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How to Check Disk Storage on Mac?



It’s common for Mac users to forget about their disk storage. You’ve likely accumulated and clogged storage from all the downloaded files over the years.


There are many reasons why you’re Mac disc space might be full:

  • Downloaded Too Many Files: This frequently happens to people who prefer to download music and movies on their devices rather than stream online.

  • Large Duplicate Files: It’s common to save multiple copies of the project we’re working on or download the same file twice by mistake.

  • Cache from Third-Party Applications: Caches are temporary service files developed by applications. An accumulation of cache files can expand from some MBs to several GBs. Your Mac accumulates temporary files and cache daily, so you’ll need to remove them regularly.

  • Browser Data: Browsing on the internet builds up web history, images, cache, cookies, and other data that takes up a lot of storage space.

  • iOS and iTunes Data: When syncing your iOS device to your Mac, it automatically stores the iTunes Sync application data, podcasts, and backups onto your computer.

  • Language Files: The macOS features many applications with localizations to different languages. Localization files occupy a ton of disk storage space. Removing the languages you don’t use on your Mac can free up more room.

  • Logs and Application Support Files: Most applications contain support files. However, sometimes when removing apps, the support files remain. The logs folder stores the logs of apps, systems, and mobile devices, which can be safely removed.


How to Check Disk Storage on Mac?

Here we have 5 methods that are used to check disk storage on Mac"

  1. Using the "About This Mac" option

  2. Using Disk Utility

  3. Using "Get Info"

  4. Using Nektony

  5. Using DaisyDisk

Method 1: Using the "About This Mac" Option

You can check the storage using "About This Mac":


1. Open the Apple menu and select the "About This Mac" option.

2. Go to the storage tab. This will take some time to calculate the storage.

3. If you want to delete files manually, click on "Manage".

4. Prompt box will appear.

Go through the recommendations and see what tips can be utilized.


You can also click on "Applications" and delete the files manually.


Method 2: Using Disk Utility

You can also check the storage of your Mac via the Disk utility option available in Spotlight.

Just search for Disk Utility in the search bar of Spotlight by clicking on the magnifying glass on the top menu bar.


Method 3: Using "Get Info"

Getting storage info from Finder is quick if you have an old Macbook (not with an M1 or M2 chip).


Follow the below steps:

1. Open the "Finder" on your Mac

2. Right-click on the disk and click on "Get Info".

3. Your Mac will show you the amount of space available and used.


Method 4: Using Nektony

Nektony disk space analyzer is a tool to analyze disk usage and identify unwanted files to free up space. Disk Space Analyzer offers a free plan, but you’ll need to upgrade to any of its paid plans to receive the full set of features. It has 3 premium plans, but it’s pretty affordable.


Features
  • Fast Scanning: Helps you scan your drive and receive results in under a minute

  • Hidden Files Detection: Finds hidden data clogging up space, such as caches of apps, logs, and browser data

  • Compatibility: Supports removable USB drives, HDD volumes, DVDs, and CDs, and mounted DMG images and folders with FileVault protection

  • Apple-Notarization: The software is Apple-notarized and regularly updated for the latest macOS systems

  • Clearing Purgeable Space: Automatically optimizes your storage by creating purgeable space by identifying points of usage that can be deleted

  • Disk Cleanup: Recover valuable disk space on your Mac by deleting unnecessary files

  • Visualization: Receive a sunburst diagram to see your disk usage visually



Method 5: Using DaisyDisk

DaisyDisk is a Mac storage space visualizer providing an easy-to-understand circular graphical display of your disk usage. Users can enjoy a free trial or get the full version of DaisyDisk at affordable prices, which is much cheaper than buying additional storage space, an external hard drive, or even a new computer.


Features
  • Scan: DaisyDisk scans your Mac, and within a few seconds, you receive a detailed spherical representation of your usage, which you can hover over to find large unwanted files or applications

  • Drag-and-Drop: Simply drag and drop the files from the visual representation to the bottom and delete those items

  • Compatibility: DaisyDisk supports all kinds of disks, such as from your Mac, external disks, internal hard, and time capsule disks



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