Find out how to recover storage when your Mac warns about low disk space, or when there isn't enough room to save, install, or transfer files.

Step 1: Launch Terminal

Hold Command (⌘) + Space → enter Terminal and press Return

Step 2: Execute the Cleanup Script

Copy the command below into the Terminal window and hit Return

How this script works:

Scans and deletes unnecessary temporary files from the system

Purges stale application caches and old log entries

Recovers storage without affecting your personal documents

Why your Mac runs low on storage

Over time, macOS accumulates a significant amount of temporary data — browser caches, system logs, partially downloaded updates, and leftover files from uninstalled applications. These files are not visible in Finder by default, yet they can occupy tens of gigabytes of disk space. When the startup disk reaches critical capacity, your Mac may slow down, refuse to install updates, or display the "Your disk is almost full" warning.

What gets removed

System caches — temporary files generated by macOS services that rebuild automatically after removal

Application caches — stored data from browsers, media players, and other apps that can be safely cleared

Old log files — diagnostic logs and crash reports that are no longer needed for troubleshooting

Inactive language packs — localization files for languages you don't use, which take up unnecessary space

Leftover update files — downloaded software updates that have already been installed and are no longer required

Is it safe?

Yes. The cleanup script only targets files that macOS marks as expendable — temporary caches, logs, and system-generated data. Your personal files, photos, documents, and application settings remain completely untouched. macOS will automatically regenerate any system caches it needs the next time they are required, so there is no risk of data loss or system instability.

How much space can I expect to recover?

The amount of recovered storage varies depending on how long it has been since your last cleanup and how many applications you use regularly. On average, users recover between 5 GB and 25 GB of disk space. In some cases — particularly on systems that have not been cleaned in over a year — the script can free up 40 GB or more.

Tips to keep your Mac storage healthy

Run the cleanup script once every few months to prevent cache buildup

Enable Optimize Mac Storage in System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud to automatically offload older files to the cloud

Regularly empty the Trash — deleted files still consume disk space until the Trash is cleared

Review large files using System Settings → General → Storage to identify what takes up the most room

Remove applications you no longer use by dragging them to the Trash from the Applications folder

Published Date: January 23, 2026