Understanding Other Storage on Mac
When you're running low on storage space on your Mac, you might notice that the "Other" storage category is taking up a significant amount of space. This category includes various system files, logs, and cache data that are used by your Mac's operating system and apps. In this article, we'll explore how to remove other storage on Mac, helping you reclaim valuable space and optimize your computer's performance.
What Takes Up Space in Other Storage?
The "Other" storage category on Mac can include a wide range of files and data, such as:
- System logs and crash reports
- Cache files used by apps and the operating system
- Temporary files created during app installation and updates
- Language files and dictionaries
- Downloaded items, such as disk images and archives
- File system backups and snapshots
How to Remove Other Storage on Mac
To remove other storage on Mac, you'll need to navigate to the Storage section in About This Mac. Here's a step-by-step guide:

- Click the Apple logo in the top left corner and select About This Mac.
- Click the Storage tab.
- Click the Manage button next to the "Other" category.
Deleting System Logs and Crash Reports
System logs and crash reports can take up a significant amount of space. You can safely delete these files by following these steps:
- Click the Storage tab and select the "Other" category.
- Look for the "Logs" section and click the "Delete" button.
- Confirm that you want to delete the logs.

Emptying the Trash and Recycling Bin
Making sure to empty the Trash and Recycling Bin can also help free up space on your Mac. Here's how:
- Click the Trash icon in the Dock.
- Right-click (or control-click) on the Trash icon and select Empty Trash.
- Confirm that you want to empty the Trash.
Checking for Duplicate Files and Cleaning Up Cache
Duplicate files and cache data can also contribute to the "Other" storage category. Consider using a duplicate file finder app or cleaning up cache manually by following these steps:
- Launch the Finder app.
- Hold down the Option (⌥) key while selecting Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter ~/Library/Caches/ in the dialog box and press Return.
- Select the folders you want to delete and drag them to the Trash.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
To keep your Mac's storage organized and prevent the "Other" category from growing, make it a habit to:
- Regularly clean up the Trash and Recycling Bin
- Empty the browser cache and temporary files
- Remove unused apps and their associated files
- Run maintenance scripts and cleaning tools
Additional Tips for Managing Storage
Here are some additional tips to help you manage storage on your Mac:
- Consider upgrading your storage to an external drive or cloud storage service
- Use the Optimize Storage feature to automatically remove unused items
- Keep your apps up-to-date to ensure you have the latest version with optimized storage usage