How to clear system data storage on Mac

New Macs, even base models, especially those with Apple Silicon, are powerful and ready to use. However, the limited 256GB storage can quickly fill up, particularly for users working with media files. Since storage upgrades aren't possible after purchase, and larger storage options are expensive, optimizing existing storage is crucial. You might be surprised by how much space system data consumes.

What is System Data?

System data encompasses files not directly associated with apps, utilities, or macOS itself. This includes:

• Leftover files from uninstalled applications
• Cache files from apps, system processes, and browsers
• App installers (DMGs) and other disk images
• App extensions and plugins

Checking System Data

The method for checking system storage varies depending on your macOS version.

macOS Ventura:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to General > Storage.

Older macOS versions:

1. Click the Apple menu > About This Mac.
2. Go to the Storage tab.
3. Note the "Other" category (which includes system data).

In Ventura, macOS and system data are separately listed.

Why is System Data Large?

Excessive system data (many gigabytes) may indicate:

• Too many temporary cache files (often from third-party apps).
• Un-ejected disk image installers.
• Leftover files from deleted apps.
• Numerous large Time Machine backup snapshots.

Deleting System Data

Reducing system storage usually doesn't affect app functionality. macOS offers storage optimization suggestions.

For macOS versions before Ventura:

1. Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage.
2. Review the recommendations.

Optimize Storage (macOS Ventura)

macOS Ventura's "Optimize Storage" feature (System Settings > General > Storage) automatically identifies and suggests storage optimization options. If this panel isn't visible, cleanup may not be necessary.

Removing Old Backups

Time Machine backups create numerous local snapshots. To delete them:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type tmutil listbackups and press Return. Then, type sudo tmutil delete [backup name] (replacing "[backup name]" with the name from the list) and press Return.

To delete local snapshots:

1. In Terminal, type tmutil listlocalsnapshots / and press Return.
2. Type tmutil deletelocalsnapshots [snapshot name] (replacing "[snapshot name]") and press Return.

For easier backup management, consider Get Backup Pro (customizable backups) or AnyTrans for iOS (iPhone management and backups).

Manual System Data Cleanup (Caution!)

Manually deleting system files is risky. However, if you choose to proceed, carefully remove unnecessary files from these folders (using Finder > Go > Go to Folder):

• ~/Library/Application Support
• ~/Library/Caches
• ~/Library/Logs
• ~/Library/Containers
• ~/Library/Cookies

Automated System Data Cleanup

CleanMyMac X automates system data cleanup safely and efficiently:

1. Launch CleanMyMac X.
2. Select System Junk.
3. Click Scan, then Clean.

Monitoring Storage

iStat Menus provides menu bar storage monitoring to prevent future accumulation.

Conclusion

Tools like Get Backup Pro, AnyTrans for iOS, CleanMyMac X, and iStat Menus simplify Mac storage management. A seven-day Setapp trial provides access to these and over 240 other apps.

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