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How to Clear System Data on Your Mac: 8 Easy Methods

Clear system data to optimize your Mac

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Last updated: August 21, 2024

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TL;DR

To clear system data on your Mac:

  1. Delete cache and temp files from ~/Library/Caches/.
  2. Remove old iOS backups from ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup.
  3. Clear app leftovers from /Library/Application Support and /Library/Preferences.
  4. Use the Console app to clear unnecessary system logs.
  5. Delete local Time Machine snapshots via Terminal.

Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.

If your Mac is running slow, it could be due to system data buildup. In this post, I’ll show you simple steps to clear system data on your Mac to free up space and boost performance.

What is System Data on Mac?

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mac storage and system data

System data on Mac includes essential files for the smooth operation of macOS. In macOS Ventura, Apple replaced the Other storage category with System Data and added a separate macOS option, continuing in Sonoma and Sequoia.

So, what exactly does the System Data tab include? Here’s a list:

Storage CategoryDescription
Application leftoversFiles that stay in the system even after you uninstall an application
Temp files and cacheCache files used by apps, browsers, and the system
Disk imagesInstaller files for applications
Plug-ins and extensionsTools used to customize apps and web browsers
Storage categories in System Data.

🚨 Be careful when deleting or changing system data—it can cause serious Mac performance issues if done without proper knowledge.

Can You Delete System Data on Mac?

You can’t directly delete System Data on a Mac because it contains essential files for the operating system to work properly. Apple restricts direct access these files to prevent accidental deletion.

In macOS Ventura or later, you can manage storage options by going to the Apple logo > About This Mac > More Info > General > Storage. Here, click the (i) beside the storage categories to empty Bin, erase documents, or delete attachments.

System Data and macOS files are protected, but you can manually delete some file types within System Data if necessary.

    Here’s are some ways to delete System Data on Mac:

    • Manual Deletion: Only do this if you’re sure about what you’re deleting. Removing the wrong files can cause problems.
    • Third-party Apps: Use a cleanup app like MacKeeper to safely delete unnecessary files without risking important ones.
    • Terminal: Advanced users can use Terminal for file removal, but it’s risky and only for those familiar with the process.

    8 Easy Ways to Clear System Data on Your Mac

    Below, I’ve shared simple and safe ways to clear system data on your Mac:

    1. Clear Cache and Temporary Files

    The applications on your Mac create cache and temporary files and store them on your system to speed up performance. However, these files can accumulate over time and slow down your device. By regularly clearing cache files, you can significantly improve your Mac’s speed and performance.

    Here’s how to clear temp files on your Mac:

    1. Open Finder, click Go in the top menu bar, and select Go to Folder.
    click go in the menu bar and select go to folder
    1. A pop-up box will appear with an empty search bar. Type the following path into the search bar and press Enter:
    ~/Library/Caches/
    1. This will open the Caches folder. Here, select the folder for the system data you want to clear.
    2. Right-click the files and select Move to Bin.
    right click system folders and select move to bin
    1. Permanently delete the cache from your Mac by right-clicking the Bin icon and selecting Empty the Bin.
    right click the bin and select empty bin

    2. Remove Old iOS Backups

    If you have backed up your iOS devices on your Mac, those backups can take up a significant amount of space. You should always remove them when you don’t need them.

    Here’s how to remove old iOS backups:

    1. Open iTunes on your Mac.
    2. Click iTunes in the menu bar and select Settings.
    3. Click on the Devices tab.
    4. Select the backup you want to delete and click Delete Backup.

    3. Clear System Logs

    Clearing system logs using the console is a safe and effective way to free up space on your Mac’s hard drive. However, be sure to only clear logs you no longer need, as some logs may be important for troubleshooting issues on your Mac.

    Here’s how to clear system logs on your Mac:

    1. Open the Console app on your Mac.
    1. Click All Messages at the top of the app.
    click the all messages button
    1. Click Action in the menu bar, and select Clear from the drop-down menu.
    click action and select clear
    1. This will remove system logs from your Mac.

    4. Remove Old Time Machine Backups

    One of the simplest methods to clear system data on a Mac involves removing Time Machine backups. Surprisingly, even though Time Machine backups are typically stored on external or network drives, macOS also maintains a duplicate copy of the backup on the startup drive.

    Ideally, macOS should automatically delete Time Machine backups when the Mac’s storage space is limited. However, this may not always happen as intended. So, if you wish to delete system data on a Mac by removing Time Machine backups, follow the steps below.

    ⚠️ This action will erase the local copies of your backups. So, don’t do it if you may need them in the future.

