Mac storage basics · Disks, APFS and formats

How do I delete an extra APFS volume I no longer need?

Q: How do I delete an extra APFS volume I no longer need?

In Disk Utility, select the volume you want to remove, then click the − button in the toolbar (or choose Edit → Delete APFS Volume). Everything on that volume is erased and its space returns to the shared pool for the other volumes in the container. Copy anything you need first, and never delete Macintosh HD, its Data volume or the system volumes — see Preboot, Recovery and VM volumes. If the volume is greyed out, mount it first to check what's on it.

Short answer: In Disk Utility select the volume and click − (Delete APFS Volume). Its contents are erased and the space returns to the container. Never delete the system volumes.

In Disk Utility, select the volume you want to remove, then click the − button in the toolbar (or choose Edit → Delete APFS Volume). Everything on that volume is erased and its space returns to the shared pool for the other volumes in the container.

Copy anything you need first, and never delete Macintosh HD, its Data volume or the system volumes — see Preboot, Recovery and VM volumes. If the volume is greyed out, mount it first to check what's on it.

Last reviewed October 1, 2026

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How do I delete an extra APFS volume I no longer need?

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