To free up storage on a Mac, start with the Storage settings. They show which areas use the most space. Then remove apps you no longer use, empty the Trash, and check your Downloads folder. Removing large apps often gives back the most space.
Quick steps
- Open System Settings, then General, then Storage.
- Read the list of what is using space.
- Remove the apps you no longer need.
- Empty the Trash when you are sure.
- Check Downloads for large files you no longer need.
Step 1: Check Storage
Open System Settings, click General, then Storage. macOS shows the categories that use the most space. Use this list to decide what to look at first, and note the biggest items.
Step 2: Remove apps you do not use
Remove the largest apps you no longer need. Uninstallzy lists each app with its real size, so you can see the biggest ones first. Finder also works. Select the app and press Command and Delete.
One-time purchase. Works on macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.
Do not remove apps you still use just to save space. Check first whether you need them.
Step 3: Empty the Trash
Removed apps stay in the Trash until you empty it, so they still use space until then. Open the Trash, check its contents, and put back anything you need. Then choose Finder, then Empty Trash.
Warning: Emptying the Trash is permanent. Check it first.
Step 4: Check Downloads and large files
Look through Downloads for old installers, disk images, and large videos. Sort by size in list view to find the biggest files quickly. Move each file to the Trash only if you no longer need it.
Warning: Never delete files in /System. MacOS needs them to run.
Step 5: Check photos and videos
Photos, movies, and project files often use more space than apps. Review them in their own apps before you delete anything. Keep backups of anything you want to keep.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my storage not change after I removed an app?
The app may still be in the Trash. Empty the Trash to free the space.
Is removing apps the best way to free space?
It is one good way. Large files and old downloads often use more space than people expect, so check those too.
Will freeing space speed up my Mac?
It can help if your disk is almost full. Speed depends on many things, so results vary.
Want one simple step instead?
Uninstallzy shows every app with its size. Pick the app, confirm once, and it goes to the Trash.
One-time purchase. Works on macOS 15 or later, on Apple silicon and Intel Macs.