How to Clear System Storage on macOS Safely (Without Losing Data)

Clear system storage mac is a common issue on macOS when disk space suddenly fills up without a clear reason. However, macOS does not allow deleting System Data directly; therefore, the safest approach is reducing it by clearing cache files, removing Time Machine local snapshots, and using Apple’s built-in storage tools.

1. Clear System Storage Mac – Check Storage Usage

Before you clear system storage mac, check how much space is currently used. Go to Apple Menu → About This Mac → Storage and open Storage Settings….

For example, you may see limited free space available. However, this screen gives you a baseline; therefore, you can compare results after cleanup.

2. Clear System Storage Mac Cache Files

Cache files store temporary data created by apps and the system. Over time, these files grow large; as a result, clearing them is one of the fastest ways to clear system storage mac safely.

1. Close active apps such as browsers and editors.
2. Open Finder and press Cmd + Shift + G.
3. Enter ~/Library/Caches and delete files inside subfolders (keep the folders).
4. Repeat the same steps for /Library/Caches using an admin account.

However, never delete anything inside /System. Doing so may cause stability issues; therefore, limit cleanup strictly to cache folders.

3. Remove Time Machine Local Snapshots

In addition, Time Machine can store local snapshots on your disk. These snapshots may increase System Data size; however, macOS often removes them automatically when space is required.

tmutil listlocalsnapshots /

After that, you can manually reduce their size:

sudo tmutil thinlocalsnapshots / 10000000000 4

As a result, available storage may increase. Still, snapshots can reappear later if Time Machine remains enabled.

4. Use Apple’s Optimize Storage

Finally, Apple provides built-in tools to manage disk usage more efficiently. Go to System Settings → General → Storage and review the recommendations.

• Store in iCloud: Moves Desktop and Documents online.
• Optimize Storage: Removes watched media and old mail attachments.
• Empty Trash Automatically: Deletes items after 30 days.
• Reduce Clutter: Helps locate large unused files.

5. Clear System Storage Mac – Verify Free Space

Once you clear system storage mac, reopen Storage Settings… and review the updated values. However, storage numbers may fluctuate due to indexing and background processes.

As a result, if available space increases compared to your first check, the cleanup was successful. For more guides, visit our macOS help section.