How to Fix Other Storage Taking Too Much Space on Mac

What Causes This?

On a Mac, Other or System Data storage usually grows because macOS groups lots of miscellaneous files into one category. This often includes app caches, log files, temporary files, local backups, old iPhone or iPad backups, installer leftovers, and files that don’t fit neatly into Photos, Apps, or Documents.

The problem builds up over time, especially if you install and remove lots of apps, edit large files, or rarely restart and clean the system. In some cases, corrupted cache data or outdated backups can make the category look much larger than it should be.

Common Symptoms

• Your Mac says storage is almost full, but it’s unclear what is using the space
• Other or System Data takes up tens or even hundreds of GB
• You can’t install macOS updates or new apps because there isn’t enough free space
• Performance slows down when opening apps or saving files
• Storage usage seems to grow again shortly after deleting personal files

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check what macOS is reporting

   1. Click the Apple menu > System Settings.
   2. Go to General > Storage.
   3. Wait for the storage categories to load and note how large System Data or Other appears.
   4. Click the recommendations shown there first, such as reviewing large files or emptying the Trash.

2. Delete cache files

   1. In Finder, click Go > Go to Folder.
   2. Enter ~/Library/Caches and press Return.
   3. Open large cache folders and delete files you no longer need.
   4. Repeat with /Library/Caches for system-wide caches.
   5. Empty the Trash afterward.

   Be careful not to delete active app data unless you recognize the folder. Removing cache files is usually safe, but some apps will rebuild them on launch.

3. Remove old log files and temporary data

   1. In Finder, use Go > Go to Folder.
   2. Enter ~/Library/Logs and review large log folders.
   3. Delete old logs you don’t need.
   4. Also check /private/var/folders for temporary files, but only remove obvious temp data if you know what you’re deleting.
   5. Restart your Mac after cleanup so macOS can clear additional temporary files.

4. Delete old iPhone and iPad backups

   1. Open Finder.
   2. Click Go > Go to Folder.
   3. Enter ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup.
   4. If you see old device backups you no longer need, delete them.
   5. Empty the Trash.

5. Uninstall apps completely and remove leftovers

   1. Open Applications in Finder.
   2. Drag unused apps to the Trash.
   3. Then check these folders for leftover support files:
      • ~/Library/Application Support
      • ~/Library/Containers
      • ~/Library/Preferences
   4. Delete folders related to apps you already removed.

   This is one of the biggest reasons Other storage stays large even after uninstalling apps.

6. Find and remove large hidden files

   1. In Finder, press Command+F.
   2. Search This Mac.
   3. Filter by File Size and look for files larger than 500 MB or 1 GB.
   4. Review ZIP archives, DMG installers, video exports, and duplicate downloads.
   5. Delete what you no longer need, then empty the Trash.

7. Restart and recheck storage

   1. Click the Apple menu > Restart.
   2. After rebooting, go back to System Settings > General > Storage.
   3. Give macOS a few minutes to recalculate storage usage.
   4. If Other storage is still unusually large, there are likely more leftovers, caches, or hidden files to remove.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you don’t want to dig through Library folders manually, Kudu can scan your system for oversized caches, logs, temp files, and leftover app data that commonly inflate Other storage. It helps you find what’s safe to remove and clean it up faster without hunting through hidden folders yourself.

Download Kudu Free →