What is Other Storage on Mac?
As mentioned earlier, Other storage is a category that includes files that are not categorized as documents, music, videos, or photos. These files can include system files, caches, plugins, and other data that your Mac uses to operate. Over time, this category can accumulate and take up a significant amount of space on your hard drive.
How to Check Other Storage on Mac?
Before you start deleting files, it’s essential to know how much space the Other storage is taking up on your Mac. To check Other storage on Mac: 1. Click on the Apple menu and select “About This Mac.” 2. Click on “Storage” and wait for your Mac to calculate the storage usage. 3. Check the “Other” category and note the amount of storage it is using.
How to Get Rid of Other Storage on Mac?
Now that you have an idea of how much space the Other storage is taking up on your Mac, it’s time to get rid of it. Here are some ways to do that:
1. Clear Cache and Temporary Files
Cache and temporary files are some of the biggest contributors to Other storage. These files are created by your Mac when you browse the internet or use applications. To clear cache and temporary files: 1. Open Finder and click on “Go” in the top menu. 2. Select “Go to Folder” and type in “~/Library/Caches.” 3. Delete the files in the Caches folder.
2. Remove Language Files
Your Mac comes with language files for all the languages it supports. If you only use one language, you can remove the language files for the other languages. To remove language files: 1. Open Finder and click on “Go” in the top menu. 2. Select “Go to Folder” and type in “/Library/Languages.” 3. Delete the language files for the languages you don’t use.
3. Uninstall Unused Applications
Applications that you don’t use can take up a lot of space on your hard drive. Uninstalling them can free up space and reduce the Other storage category. To uninstall applications: 1. Open Finder and go to “Applications.” 2. Drag the application you want to uninstall to the Trash. 3. Empty the Trash to completely remove the application.
4. Delete Old iOS Backups
If you use iTunes to back up your iPhone or iPad, the backups can take up a lot of space on your Mac. Deleting the old backups can free up space and reduce the Other storage category. To delete old iOS backups: 1. Open iTunes and go to “Preferences.” 2. Click on “Devices” and select the old backups you want to delete. 3. Click on “Delete Backup” and confirm the deletion.
FAQ About How to Get Rid of Other Storage on Mac
Q: Will deleting Other storage files harm my Mac?
A: No, deleting Other storage files will not harm your Mac. However, make sure not to delete system files or important data that your Mac needs to operate.
Q: How often should I clear my cache and temporary files?
A: It’s a good idea to clear your cache and temporary files every few months or when you notice your Mac is running slow.
Q: Can I recover files that I deleted to clear Other storage?
A: No, once you delete files, they are permanently removed from your Mac’s hard drive.
Conclusion
Other storage can take up a significant amount of space on your Mac’s hard drive. Clearing cache and temporary files, removing language files, uninstalling unused applications, and deleting old iOS backups can help reduce the Other storage category. Remember to be cautious when deleting files and not to delete important system files or data.