When you check the storage on your Mac, you might see a significant percentage of space occupied by something called ‘Other.’ macOS does not go into much detail. You may wonder what is Other storage on Mac, why it eats up so much space, and how can I delete it? Let me help by telling you more about this to free space on your Mac.
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How to Check Storage on Mac
How To Delete Downloads From Launchpad On Mac? Open Launchpad using the Dock and then click on a downloaded app. Now, as all the apps start shaking, you need to click on the cross sign to uninstall it from Mac. This is how you can quickly delete downloaded apps from Mac. Conclusion – A Mac cleaning application is a must-have for smooth operation. Why I Can't Delete File on Mac? You have often wondered why you can't delete an app on Mac. The presence of a Trash bin on Mac has always made it easy to sort out what you don't need. However, this is not true. There are underlying obstacles that can hinder you from clearing your system of specific files.
- Click on the Apple logo from the top-left and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage. Wait for a few seconds.
- Take the mouse pointer to colored sections. You will see how much space is occupied by different categories like Apps, Photos, System, Trash, Other, etc.
What is Other on Mac Storage?
Just like the ‘Other’ on iPhone and iPad, it is home to several files, cached data, and more. This section houses a mix of junk and important files. Clean my mac app.
In the simplest of terms, the “Other” category is a combination of files that are not recognized as one of the other file types. Here are some examples:-
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- Common documents and file types, including PDF, doc, PSD, etc.
- Any type of archives and disk images, including zips, dmg, iso, tar, etc.
- Files in the system folders of macOS, including temporary files, swap, voices, etc.
- Application Support files, iCloud files, Screensavers, etc.
- Cache items, including browser cache and locally stored message media files.
- Fonts, app accessories, application plugins, and app extensions.
- Various file and file types not recognized by Spotlight, for example, a virtual machine hard drive, Windows Boot Camp partitions, etc.
How to Delete Other on Mac Storage
Delete Cache Files on Mac
In typical situations, you do not need to worry much about cache. macOS handles them smartly. But if you are too low on storage or believe in having the cache of unused/uninstalled apps, here is how to delete them.
Note: Caches are there to make your Mac experience better and faster. Make sure you remove only the unnecessary ones.
- From Finder, click on Go.
- Press the option key. You will see a new option for the Library. Click on it.
- Click on Caches.
- Right-click on unnecessary app/service folders and choose Move to Trash.
- Right-click on the Trash icon and choose Empty Trash.
Note + Tip: With regular use, macOS will recreate these caches. If you do not understand what to delete, go back and copy the entire Caches folder to desktop (for backup). Next, open the Caches folder, press Command + A, right-click, and then Move to Trash. Keep mac awake app. Finally, empty the Trash. See if everything works properly or not. In case not, copy the contents of the backup Caches folder from desktop inside the actual Caches folder.
Clearing browser cache and website files for Safari also reduce the Other storage.
Clear Temporary Files Located in Other Storage on Mac
- From Finder, click on Go.
- Press the option key.
- Click on Library.
- Click on Application Support.
- Delete files from here that you do not need. For example, old app folders that you do not need or have.
Remove Safari Extensions on Mac
At times, we install a browser extension for a purpose, and then do not reuse them or simply forget that it exists. The extension continues to occupy space (shown differently than the application itself. It is thus categorized under Other)
To remove an extension:
- Safari: Open Safari → Click on Safari from top left → Preferences → Extensions → Click on an extension → Choose Uninstall.
- Chrome: Open Chrome → Extensions icon (puzzle icon next to account picture) → Manage Extensions → Remove those you do not use.
Remove Old Downloads
Downloads are usually saved in the Downloads folder (unless you changed them). We often download .dmg files, large packages, videos, zip files, and leave them there. For example, many people do not delete the .dmg file even after app installation. Same for zip files.
- Open Finder and click on Downloads from the left sidebar.
- Click on the word ‘Size’ to arrange the items by size. This will help you locate the large files quickly.
- To delete, right-click on the file and choose Move to Trash. You may also select the files(s) and press Command + Delete.
Tip: Use Spotlight Search to search for big file types like – .dmg, .zip, .mp4, .mkv, .avi, etc. Then click on Show all in Finder… from the lower-left of the Spotlight Search screen. Next, you can delete them easily.
