Complete step-by-step guide to freeing up space on macOS: all the updated tips and tricks

Your Mac Is your computer warning you that your hard drive is almost full and you don't know where to start? Don't worry, you're not alone. Many users, especially those with a base-range model with 128 or 256 GB of storage, frequently face this problem. And no, you don't need to buy another computer or upgrade your hard drive. With a good cleaning strategy and a little organization, you can free up tens of gigabytes without spending a single euro.

In this guide we explain how to free up space on macOS in a detailed, orderly manner and with all possible methods: from the integrated options offered by the system, to the Tricks The most effective external manuals and tools. Whether you're using macOS Ventura, Monterey, or earlier, you'll find a clear, effective, and easy-to-use solution here.

How to check the available storage on your Mac

The first thing you need to know is exactly how much space you're using and what's taking up space. To find out, access your Mac's storage options based on your macOS version:

• On macOS Ventura 13 or later: and a Apple menu  > System Preferences. Then enter into General > Storage.
• In older versions of macOS: click Apple menu  > About This Mac and enter the tab Storage.

You'll see a segmented bar showing how your storage is distributed between photos, apps, documents, email, backups, etc. There will also be a category called “System data” (formerly “Other”) which includes system files, caches, logs and other items that do not fit into the usual categories.

Tip: Click on each segment or category to see more details and access management options.

Use native macOS tools to optimize storage

Apple includes several features on your Mac to save space automatically or with just a few actions:

1. Automatic storage optimization

In the Storage section you will find an option called “Recommendations”There you can activate functions such as:

• Save to iCloudYour Desktop and Documents files, photos, and videos can be stored in the cloud. When space is needed, optimized versions are kept on your Mac, while the originals remain accessible in iCloud.
• Optimize storage: Automatically deletes previously viewed or old movies, series, and email attachments.
• Empty trash automatically: Set the Trash to empty itself after 30 days.
• Reduce clutter: Review large or unused files to decide whether to keep or delete them.

2. Manage the largest files

From the storage interface you can also access sections such as “Large files”, "Downloads" o “iOS Backups”, where you'll see the items taking up the most space and can delete them with a couple of clicks. If you'd like to learn more about managing storage on other systems, you can visit this link about Windows 11.

3. Delete libraries and content you don't use

Some Apple apps like GarageBand or iMovie download music or video libraries that take up a lot of space. If you don't use them:

• Go to Storage > Music Creation and deletes the Garageband sound library.
• It also deletes files like “Install macOS .app” which can take up more than 5GB.

Manual tricks to free up space without installing anything

If you prefer to do everything without external programs, there are many ways to lighten your storage manually.

1. Check and empty the trash

Many people think that by moving a file to the trash they have freed up space, but that is not the case. As long as you don't empty it, those files will continue to take up space. Right-click the trash icon (in the Dock) and select “Empty wastebasket”.

Tip: You can schedule the trash to automatically delete files after 30 days from Finder> Preferences> Advanced.

2. Delete files from the Downloads folder

Folder Downloads It often gets filled with installers, PDFs, email attachments, and other files you only needed once. To clean it up:

1. Opens Finder and select Go > Downloads.
2. Sort by size to locate the largest files.
3. Eliminate those you no longer need.

3. Delete apps you don't use

From Finder you can go to the folder Applications and drag the ones you don't use to the trash. You can also manage them from:

System Settings > Storage > Apps, and directly select which ones to delete.

Apps like GarageBand, iMovie, or even Adobe tools can take up several GB even if you've never opened them. For more information on how to free up space on other systems, check out this Linux tutorial.

4. Delete old iOS backups

When you connect a iPhone o iPad to your Mac and a backup is made, that copy can remain stored indefinitely. Delete them if you no longer need them:

1. Opens Finder and select your device in the sidebar.
2. Click on Manage backups.
3. Select the old ones and press Delete backup.

5. Find large files manually

press Command + F in Finder to perform an advanced search. In the search options, choose “Other” and then “File Size,” with a filter (for example, files larger than 1 GB), to find out which files are eating up your storage.

Using cloud storage and external drives

Another way to free up space on your Mac without deleting files is move them off the internal diskYou have two options: iCloud and external hard drives.

1. Use iCloud for photos and documents

You can move entire folders from Desktop, Documents and Photos to iCloud automatically from your storage options. When you do, only the most recent or used files are saved locally. The rest are downloaded on demand. To learn more about freeing up cloud space, visit this link on Google Photos.

Nota: The free plan only offers 5 GB. For more space, you'll need a subscription (50 GB, 200 GB, or 2 TB).

2. Use external storage

If you have a lot of videos, libraries, or files that you don't use constantly, you can save them in an external hard driveIt is also a good idea to move the photo library or of iMovie to free up space on your Mac without losing anything.

Delete temporary files, caches and duplicates

macOS and the apps you use generate a lot of data. Temporary files what with There, can accumulate several GB of digital waste.

1. Clean the system and caches

The files of cache, system logs, unnecessary translations, temporary files and old copies can be removed with specialized tools such as CleanMyMac, MacKeeper, or OnyX. Some allow you to:

• Clear browser cache (Safari, Chrome, Firefox)
• Delete language files you don't use
• Clean up residual content from apps you've already deleted

If you prefer to do it manually:

• safari: Activate the development menu in Preferences > Advanced and then select Development > Empty Cache.
• Chrome and Firefox: Look for 'Clear browsing data' in your privacy options.

2. Delete duplicate files

It's common to inadvertently save the same file multiple times (music, installers, screenshots, edited documents). Tools like CleanMyMac and MacKeeper have duplicate scanners that allow you to easily locate and delete them. You can also search manually with Finder, although it takes longer.

3. Compress files or folders

If you have documents that you don't want to delete but want to gain space, you can compress them:

1. Right-click on a file or folder.
2. Choose comprimir.
3. A .zip file will be created which you can save and delete the original.

Other tips to free up space quickly

In addition to the above methods, there are other small actions that can give you a break:

• Clean the desktop- Each icon on the desktop consumes resources. Sort it or activate it in stack mode.
• Delete downloaded podcasts: From the Podcasts app, you can delete episodes you've already listened to or downloaded.
• Check email attachments- The Mail app can accumulate many attachments. You can set it to delete them after deleting the message.
• Delete downloaded movies or music: If you use Apple Music or Apple TV, delete downloads if you've already watched/listened to them.

Keeping your Mac organized and free of space isn't so complicated if you follow these tips. With a good monthly cleanup and taking advantage of the tools that macOS already includes, you can keep your computer running smoothly and make the most of its storage.