How to remove Other Volumes in Container on Mac: Essential tips

Understanding and Managing "Other Volumes" on Your Mac

Have you noticed "Other Volumes" consuming significant storage space on your Mac? This article explains what they are and provides five methods to reclaim that space.

What are "Other Volumes"?

Since macOS High Sierra, Apple's APFS file system allows multiple virtual volumes within a single physical drive. These include essential system components:

• Macintosh HD: Your main system volume.
• Preboot: Manages boot configuration.
• Recovery: Stores recovery data.
• Virtual Machine (VM): Uses disk space as a supplement to RAM for tasks like swap files or sleep images.

Deleting these volumes directly is risky, as they're crucial for system operation. However, you can manage the space they occupy.

Analyzing Your Disk Usage with Terminal

To understand your volume usage, use the Terminal:

1. Open Terminal (Utilities > Terminal).
2. Enter the command: diskutil list and press Return.
3. Carefully review the output, identifying volumes like Macintosh HD, Preboot, Recovery, VM, and a Data volume (containing your user files).

Large "Other Volumes" indicate a potential issue. Before proceeding, always back up your data using a tool like Get Backup Pro to prevent accidental data loss.

If data loss occurs, Disk Drill can help recover files:

1. Open Disk Drill.
2. Select the drive and click "Search for lost data".
3. Select recoverable files and choose a save location.

Five Methods to Reclaim Space

Method 1: CleanMyMac X

This application safely removes unnecessary files (cache, logs, etc.) without manual volume deletion:

1. Open CleanMyMac X.
2. Select "Maintenance" and check "Free Up Purgeable Space".
3. Click "Run".

CleanMyMac X also offers automated disk cleaning for ongoing space management.

Method 2: Create a New User Account

Some users report reclaiming space after creating a new administrator account.

1. System Preferences > Users & Groups.
2. Unlock, add a new administrator account, reboot, and log in with the new account.
3. Check storage usage.

Method 3: Disable Content Caching

Content caching stores updates locally. Disabling it can free space:

1. System Preferences > Sharing.
2. Uncheck "Content Caching".
3. Reboot.

Method 4: Delete Extra Volumes (Use Caution!)

If diskutil list reveals unnecessary volumes, you can delete them (after backing up!):

1. Disk Utility.
2. Select the volume, right-click, and choose "Delete APFS Volume".
3. Confirm deletion. If unable to delete, try Disk Utility in macOS Recovery mode (Command R during startup).

Method 5: Erase Disk and Reinstall macOS (Last Resort)

This is a drastic step, only if all else fails:

1. Back up your data.
2. Boot into Recovery mode (Command R).
3. Disk Utility > Erase Disk (Macintosh HD).
4. Reinstall macOS.

Conclusion

Managing "Other Volumes" requires careful consideration. CleanMyMac X offers a safe and efficient solution. Remember to back up your data before attempting more aggressive methods. Consider using Gemini to identify and remove duplicate files. All mentioned apps are available through Setapp's 7-day free trial.

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