Delete Unnecessary iPhone and iPad Backups
iOS and iPadOS device backups might run into various gigabytes. If you have several archived backups or unnecessary backups of old devices, make sure to delete them.
- Click on the Apple logo and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage → Manage.
- Select iOS Files from the sidebar.
- Click on the files and choose Delete.
Note: If you accidentally delete a backup, go ahead and easily create a new one now.
Delete Unused Applications
Applications, when combined with their data, folders, etc. might be vast and occupy significant space. If you have several apps that are sitting idle, go ahead and delete them. Additionally, remove macOS install files, if any.
- Click on the Apple logo from the top-left and choose About This Mac.
- Click on Storage. Next, click on Manage.
- Select Applications from the sidebar.
- Click on an unnecessary one and then click on Delete.
Note: You may also use apps like App Cleaner for perfect uninstallation.
Use Third-Party Software to Free Storage on Your Mac
Apart from the inbuilt solutions, several third-party apps do almost the same thing but in an easier way. You launch them, and in a minute or so, they will help you free significant space. The interface for most is visually pleasing. If you have difficulty following the above methods, you may try one of the apps listed below.
- DaisyDisk ($9.99)
- Onyx (free)
- CleanMyMac (free download with paid version $39.95)
Signing Off…
These are some of the effective ways to delete Other storage on Mac. As stated earlier, it has lots of useful files, too (that are different from listed categories). Thus it is tough to remove Otherdata entirely. But the above ways, help you declutter it. Next, it would be an excellent idea to know how to use optimized storage on Mac.
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I have been an Apple user for over seven years now. At iGeeksBlog, I love creating how-tos and troubleshooting guides that help people do more with their iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and Apple Watch. In my free time, I like to watch stand up comedy videos, tech documentaries, news debates, and political speeches.
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Sep 28, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
Case: How do I delete a file in Terminal?
Last night, while working on my Mac, I came across a file that was not usable to me anymore. When I was trying to delete it with the regular Mac deletion process, the file was not going to trash. I was trying to force the deleted file using Terminal, but I am not sure about the complete procedure. Can anyone help me with the full steps? Help will be appreciated!
Usually, everyone encounters this problem at some point. Are you also facing the same situation? Don't worry; this post will make you aware of the various reasons that prevent the file from getting deleted and its possible solutions.
We will also introduce you to the best methods for getting back your deleted files.
Part 1- Scenarios to Force Delete a File on Mac
While working on the Mac, sometimes you come across a file that refuses to delete despite several attempts. You even restart your Mac several times; make multiple attempts to get rid of that stubborn file but it is no use. The file still sits in your system.
When you experience this situation, there are some system issues that prevent it from getting deleted. Before you fix it, you must know the various reasons that are stopping the file from getting deleted. Here are scenarios that you might experience:
- Item is locked
- The file is still in use by another application or process
- You are not permitted to delete the file
- The file can't be found because it is corrupt or damaged
The situation is more frustrating when you are not using the file, but still, it shows the file is in use or locked.
Part 2- How to Force Delete a File on Mac
Deleting a file from a Mac is easy, until and unless you come across the situations mentioned above. We will look here at the various solutions for how to force delete a file on Mac.
1. Secure Empty Trash
Moving a file to trash means you don't want that file anymore. So why not remove it permanently with 'Secure Empty Trash?' This is one of the best solutions that work to force delete a file.
Step 1 - Click on Trashcan icon
Click and hold the Trashcan icon in Dock
Step 2 - Change Empty Trash to Secure Empty Trash
Hold the 'command' key and click on Trash. Select it when 'empty trash' changes to 'secure empty trash.'
Step 3 - Go To 'Finder' Menu
Select 'Secure Empty Trash' by clicking on 'Finder.'
It ensures that the deleted item remains deleted and allows overwriting the space. The option is very useful for obstinate files.
You can even set your Mac by default to 'Secure Empty Trash' through the following path:
https://ctever886.weebly.com/is-there-a-mac-app-for-amazon-prime-video.html. Finder -> Preferences -> Empty Trash Securely
2. Using Terminal
Deleting files using Terminal requires extreme care; a little mistake can complicate things to a greater extent.
