LAST UPDATED: NOV 02, 2023
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
In this guide, you will learn:
What Exactly is "Other Storage" on my Mac?
Other Storage includes various types of files like plugins, caches, documents, and system folders that don't fit into specific categories like applications, photos, or videos. These files don't harm your Mac but can take up space.
Remove unwanted items manually
Expand All
Delete Unneeded Documents
Delete Unneeded Documents
You may still have files and documents that you may no longer need that are still save on your Mac. Find and remove these large and unneeded documents from your Other storage.
- On your desktop menu bar, click File, then click Find.
- Click This Mac to ensure that the scope of the search will be all directories in your mac, then click the + sign to add a search attribute.
- Click the first drop-down window, then select Others. From the Select a Search Attribute, check the option for File Extension and File size. Then click Ok.
- Click the + sign again to add a search attribute. You may select File Size and File Extension. You may enter different document file types (.pdf, .pages, etc ) and file sizes to find large documents.
- Review the items shown, then delete them as needed.
Clear Disk Images and Archives
Clear Disk Images and Archives
Review all .zip and .dmg files on your Mac which you no longer need, then remove them on your Mac:
- On your desktop menu bar, click File, then click Find.
- Click This Mac to ensure that the scope of the search will be all directories in your mac, then click the + sign to add a search attribute.
- Click the first drop-down window, then select Others. From the Select a Search Attribute, check the option for File Extension and File size. Then click Ok.
- Click the + sign again to add a search attribute. Enter .zip and .dmg file types.
- Review the items shown, then delete them as needed.
Remove Big Files You Do Not Need
Remove Big Files You Do Not Need
You can also do a general search and focus on files that have a big file size. Do the following:
- On your desktop menu bar, click File, then click Find.
- Click This Mac to ensure that the scope of the search will be all directories in your mac, then click the + sign to add a search attribute.
- Click the first drop-down window, then select Others. From the Select a Search Attribute, check the option for File size. Then click Ok.
- We recommend choosing the search option of greater than MB or GB so the search scope will not include hundreds of small files in your mac.
- Review the items shown, then delete them as needed.
Uninstall App Plugins and Extensions
Uninstall App Plugins and Extensions
Though Apps are categorized as Apps on the Storage bar, their add-ons are under the Other Storage Category. To manually remove app plugins and extensions, do the following:
For Safari
- Launch Safari.
- In the top menu, choose Safari, then click Preferences.
- Choose the Extensions tab, then choose which extension you want to remove. Then click Uninstall.
For Chrome
- Launch Chrome.
- On the address bar, type
chrome://extensions
, then press RETURN.
- Click Remove on the extensions you want to remove.
For Firefox
- Launch Firefox.
- Click the ☰ menu, then click Add-ons.
- Choose the add-ons you want to remove. Click the ⋮ icon, then click Remove.
Remove Unwanted Screensavers
Remove Unwanted Screensavers
The Other Storage space can also include screen savers. You can also remove screensavers to free up more space as much as possible.
- Navigate to Go > Go to Folder. Type ~/Library/Screen Savers, then click Go.
- Move to trash the screen savers you want to remove.
Delete Old Device backups on iTunes
Delete Old Device backups on iTunes
You may check if you have a lot of old unnecessary backups that you may remove to free up space on your Mac:
- Launch iTunes.
- Click iTunes in the menu bar, then select Preferences. Then select Devices.
- Select the backup you want to delete. Then click Delete Backup.
Remove Downloaded Files You No Longer Need
Remove Downloaded Files You No Longer Need
By default, all files that you download on your computer are saved in this folder. From time to time, we need to check and clean this folder and remove download files we no longer need anymore.
- Navigate to Go > Downloads.
- Select the files you no longer need, then move them to trash.
- Make sure to empty the trash after.
BOOST YOUR DEVICE'S LIFESPAN AND PRODUCTIVITY
Explore strategies to enhance your device's performance and get valuable insights on safeguarding yourself against scams, maintaining network security, and protecting your personal identity.
Visit our 👉 Cybersecurity Learning Center! 👈
Why does "Other Storage" slow down my Mac?
When "Other Storage" accumulates, it can occupy valuable disk space, potentially affecting your Mac's performance by reducing available storage for your files and applications.
These files are not harmful to your Mac but if they accumulate too much space to your hard drive. Over time, it can slow down computer performance. It is a very broad list of items, including things like the following:
- Documents and file types, (PDF, doc, PSD, etc.)
- Archives and disk images, (zips, dmg, iso, etc.)
- Personal and User data
- System folders of macOS, (temporary files, swap, voices, etc.)
- User library items (Application Support, iCloud files, screen savers, etc.)
- Cache items (browser cache, system cache and locally-stored message media content)
- Fonts and App accessories
- Application plugins and app extensions
- Various file and file types not recognized by Spotlight
- Everything else that does not fit into the main macOS categories
"Other" is not always junk or useless files, but we recommend removing the useless content from this category.
Is It Safe to Delete Files From "Other Storage"?
Yes. However, it's crucial to identify and delete only files you no longer need to avoid accidental removal of important data.
Do I Need to Restart My Mac After Cleaning "Other Storage"?
It is not necessary, but it can help ensure a fresh start with new cache files.
How Often Should I Clean "Other Storage"?
Cleaning up "Other Storage" once every few months or when you notice your Mac's performance slowing down is a good practice. It helps maintain your Mac's efficiency.
Are there any apps that can do this automatically?
Yes! Trend Micro has Cleaner One Pro that can help automate the process of cleaning "Other Storage" and optimizing your Mac's performance.
Download Cleaner One Pro now.
How helpful was this article?
Thank you for your feedback!
Feedback entity isn't available at the moment. Try again later.