Mac storage basics · When the disk is full
What should I do when my Mac says "Your disk is almost full"?
Short answer: Your startup disk is nearly full. Empty the Trash, clear big downloads and old backups, release snapshots, and move big folders or apps to an external drive.
It means your startup disk is close to running out of room. Act soon, because a full disk causes failed saves, crashes and failed updates.
Quick wins, roughly in order:
- Empty the Trash and Photos' Recently Deleted album.
- Delete installers, disk images and other big files in Downloads.
- Remove old iPhone backups and unused large apps.
- Release local snapshots if you've recently deleted a lot.
- Move big folders, libraries or apps to an external drive.
Storage Studio's Emergency Space screen picks the smallest, safest set of actions to reach the amount you need and never deletes anything without asking. See freeing up space.