How To Get Rid Of Other Storage On Mac

This guide provides effective methods to delete and reclaim ‘other storage’ on a Mac, improving system performance and freeing up valuable disk space.

If you’re a Mac user, you may have come across the frustrating problem of your storage space mysteriously disappearing. You may find that a significant portion of your storage is labeled as “Other.” This enigmatic category can take up a substantial amount of space, leaving you wondering what it is and how to get rid of it. In this blog post, we will dive into the world of “Other” storage on Mac and explore some effective methods to reclaim your valuable storage space. So, if you’re tired of constantly battling a shrinking storage capacity, keep reading to learn how to banish the “Other” storage once and for all.

How To Get Rid Of Other Storage On Mac: Step-by-Step

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Step 1: Clear Cache Files,

In Finder, go to ‘Go’ > ‘Go to Folder…’ and enter ‘~/Library/Caches’. Delete all files in this folder, as they are cache files for your applications.

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Step 2: Remove Downloads,

It’s important to regularly check your downloads folder and delete any unnecessary files or documents to free up storage space on your device.

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Step 3: Empty Your Trash,

Remember to always empty your trash bin after deleting files. To do this, simply right-click on the Trash icon in the dock and choose ‘Empty Trash’. This ensures files are permanently deleted from your system.

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Step 4: Delete Old iTunes backups,

To free up space, go to iTunes preferences, devices, and delete your device’s backup files.

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Step 5: Clear Mail Downloads,

The Mail app downloads email attachments to ‘~/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Mail Downloads’. Delete unneeded files from this folder.

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Step 6: Use Optimized Storage,

To optimize storage on MacOS, reduce clutter by automatically removing watched iTunes content and retaining only recent mail attachments. Access ‘About This Mac’, click ‘Storage’, then select ‘Manage…’. Choose ‘Optimize…’ to conveniently manage your storage.

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Step 7: Run Disk Utility,

Disk Utility, accessible through the ‘Finder’ menu, is a valuable tool to reclaim unused space on your Mac. Select your drive, click ‘First Aid’, and run the utility to free up valuable storage.

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Step 8: Clear Old iOS Software Updates,

Make sure to remove old iPhone or iPad software updates from your Mac. You can find them in the ‘~/Library/iTunes’ directory and delete them to free up space.

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Step 9: Delete Unneeded Applications,

It is crucial to uninstall unnecessary apps on your Mac properly. Dragging the icon to the Trash only removes the app, not its associated files. If available, use an uninstaller provided by the app for complete removal.

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Final Step: Check Remaining Storage,

After following the above steps, you can easily monitor how much storage space you have regained. Simply return to ‘About This Mac’, tap on ‘Storage’, and patiently wait for the system to accurately compute your available storage, providing a comprehensive overview.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with the frustrating issue of “Other” storage on your Mac can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, it is possible to regain control over your valuable disk space. By thoroughly cleaning your system, optimizing storage, removing unnecessary files and apps, and utilizing specialized tools, you can significantly reduce the size of the “Other” category.

Remember to regularly monitor your disk space and take proactive steps to prevent unnecessary buildup of “Other” storage. This not only ensures a smoother and more efficient performance of your Mac but also allows you to make better use of your storage capacity.

Lastly, maintaining good digital housekeeping practices such as organizing and decluttering files, regularly backing up important data, and performing system updates can go a long way in keeping your Mac clean and optimized.

With these tips and techniques at your disposal, you can bid farewell to the mysterious “Other” storage on your Mac and enjoy a more streamlined and efficient computing experience. Happy decluttering!

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