How to Clear System Data on Mac? Ways to Reduce Huge System Storage on macOS

Is your Mac's System storage hogging too much disk space? It's tricky to manage System files because macOS doesn't clearly identify them. Fortunately, you can reclaim space manually or automatically. This guide outlines both approaches.

What is System Data?

System Data encompasses crucial macOS functions. Essentially, anything not categorized elsewhere falls under this umbrella, often leading to surprisingly large storage consumption. This applies to both MacBooks and iMacs. The image below illustrates the components.

Why So Much System Data?

Several factors contribute to System Data bloat:

• Normal OS Function: macOS usually handles deleting unnecessary files automatically.
• System Bugs: Bugs in macOS or apps can lead to excessive file accumulation.
• Cached Files: Third-party apps generate cached files that can grow significantly.
• Incomplete App Uninstallation: Leftover files after uninstalling applications.
• Time Machine Snapshots: Numerous Time Machine snapshots consume considerable space.

Manual System Data Cleanup

While macOS offers storage management tools, it lacks a dedicated system file cleanup feature. Manual cleanup requires careful identification of safe-to-remove files, or you can utilize a third-party solution like MacKeeper with its Safe Cleanup feature for risk-free removal of junk files.

Here's a breakdown of manual methods:

1. Manage Time Machine Snapshots: Disconnected backup drives can cause snapshot storage on your system. Create a new backup (connect your external drive, go to System Settings > Time Machine, right-click the drive, and select "Back Up Now") or delete snapshots via Terminal (open Terminal, use tmutil listlocalsnapshotdates to list dates, then tmutil deletelocalsnapshots [snapshot date] to delete).

2. Optimize Storage: macOS Ventura and later offer "Optimized Storage" (System Settings > General > Storage). Enable this to automatically remove unnecessary files.

3. Delete Application Logs and Support Files: Remove unnecessary application logs (~/Library/Logs) and support files (~/Library/Application Support, /Library/Application Support, ~/Library/Containers, ~/Library/Cookies). Be cautious with support files; deleting those for currently used apps may cause issues.

4. Clear Downloads: Regularly empty your Downloads folder.

5. Remove Old iOS Backups: Delete old iOS backups via Finder (Catalina and later) or iTunes (Mojave and earlier).

6. (Caution!) Delete Data from the System Folder: Proceed with extreme caution. Removing incorrect files can damage your system. Open the System folder via Spotlight and carefully remove only files you are absolutely certain are unnecessary.

7. Update macOS: Install any pending macOS updates to remove downloaded update files and potentially fix bugs causing storage issues.

8. Delete Cache Files: Clear application caches (~/Library/Caches and /Library/Caches).

9. Remove Browser Extensions: Uninstall unused browser extensions from Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Screenshots for each browser are provided in the original article.

Automatic System Storage Cleanup

For a simpler approach, use MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup tool:

1. Download and install MacKeeper.
2. Navigate to Cleaning > Safe Cleanup.
3. Scan for junk files.
4. Review and select files/folders for removal.
5. Click Clean Junk Files.

Normal System Data Usage

Expect 12GB to 40GB of System Data, ideally closer to the lower end. This includes major macOS updates (each over 10GB).

Conclusion

The best method for reducing System Data depends on the specific files consuming space. While manual cleanup is possible, MacKeeper's Safe Cleanup offers a convenient automated solution.

The above is the detailed content of How to Clear System Data on Mac? Ways to Reduce Huge System Storage on macOS. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!