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Open Documents in Storage settings and review the large-file controls. Apple’s current guide also describes using File Browser to inspect files. Sort by size where available, then check each file’s name, location, and purpose before removing it. A large item may be a project, archive, or library that an app still needs.
#1 Best Overall
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- 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
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For each file you are considering, ask whether you recognize it, whether an app or project depends on it, and whether you can restore or download it again. If you are unsure, leave it in place until you identify it.
Prioritize low-risk cleanup
Review Downloads
Open your Downloads folder and sort by size or date. Remove old installers, duplicate archives, and other downloads you recognize and no longer need. Do not delete an installer if you still need it to reinstall software and cannot download it again.
Remove media you can get again
Look for movies, music, podcasts, or other media stored locally. If you can stream or download an item again, deleting its local copy may be a practical way to recover space. Confirm that the copy is not the only version you have before deleting it.
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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
Uninstall apps you no longer use
Storage settings can help identify apps taking up space. Remove apps you recognize and no longer need using the app’s normal uninstall method or the method recommended by its developer. Avoid deleting unfamiliar support files by hand.
Check device backups and Mail
Review old iPhone or iPad backups and remove ones you are certain you will not need for restoring a device. You can also inspect Mail for large attachments and clear junk or deleted messages if you no longer need them.
Empty the Trash
Deleting a file usually moves it to the Trash; that alone does not make its space available. After checking the Trash contents, empty it to reclaim the space. Files removed from the Trash may not be recoverable through the Mac’s usual Trash restore option.
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
What to do about System Data
System Data is a broad category that can include logs, caches, virtual memory files, temporary files, fonts, app support files, plug-ins, and runtime resources. Its size changes with the Mac’s current state. Apple says its contents are managed by macOS and that the category varies in size. Do not treat the category total as a checklist of safe files to erase, and do not manually remove unfamiliar items from Library or system folders.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep files while reducing local storage
If files should stay in your collection but do not need to remain on the Mac, choose between another storage device and cloud optimization. Both reduce reliance on local copies, but they differ in access, portability, and setup.
Rank #4
- 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)
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| Option | Best suited to | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| External drive | Large libraries, archives, or files you want to keep under your control | You need a drive with enough capacity and a connection compatible with your Mac. Files are available when the drive is connected; the drive provides another location, not more built-in Mac storage. |
| iCloud optimization | Selected files or content you want available across Apple devices without keeping every full local copy | It requires an appropriate iCloud setup and enough available account storage. Content stored on demand may require an internet connection to download when needed. |
Move files to an external drive
Connect a compatible external drive, then move files you want to retain from the Mac to the drive in Finder. Open a few moved files from the drive to verify they work before removing any other copies. Keep the drive connected when you need those files, and maintain another backup for irreplaceable data.
Use iCloud options selectively
Apple’s storage settings include iCloud-related options for making selected content available on demand. This can reduce local storage use, but it does not mean every file is always stored locally. Check that the account has sufficient storage and consider whether you will need offline access before relying on optimized copies.
If you need space for an update or copy right now
When the immediate problem is a temporary operation, such as installing a macOS update, starting the Mac in Safe Mode may clear certain caches temporarily. Caches are recreated as needed, so this should not be treated as a lasting storage plan or a promise of a particular amount of free space. If the operation still cannot proceed, remove or move identifiable large files and empty the Trash.
Quick Recap
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