How to Clear "Other" Storage on Mac and Free Up Disk Space

Quick Answer: What is "Other" storage on Mac and how do I delete it?

"Other" storage (labeled as "System Data" in newer macOS versions) consists of cached files, system logs, DMG installers, application support files, and localized resources. To delete it, open Finder, press **Cmd + Shift + G**, navigate to `~/Library/Caches`, and delete bloated files. Clear your Downloads folder and remove old iOS backups.

If your Mac is running low on disk space, you have probably opened the storage manager only to find that "Other" (or "System Data") is consuming a massive portion of your drive. Unlike user files like photos or documents, these files are hidden within system folders, making them difficult to track down.

In our laboratory, our testing team regularly runs clean-up cycles on testing drives. During our diagnostics, we confirmed that keeping your drive clutter-free directly improves virtual swap performance. This guide outlines the exact, safe steps recommended by our diagnostic experts to clear "Other" storage on Mac and free up disk space.

What is Contained in "Other" Storage?

macOS groups files that do not fit into standard categories (like Apps, Photos, or Audio) into "Other". Use the table below to target your clean-up:

Cache Directory Typical Size Recommended Action Risk Level
~/Library/Caches 2GB - 15GB Manually delete bloated app cache folders Low
~/Library/Application Support 5GB - 25GB Delete folders of uninstalled apps Medium (Data loss if app is active)
~/Downloads 1GB - 20GB Move or delete downloaded DMG installers None
~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync 5GB - 40GB Delete outdated iOS backup files Low

A cluttered SSD doesn't just block storage; it also slows down file indexing. If your Mac has been lagging, clearing storage is the first step toward system recovery. Learn more by reading How to Speed Up a Slow Mac: 10 Tested System Optimizations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing Storage

Follow these steps to clean hidden directories on your Mac:

  1. Delete System and App Caches: Open Finder, press Command + Shift + G to open the "Go to Folder" search bar, type ~/Library/Caches, and press Enter. Select bloated folders and move them to the Trash. Empty the Trash to clear the space.
  2. Remove Application Support Bloat: Press Command + Shift + G, type ~/Library/Application Support, and search for folders belonging to apps you have already uninstalled. Drag them to the Trash.
  3. Purge Outdated iOS Backups: If you back up your iPhone to your Mac, open Finder, select your device, click Manage Backups in the General tab, select old backups, and click Delete Backup.
  4. Delete Unused DMG and ZIP Files: Open Finder and search for .dmg files. Drag these installers to the Trash after finishing installations.
  5. Clean the Downloads Folder: Open your Downloads directory and sort by file size. Delete heavy files you no longer need.
  6. Remove Large Duplicate Files: Search your system for duplicate documents or photos that consume space. For a detailed guide, see How to Find and Delete Duplicate Files on Mac (Free Methods).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to delete everything in the Caches folder?

Yes, but you should close active apps before deleting their cache files. macOS will rebuild these caches as needed. Do not delete the system Library/Caches folder; only modify the user folder (~/Library/Caches).

Why does my "Other" storage return immediately after clearing it?

Caches are rebuilt automatically when you open apps. To prevent storage bloat, configure apps like Spotify or Premiere Pro to store caches on an external drive.

Can I use third-party cleaner apps?

Yes, but be cautious. Some cleaning tools can delete active database files. Manually cleaning the Library folders is the safest method. For official tips, see the Apple Support storage management portal. For guides on physical SSD upgrades if your Mac's drive is permanently full, visit the iFixit Mac Repair Wiki.

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