Apple computers, especially MacBooks with low-capacity SSDs, can issue a storage alert after a certain period of use. With full memory, the user may face problems installing new applications and even using some functions, such as editing images and videos. Although macOS is known for its efficient memory management, storage still needs special user attention. Here are 10 tips for removing useless files from your Mac and freeing up space.
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Check out how to free up space on your Mac and get more memory Photo: Divulgao / Apple
Check out how to free up space on your Mac and get more memory Photo: Divulgao / Apple
1. Use an electronic waste cleaner
Most famous on Windows PCs, utilities for cleaning junk e-mail can also be useful on Mac. Use programs like CleanMyMac to get rid of temporary files, junk accumulated by iTunes, useless photo thumbnails and idle applications. The program is paid to remove all waste automatically, but the free version already has features that help at least identify what is taking up more space from the SSD or HD.
CleanMyMac identifies and removes electronic waste on the Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
CleanMyMac identifies and removes electronic waste on the Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
2. Clean up temporary files
Temporary Internet files can take up a lot of storage space, especially if the owner does not regularly clean up Macs with long-term usage. CCleaner is a lightweight tool that can be installed without taking up too much space to delete history, cookies and images downloaded automatically by Safari and other browsers when visiting web sites. The program also cleans up files such as lists of apps and recent documents, in addition to system logs.
3. Remove duplicate files
If your biggest problem is the existence of copied files, such as duplicate images, videos and shortcuts, Gemini 2 is a utility that can help. The program scans the Mac to find all files with more than one instance taking up space on the computer and offers a button for quick cleaning. The software works especially on similar photos taken by the cell phone and transferred to the computer.
Gemini removes copies of files to free up space on the Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
Gemini removes copies of files to free up space on the Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
4. Delete email attachments
The Mail app stores all received attachments on the SSD or HD of the Mac, even if they can be retrieved after the server. If you often receive heavy emails and can resume downloading later, attachments can be removed to free up space on your computer when storage is at an end. Search the files in the Users> User> Library> Mail directory. You can also configure Mail to not automatically download attachments and avoid the task in the future.
5. Uninstall applications
If you don't have a lot of applications installed, manual removal directly in the Finder can be quick enough to get rid of underused programs. On the Mac, just right-click (or use the secondary click on the trackpad) on the item to delete. It is also possible to uninstall just by dragging the shortcut directly to the icon to the trash.
Remove applications manually to free up memory on the Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
Remove applications manually to free up memory on the Mac Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
6. Find large files
Disk Inventory X is a program that helps to have an overview of files that occupy space in memory. With a very clear graphic interface, the utility displays shapes that represent the size of each large file stored. With a few clicks, you can identify what is heavier and delete it quickly.
Disk Inventory X indicates the size and type of files on the Mac's hard disk Photo: Divulgao / Disk Inventory X
Disk Inventory X indicates the size and type of files on the Mac's hard disk Photo: Divulgao / Disk Inventory X
7. Clear your Apple Music cache
Songs already heard on Apple Music for Mac are stored on the computer and can be removed to free up memory. You need to manually access the folder where the streaming program stores the data to safely remove everything.
Clear the Apple Music cache to recover storage Photo: Felipe Alencar / dnetc
Clear the Apple Music cache to recover storage Photo: Felipe Alencar / dnetc
8. Delete dictation files
The macOS dictation function keeps a large amount of files on the computer even if the user does not use the feature. If you don't use dictation, you can remove related files to free up precious memory space without interfering with the daily usage experience.
Remove unused dictation files Photo: Reproduo / Edivaldo Brito
Remove unused dictation files Photo: Reproduo / Edivaldo Brito
When removing any type of file, be it apps, browser cookies or any other junk mail, don't forget to empty the trash to permanently remove files from the Mac's memory. The computer will only show the space gained on the SSD or HD when the recycle bin is cleared of deleted items.
Empty the trash to get rid of deleted useless files Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
Empty the trash to get rid of deleted useless files Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
10. Use macOS Sierra storage tools
Newer Macs, upgraded to macOS Sierra, High Sierra or higher, can also use advanced native storage cleaning features. On the storage screen of the About this Mac menu, the system automatically uploads documents, photos and videos to iCloud, clears purchased and consumed content from iTunes, and automatically removes files older than 30 days in the trash.
Use macOS storage tools Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
Use macOS storage tools Photo: Reproduo / Paulo Alves
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