Source: https://mactoolbox.app/how-to-free-up-storage-on-mac

# How to free up storage on Mac

By Nikhil Barik · Published November 3, 2026

## Quick answer

Open System Settings > General > Storage to see what uses space and follow its recommendations. To find the largest folders and the usual space hogs, such as Xcode caches, iPhone backups and old Downloads, scan with Storage Explorer in Toolbox. Removed items go to the Trash first.

## The built-in way: System Settings

1. Open System Settings, choose General, then Storage.
2. Wait for the bar to finish calculating, then read the categories.
3. Use the recommendations and the info buttons next to each category to review and remove what you do not need.
4. Empty the Trash when you are sure.

This view is good for a quick look. It does not always tell you which folder holds the big files.

## The Toolbox way: Storage Explorer

Storage Explorer scans your home folder, startup disk or any folder and shows what takes up space, down to the largest files. Its Space Hogs view checks the usual culprits behind a full disk, such as Xcode caches, iOS simulators, iPhone backups, app caches and old Downloads. Anything you remove goes to the Trash, so nothing is deleted permanently until you empty it.

1. Open Storage Explorer and choose Explore or Space Hogs.
2. Pick what to scan: Home Folder, Startup Disk or Other Folder, then start the scan.
3. Drill into the largest folders, or switch the view to the largest files.
4. Select what you no longer need and click Move to Trash, then empty the Trash when you are sure.

## Tips and troubleshooting

- Storage Explorer needs Full Disk Access to measure protected folders such as Mail and parts of Library. Without it, totals can look smaller than what macOS reports.
- Caches are rebuilt as apps need them, so clearing them is low risk.
- Duplicate files in ordinary folders can be found with Find Duplicates, which keeps at least one copy of every file.

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I check what is using space on my Mac?**

Open System Settings > General > Storage, or scan with Storage Explorer to see the largest folders and files.

**Is anything deleted permanently?**

Not by Storage Explorer. Removed items move to the Trash and are only gone once you empty it.

**Why does Storage Explorer need Full Disk Access?**

macOS protects some folders, such as Mail and parts of Library. Without access they cannot be measured, so totals may look smaller than macOS reports.

**Can I delete old iPhone backups?**

Yes, if you have a newer backup or use iCloud Backup. Space Hogs lists each backup with the device name and last backup date.

## Tools mentioned

- [**Storage Explorer**: See what’s filling your disk, find the usual space hogs and clear them out safely.](https://mactoolbox.app/free-up-storage-mac)
- [**Find Duplicates**: Find identical files across folders and move the extras to the Trash.](https://mactoolbox.app/find-duplicate-files-mac)
- [**Uninstall App**: Remove an app together with the caches, preferences and data it leaves behind.](https://mactoolbox.app/uninstall-apps-mac)
- [**Compress Images**: Make photos smaller without visible loss in quality.](https://mactoolbox.app/compress-images-mac)

## Keep reading

- [Storage Explorer](https://mactoolbox.app/free-up-storage-mac)
- [Find Duplicates](https://mactoolbox.app/find-duplicate-files-mac)
- [All guides](https://mactoolbox.app/guides)