Mac users often encounter the ‘Other Storage’ message. It is the Mac version of the Windows ‘System Junk’ message. The message appears when a user runs out of storage space on their Mac. ‘Other Storage’ includes different categories like system files, user files, and temporary files that aren’t easy to identify or find. Clearing Other storage on a Mac can free up space and speed up the system. However, it can be challenging to figure out how to clear Other storage on a Mac, and that’s what we will cover in this guide.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Clear Other on Mac Storage
Clearing Other storage on a Mac is crucial for many reasons. Firstly, it helps to free up space and improves the system’s performance. When the Mac runs low on storage space, it tends to slow down and act sluggishly. Secondly, clearing Other storage can help to clean up unnecessary files, which might pose a security risk to the user’s privacy. Finally, it can be frustrating to keep getting storage full messages, and clearing Other storage is the best way to avoid it.
Method 1: Use Finder to Clear Other Storage on Mac
Finder is the default file manager on Mac, and it can help to clear Other storage. Here’s how to do it:
Steps:
1. Click on the Apple icon at the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Choose ‘About This Mac.’
3. Choose ‘Storage.’
4. Click on ‘Manage.’
5. Click on ‘Documents’ and ‘Downloads’ to see the largest files.
6. Drag unnecessary files to the trash can.
7. Right-click on the trash can and click on ‘Empty Trash.’
Pros:
– No third-party app required.
– Can free up significant storage space.
Cons:
– Does not clear all Other storage.
– Might delete necessary files.
Method 2: Use Disk Utility to Clear Other Storage on Mac
Disk Utility is a built-in application that can help to clear Other storage on Mac. Here’s how to use it:
Steps:
1. Open ‘Finder.’
2. Click on the ‘Applications’ folder.
3. Click on the ‘Utilities’ folder.
4. Double-click on ‘Disk Utility.’
5. Click on ‘View’ and select ‘Show All Devices.’
6. Select the Mac drive from the list of devices.
7. Click on the ‘First Aid’ button.
8. Click on ‘Run.’
Pros:
– Can clear up significant storage space.
– No third-party app required.
Cons:
– Risk of data loss.
– Requires booting into recovery mode, which can be complicated.
Method 3: Use Terminal to Clear Other Storage on Mac
Terminal is a command-line tool that can help to clear Other storage on Mac. Here’s how:
Steps:
1. Open ‘Terminal’.
2. Type ‘sudo periodic daily weekly monthly’ and hit ‘Enter.’
3. Type your Mac’s password and hit ‘Enter.’
Pros:
– Can clear significant storage space.
– No third-party app required.
Cons:
– Commands can be complicated.
– Risk of data loss.
Method 4: Use Third-Party Apps to Clear Other Storage on Mac
Mac has many third-party apps that can help to clear Other storage. Some of the best apps include CleanMyMac X, DaisyDisk, and OmniDiskSweeper.
Steps:
1. Download the app from the Mac App Store or the developer’s website.
2. Install and launch the app.
3. Click on the ‘Scan’ button.
4. Click on the ‘Clean’ button once the scan is complete.
Pros:
– Easy to use.
– Can clear significant storage space.
Cons:
– Many third-party apps are paid.
– Risk of downloading malware.
What to Do If You Can’t Clear Other on Mac Storage
If the methods above don’t work, there are a few other things that you can try. Firstly, you can delete unnecessary language files. Mac OS X comes with many language files that you might not need, and deleting them can help to free up space. Secondly, you can uninstall apps and delete their leftovers using AppCleaner. Finally, you can move files to cloud-based storage services like Dropbox, iCloud, or Google Drive.
Bonus Tips
1. Use CleanMyMac X’s Smart Scan feature to clear Other storage and other junk files.
2. Use Monolingual to delete unnecessary language files.
3. Upgrade your Mac’s hard drive or SSD to increase storage space.
5 FAQs about How to Clear Other on Mac Storage
Q1: What is Other storage on Mac?
A: Other storage on Mac refers to different file categories like system files, user files, and temporary files that aren’t easy to identify or find.
Q2: Can I delete Other storage on Mac?
A: Yes, you can delete Other storage on Mac using several methods like Finder, Disk Utility, Terminal or third-party apps.
Q3: How much space should I free up on Mac?
A: It is essential to have at least 10% of the hard drive’s total capacity free at all times.
Q4: What is the best third-party app to clear Other storage on Mac?
A: Some of the best apps to clear Other storage on Mac include CleanMyMac X, DaisyDisk, and OmniDiskSweeper.
Q5: Can I move files to the Trash to clear Other storage?
A: Yes, moving files to the trash can help to clear Other storage, but you need to empty the Trash to free up space.
Final Thoughts
Clearing Other storage on Mac is crucial for the system’s performance and freeing up space. We hope the methods and tips mentioned above will help you to clear Other storage on your Mac. Remember to be careful while using Terminal or third-party apps to avoid data loss or deleting necessary files accidentally. For a risk-free method, try the built-in Finder or Disk Utility to clear Other storage on your Mac.