1. Use macOS's Built-in Storage Management Tool
How to use it:
Go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage
- Store in iCloud: Move files and photos to iCloud
- Optimize Storage: Remove watched movies and TV shows
- Empty Trash Automatically: Deletes files in Trash after 30 days
- Reduce Clutter: Finds large and unused files
2. Delete Temporary Files and Unnecessary Caches
How to delete:
Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder
Type ~/Library/Caches and press Enter
You can delete folders inside (avoid deleting from the System Library)
3. Check Your Downloads and Desktop Folders
Tips:
- Sort by file size and delete unused files
- Use Spotlight to find large files with: size:>500MB
4. Empty the Trash
How to empty:
Right-click the Trash > Empty Trash
5. Check for Apps Using Too Much Space
How to check:
Go to Applications > View > Show View Options > Size
Drag unused apps to the Trash to delete them
6. Move Files to External Storage or the Cloud
- iCloud Drive
- External SSD or HDD
- Google Drive / Dropbox (via web, no need to install apps)
Summary