How to Clear System Data on MacBook

If you don't store large files on your MacBook, but you've noticed that memory is running low, it may be time to clear your Apple device of unnecessary system data. In this article, we'll explore what system data is, where to find it as well as how to clear system data on a Macbook manually or with the help of a special program.

What is system data on MacBook and where to find it

On MacBooks, system data refers to archives, disk images, cache, plug-ins, extensions, and other macOS files, as well as software installed on your device. To learn more about what system data may include, see the table below.

To check system data:

1. Through the Apple menu, open "System Preferences."
2. Go to "General" and then to "Storage".
3. In the multicolored graph, move the pointer over the gray segment and see how much space the system data occupies.

You can also scroll down the page and see this information in the System Data category.

8 ways how to clear system data on MacBook

Users can reduce the size of the system data storage on their MacBooks by themselves. To do so, simply follow the steps in the instructions on how to clear system data on the MacBook below.

1. Clear the cache

The operating system and applications build up a library of cache files. You can delete system data on MacBook, like unnecessary files to free up space:

1. In the Finder, open Go and select Go to Folder.
2. Paste in the search box alternately /System/Library/Caches, ~/Library/Caches/ and the same path without the tilde (~).
3. Press Enter or Return.
4. Move unnecessary files from these folders to the Recycle Bin and empty it.

Alternatively, you can use MacPaw's CleanMyMac X to clean system data on a MacBook. To clean system data using this application, follow these steps:

1. Launch the CleanMyMac X application.
2. On the left side of the window, click on "System".
3. Select the categories you want to clear.
4. Click on "Scan" and when finished click on "Clear".
5. Wait for the process to complete and restart your MacBook.

2. Optimize storage

MacOS has a built-in tool with features to optimize space. Follow these steps to clean up storage:

1. From the Apple menu, click on "About this Mac" and then click on "More Info."
2. Select Storage Settings.
3. Use "Store in iCloud" to transfer data to cloud storage.
4. Delete heavy files that are no longer needed, such as movies and apps.
5. Click on "i" and r delete unsupported apps that don't work in the new version of macOS in the “Documents” folder.

Also: How to Fix Slow Running MacBook: 11 Tips

3. Clear the application logs

To manually clean the log files in system storage on MacBook:

1. In the Finder, navigate to Go to Finder and Go to Folder.
2. Type ~/Library/Logs/ into the search and press Return.
3. Select the files you want to delete and press Command+Backspace.
4. Delete the files in the path /Library/Logs/ in the same way.

4. Delete Time Machine backups

MacOS saves a backup copy on the boot disk in case the external disk (where the copies are also stored) is unavailable when you need to restore your system. You can clear the storage system data on MacBook of these files this way:

1. Use Spotlight or Launchpad to open the Terminal.
2. Type tmutil listlocalsnapshotdates and click Return to open a list of copies sorted by dates they were created.
3. To delete files in Terminal, type the command tmutil deletelocalsnapshots "(backup date)". For example - tmutil deletelocalsnapshots 2022-07-18-095939.
4. If necessary, enter the account password and press Return.
5. Repeat step three to delete some or all copies.

5. Delete iOS backups

If you have an iPhone, your iOS backups will also be in your system data. The quick way to get rid of system data on a MacBook, if you have multiple copies is to delete the old backups.

1. Connect your iPhone to your MacBook.
2. In Finder, select from the sidebar of your iPhone.
3. Click "Manage backups" and delete the unnecessary ones.

6. Clear the downloads folder

Over time, the folder where you download files can accumulate a lot of unnecessary and outdated files. It is recommended to regularly clean system data on MacBook from irrelevant files.

1. Through the Finder, go to Downloads.
2. Move unnecessary files to the recycle bin.

7. Clear the recycle bin

Emptying the Recycle Bin also helps reduce the amount of system data. When you move files to the Recycle Bin, they remain on the disk, often taking up a lot of space. One of the easiest ways to clear system data on MacBook and to remove unnecessary files from your device is to empty the Recycle Bin. Remember that once deleted, files cannot be recovered, so check their value before getting rid of them permanently.

8. Remove unwanted downloads of video screensavers

In macOS Sonoma, there is an option to select a video screensaver. When its motion ends, it turns into a static background image. Over time, these screensavers in 4K resolution can take up to 20 GB. To remove video screensaver downloads, go to /Library/Application Support/com.apple.idleassetsd/Customer, select and move the ones you don't need to the recycle bin.

Also: MacBook Won't Charge: How to Fix It

On the Apple Parts website you can find original parts for different MacBook models for upgrade or replacement. The store guarantees original components without counterfeits and cheap analogs. You will also be pleased with the prices and fast delivery.

If you're not sure you can replace the part yourself, you can order a repair from Apple Parts by mail. Send your MacBook to us, we'll diagnose your device and inform you of a repair cost. Once the invoice is paid, you can get your MacBook back within 1-2 days.

Genuine Solid State Drive (Ssd) PCIE 512GB (661-7462) A1465 A1466 A1502 A1398