How to do I clear system data on Mac OS?

Your Mac is running out of space? System Data is eating it all up? Let’s fix that! Cleaning up System Data on macOS is easier than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have more free space in no time.

What is System Data?

System Data (formerly known as “Other” storage) includes cache files, system logs, temporary files, and old backups. Over time, this junk piles up and takes up valuable space.

You don’t need most of these files. Deleting them can speed up your Mac and free up storage.

Check Your Storage

First, check how much space System Data is using:

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
  2. Select About This Mac.
  3. Go to Storage.
  4. Wait for the storage bar to load.
  5. Hover over “System Data” to see its size.

Surprised by how much space it takes? Let’s clean it up!

Delete System Cache Files

Your Mac stores cache files to load things faster. But over time, they just waste space. Here’s how to remove them:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Click Go in the top menu.
  3. Select Go to Folder.
  4. Type: ~/Library/Caches and hit Return.
  5. Select all the files inside.
  6. Move them to the Trash.
  7. Empty the Trash.

Your Mac will rebuild important caches automatically, so don’t worry!

Remove Old iOS Backups

If you’ve backed up an iPhone or iPad on your Mac, those backups could be massive!

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Click Go in the top menu.
  3. Select Go to Folder.
  4. Type: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup
  5. Delete old backup folders.
  6. Empty the Trash.

Clear System Logs and Temporary Files

Logs pile up and take unnecessary space. Here’s how to clear them:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Click Go in the top menu.
  3. Select Go to Folder.
  4. Type: /var/log and hit Return.
  5. Delete unnecessary log files.
  6. Empty the Trash.

Delete Unused Applications

Some apps create large data files. If you don’t need an app, delete it to free up space:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Go to Applications.
  3. Find unused apps.
  4. Drag them to the Trash.
  5. Empty the Trash.

Restart Your Mac

Simple but effective! Restarting your Mac clears temporary files and frees up RAM.

Use a Cleaning Tool

If you want an easier way, try a Mac cleaning tool. Some popular options:

  • CleanMyMac X
  • DaisyDisk
  • CCleaner

These tools can remove junk files with just one click.

Keep Your Mac Clean!

Now your Mac has more space and might even run faster. To keep it clean:

  • Delete old files regularly.
  • Empty the Trash often.
  • Uninstall apps you don’t use.

Enjoy your faster, cleaner Mac!