Mac storage basics · When the disk is full

My Mac won't start or log in because the disk is full — what can I do?

Short answer: Try Safe Mode and delete large files; otherwise use macOS Recovery for First Aid or careful deletions, or another Mac to copy files off. Get help if unsure.

Try these, from gentlest to strongest:

  1. Start in Safe Mode (on Apple silicon hold the power button, select the disk, then hold Shift and choose Continue in Safe Mode). If you can log in, delete large files and empty the Trash, then restart normally.
  2. Use macOS Recovery: Disk Utility's First Aid can repair the disk, and Terminal in Recovery can delete specific large files if you know where they are.
  3. Use another Mac in target disk or share disk mode to copy files off.

If you're unsure, stop and get help — deleting the wrong things from Recovery can make matters worse. Keep a backup so this situation is never risky.

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