Step 1 - Open Terminal
Follow the following path to reach 'Terminal'
<pApplications -> Utilities -> Terminal
Step 2 - Type 'sudo rm –R' And Don't Press Enter
Skype mac os. Type the above command without quotes and with a space after R. If you are not adding space after R, the command will not work. Remember to not press the 'enter' key after typing the command.
Step 3 - Find the File That You Want To Delete
Drag that file to the Terminal window that you want to delete. This will add the filename and the path to it in the Terminal command. Double-check the file, before pressing enter to force delete file.
Step 4 - Enter Admin Password and Press Enter
When you are entering the password, nothing will show up. It seems like nothing has changed. Deletion takes its time, depending upon the size of the file.
3. Delete Files Using Safe Mode
Step 1- Click 'Restart'
Click on the Apple logo to open the menu and select restart from the drop-down list
Force Delete App Mac
Step 2- Click 'Restart' And Hold 'Shift' Key
When prompted, click on 'restart' to let Mac begin the process. Soon after you begin 'restart,' click on the 'shift' key and hold it.
Step 3 - Release 'Shift' At Login Window
When the login window appears, you can release shift key now, as the Mac has started in the safe mode.
Step 4 - Move the File to Trash and Empty It
Go to the file location that needs deletion and click on the file menu. From the drop-down list, select 'move to trash' to delete the selected file.
Step 5 - Empty Trash and Exit Safe Mode
Click on the trash icon and hold it. When 'empty trash' appears, select it to delete the file permanently. Now, restart the system to exit safe mode.
4. Delete Immediately
This feature skips the Trash function and helps to get rid of unwanted files. It immediately deletes files from Mac.
Step 1 - Select the File to Be Deleted
Choose the file that you want to delete from the system permanently. When you are selecting the files hold the 'Option' key to access the 'File' menu from Finder
Step 2 - Click on 'Delete Immediately'
Delete the files immediately by pressing 'delete immediately' from the 'file' menu. When the pop-up box appears, confirm to delete files.
5. Create Temporary User Account
Though this is a time-consuming method, it is best if you don't want to use the above methods.
Step 1 - Create a New User Account
In system preferences, you will view 'Accounts preference pane' to create a new user account. It is advisable to remember the password that you have set here.
Step 2 - Move the File to Shared Folder
Select the file that is not getting deleted with the usual procedure. Now, move it to the shared folder that is located in the Users folder.
Step 3 - Log In To the New Account
Log out from your account to log in to the new account for moving the file into the user's trash of this account.
Step 4 – Log In To Normal User Account to Delete File
After moving the file to the trash folder, log out of the new account. Now, log in to regular accounts and delete the temporary account. To remove it, you need to go to 'system preferences.' Click on 'delete immediately,' this will remove the new user account along with the file that was not getting deleted earlier.
Part 3- How to Get Back Deleted Files on Mac
While force deleting the files, have you lost some of your important files? If yes, then don't worry as your deleted files are recoverable with the best software- Recoverit Mac Data Recovery. Here are the steps that will guide through the recovery steps.
Step 1 - Select Location and Click on Start
Download and install Recoverit on your Mac. Launch it and select the hard drive from where your data got lost. After selecting the drive, start the scanning by clicking on the 'Start' button.
Step 2 - Scan Location
Delete Files Apple Mac
Recoverit runs an all-around scan and gives you a preview of the files, once the scan completes. When the scan is running, you can also make some filters and selections that include searching for lost data through file path or type.
Mac Delete File Key
While scanning if you find your missing data, you can even pause or stop the scan in between.
Step 3 - Recover files
Recoverit allows you the preview of the recovered files before moving to the recovery step. Take a look at the recovered files and select those that you were looking for. Now click on the 'recover' button to let them back into your system.
Users need to note this point that while recovering the files; never save them on the same path from where you have lost them previously.
Mac Delete File In Use
Closing Words
While deleting the unwanted files, if the file is not moving out of the system, there is a chance that some internal occurrence is preventing it. If you ever caught yourself up in such situations, don't get frustrated with the problem as now you have learned the best methods to force delete files from Mac. Try the methods discussed above; they will surely resolve your issue.
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While force deleting the file, if you lost some of your important files accidentally, you can recover them now. Follow the steps mentioned above and get back access to your essential files.
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