Mac storage basics · Finding big files, Downloads and the Trash
What large files are usually safe to delete on a Mac?
Short answer: Installers and .dmg files, unpacked archives, old Install macOS apps, old device backups, uploaded screen recordings and rebuildable caches — after checking you don't need them.
Common safe candidates, after a quick check that you don't need them:
- Installers and disk images (.dmg, .pkg) in Downloads once the app is installed.
- Archives (.zip) you've already unpacked.
- Old Install macOS apps you don't plan to reuse.
- Old iPhone and iPad backups for devices you no longer have.
- Screen recordings and exported videos you've uploaded elsewhere.
- App caches for apps that rebuild them.
Avoid deleting anything in System, Library folders you don't recognise, and app-support data unless you know what it is. If you're unsure whether you'll need something, move it to an external drive instead of deleting it. See moving folders.