7 Ways To Clear System Data Storage On Mac

Is your Mac running out of storage space? If you’ve checked your storage settings, you may have noticed that “System Data” is taking up a significant chunk of space. But what exactly is System Data, and how can you clear it to free up storage? In this guide, we’ll walk you through seven effective methods to clear System Data on your Mac and optimize its performance.

What Is System Data on Mac?

System Data (formerly known as “Other” storage) includes cached files, logs, temporary files, old backups, and system junk that accumulates over time. While macOS manages some of these files automatically, clearing them manually can help free up valuable space.

If you want to optimize your Mac’s storage and performance, follow these step-by-step methods to clean up System Data.

1. Clear System Cache Files

Cache files help speed up processes but can take up excessive storage over time. Here’s how to remove them:

1. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G.
2. Type ~/Library/Caches/ and hit Enter.
3. Select the cache folders and move them to Trash.
4. Empty the trash to permanently delete the files.

2. Remove Old Time Machine Backups

Time Machine creates local snapshots that can accumulate and take up space. To remove them:

1. Open Terminal (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   tmutil listlocalsnapshots /
3. Delete old snapshots by entering:
   tmutil deletelocalsnapshots “snapshot-name”

Repeat the process for multiple snapshots if necessary.

3. Delete Large Log Files

macOS generates system logs for diagnostics, but they aren’t always necessary. To delete them:

1. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G.
2. Type /var/log/ and hit Enter.
3. Move large log files to Trash and empty it.

4. Delete Unused Applications & Their Residual Files

Apps leave behind hidden files even after being uninstalled. To completely remove them:

1. Go to Applications in Finder.
2. Drag unused apps to the Trash.
3. To remove leftover files, navigate to:
   • ~/Library/Application Support/
   • ~/Library/Preferences/
   • ~/Library/Caches/
   • ~/Library/Logs/
4. Search for folders related to the deleted apps and move them to Trash.

For a thorough clean-up, use third-party tools like AppCleaner.

5. Clear Downloaded System Updates

Mac stores old macOS update files, consuming unnecessary space. To remove them:

1. Open Finder and navigate to /Library/Updates/.
2. Delete the update files and empty the Trash.
3. Restart your Mac to finalize changes.

6. Delete Unused Extensions and Plugins

Extensions and plugins can clutter your Mac over time. To remove them:

• Safari:

  1. Open Safari and go to Settings > Extensions.
  2. Disable or uninstall unnecessary extensions.

• Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome and type chrome://extensions/ in the address bar.
  2. Remove unwanted extensions.

• System Plugins:

  1. Open Finder and press Command + Shift + G.
  2. Go to ~/Library/Internet Plug-Ins/ and delete unnecessary items.

7. Use Mac’s Built-in Storage Management

Apple provides a built-in Storage Management tool to help clear space:

1. Click Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage.
2. Click Manage to access storage recommendations.
3. Follow the suggestions to delete unnecessary files and optimize storage.

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Final Thoughts

Clearing System Data storage on your Mac is crucial for optimal performance. Whether you do it manually or seek professional help from the MacRepair, regular maintenance will keep your Mac running smoothly. Try these steps today and free up valuable space!