Mac storage basics · Mail, Messages and chat apps
How do I stop Messages taking up so much space on my Mac?
Short answer: Set Keep messages to 30 days or 1 year in Messages settings, delete large attachments from the Messages section of Storage settings, or use Messages in iCloud.
Messages keeps conversations and every photo, video and file sent in them. Three ways to cut it down:
- Keep messages for less time: Messages → Settings → General → Keep messages: 30 Days or 1 Year instead of Forever (this deletes older messages).
- Review big attachments: System Settings → General → Storage → Messages info button lists large attachments to delete.
- Messages in iCloud: with it on, deleting a conversation removes it from all your devices, and macOS can keep older attachments in iCloud.
Save anything you want to keep before shortening how long messages are kept.