How to Free Up Space on Mac: Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
As a Mac user, you may have experienced the frustrating message telling you that your startup disk is almost full. This can mean that your device is running slowly and some of your applications may not function properly. Luckily, there are several ways to free up space on your Mac. Here are some tips and tricks you need to know:
1. Uninstall Apps You Don’t Use
One of the most effective ways to free up space on your Mac is to uninstall applications you don’t use regularly. You can do this by opening your “Applications” folder and dragging the unwanted apps to the trash. However, some applications leave behind leftover files that could be taking up valuable space on your disk. Use a software like App Cleaner & Uninstaller to remove these leftovers.
2. Use the Built-in Storage Management Tools
Modern versions of macOS come with built-in storage management tools that allow you to see how your disk space is being used. Open “About This Mac” from the Apple menu and select the “Storage” tab. You’ll see a color-coded breakdown of how much storage is being used for apps, documents, photos, and other files. You can free up space by using the “Recommendations” section to remove redundant files or other items you don’t need.
3. Delete Duplicate Files
Duplicate files are a common space waster on your Mac. They might include duplicate photos, music files, or documents. Use a duplicate finder tool like Gemini 2 to scan and identify any duplicate files on your device. Once you identify them, it’s safe to delete the duplicates.
4. Clear Cache and Temporary Files
Cache and temporary files are created by your web browser and apps to help speed up performance. However, they can accumulate a lot of space over time. You can clear out these files by going to your web browser preferences and clearing the cache, history, and cookies. You can also use the “Optimize Storage” feature in iTunes to clear out temporary files.
5. Move Files to an External Drive
If you have a lot of large files taking up space on your Mac, consider moving them to an external drive. This can be files like photos, videos, or big documents. This will free up space and keep your device running smoothly. Remember to always back up important files before moving them.
In conclusion, keeping your Mac’s storage usage under control is crucial for maintaining its overall performance. Use these tips and tricks to free up space on your device and ensure it continues to run smoothly. Remember to back up important files before moving them to an external drive or deleting them altogether.