---
id: freeing-space.what-do-snapshot-labels-in-whats-using-space-mean
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-do-snapshot-labels-in-whats-using-space-mean
category: "Freeing up space"
subcategory: "Local snapshots and held space"
question: "What do \"Required by macOS\" and \"Your Mac can clear this by itself\" mean under Space held by backups?"
alt_questions:
  - "Not marked clearable snapshot"
  - "Space held by backups section"
  - "How old are my snapshots?"
  - "Snapshot labels What's Using Space"
  - "When were these snapshots made?"
short_answer: "Required by macOS means leave it; Your Mac can clear this by itself means it'll go when room is needed; Not marked clearable means macOS hasn't flagged it either way. Each also shows its age and purpose."
tags: ["local snapshots", "whats using space", "labels"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/why-doesnt-it-show-each-snapshots-size", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-is-the-local-snapshots-manager"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What do "Required by macOS" and "Your Mac can clear this by itself" mean under Space held by backups?

Under **Space held by backups**, each snapshot is labelled with what can be done about it:

- **Required by macOS** — your Mac needs this one; leave it alone.
- **Your Mac can clear this by itself** — it will go on its own when the room is needed.
- **Not marked clearable** — macOS hasn't flagged it either way.

Each also shows its exact age, when it was created and why it exists — a restore point made before a system update, or a routine automatic one. The section heading gives the headline: how much is held and how old the oldest snapshot is. See [the Local Snapshots manager](https://storagestudio.us/faq/freeing-space/what-is-the-local-snapshots-manager).