    1. Open Terminal from the Utilities folder in Applications.
    launch terminal from utilities
    1. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
    sudo tmutil delete /path/to/backup

    Replace /path/to/backup with the actual path to the Time Machine backup you want to remove. For example, if the backup is located in an external hard drive called BackupDrive, the command would be:

    sudo tmutil delete /Volumes/BackupDrive/Backups.backupdb/ComputerName/YYYY-MM-DD-HHMMSS

    Replace ComputerName with the name of your Mac and YYYY-MM-DD-HHMMSS with the specific backup date and time.

    1. You’ll be prompted to enter your admin password. Type it and press Enter.
    2. Terminal will start deleting the Time Machine backup. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the backup.

    5. Clear Browser Cache

    Browser cache files are temporary files on your Mac by your web browser. Clearing them can help you free up space on your Mac’s space and your browsing speed.

    Read my detailed guide on how to clear the browser cache on Safari, Google Chrome, and Firefox.

    6. Clear Application Logs and Support Files

    Applications generate numerous files that contribute to enhancing your experience while using them. However, when you uninstall an application, there is a possibility that residual files associated with the app remain on your Mac.

    Here’s how you can check and clear application logs and support files on Mac:

    1. Open a Finder window.
    click finder in your dock
    1. Click Go in the menu bar and select Go to Folder.
    click go in the menu bar and select go to folder
    1. In the dialog box, type the following path and press Enter:
    ~/Library/Application Support
    type library application support
    1. In the Library folder, look for folders related to specific applications or developers and delete them if you no longer need the associated logs and support files.
    select unnecessary folders and remove them

    7. Browse System Folders

    Another effective method is to investigate the specific files designated as System Data. Anything stored within your Mac’s System or Library folders falls under this category. To explore these folders, follow these steps:

    1. Open a Finder window.
    click finder in your dock
    1. Click Go menu in Finder and select Go to Folder.
    click go in the menu bar and select go to folder
    1. Now, paste the following paths individually:
    /Library
    /System
    ~/Library
    ~/System
    1. Navigate through the subfolders within each path and press Command + I to access the Get Info window, where you can assess the data size.
    get info window

    Be careful when managing System Data manually. Avoid randomly deleting cache files or folders.

    8. Delete Old Email Attachments

    When you don’t delete Email attachments for a longer time, they can also take up space on your Mac. They make your Mac heavy, and it lags then.

    Here’s how to delete old email attachments on your Mac:

    1. Open the Mail app on your Mac.
    open the mail app on your mac by clicking the mail icon in the dock
    1. Click Mailbox in the menu bar and select Erase Deleted Items.
    click on the mailbox menu and select erase deleted items
    1. Click Mailbox in the menu bar again and select Rebuild.
    click mailbox and select rebuild

    Clear System Data on Your Mac Using MacKeeper

    You can easily clear out unnecessary system data on your Mac using MacKeeper. It can help improve performance, free up storage space, enhance privacy, and maintain a healthy and efficient system.

    To clear system data on your Mac using MacKeeper, you can follow these simple steps:

    1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
    1. Launch the app and open Safe Cleanup from MacKeeper’s Cleaning section.
    click safe cleanup under the cleaning section
    1. Click Start Scan.
    click start scan in safe cleanup
    1. Select the files you want to remove, such as logs and caches, or click Check All.
    select junk files to remove or click check all
    1. Click Clean Junk Files.
    tap clean junk files
    1. Wait for MacKeeper to remove the selected system data. It may take some time, depending on how much data needs to be deleted.
    2. Once the selected junk files are removed from your Mac, you can click Rescan to repeat the process.
    click rescan to scan the system again

    You can also use MacKeeper for removing unnecessary applications to clear system data on your Mac. Here’s how you can uninstall unnecessary applications using MacKeeper:

    1. Download and install MacKeeper on your Mac.
    2. After installation, launch MacKeeper and click the Smart Uninstaller in the left-hand menu.
    click smart uninstaller in the left sidebar
    1. Click Start Scan.
    click start scan in smart uninstaller
    1. Select the applications you want to delete from the list and click Remove Selected.
    select the applications you want to remove and click remove selected
    1. Tap the Remove button on the pop-up to confirm the deletion.
    click remove on the pop up window in smart uninstaller
    1. MacKeeper will uninstall the apps and remove associated files and folders. You will get a Removal Completed notification. If you want to scan your Mac again, click Rescan.
    click rescan in smart uninstaller

    Stop Mac System Data From Piling Up

    Clearing system data on a Mac can free up storage space, improve performance, enhance privacy, resolve software issues, and maintain a healthy system. Here are some more tips related to optimizing your Mac’s performance:

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can clearing system data harm my Mac? 

    Clearing system data doesn’t harm your system if you follow proper instructions and not delete necessary system files. It can improve the performance and health of your Mac, as it frees up storage space and removes outdated or corrupted files.

    How often should I clear system data on my Mac? 

    You should clear system data on your Mac regularly, like every few months or when your Mac’s performance is slowing down. However, it’s also important not to overdo it and only delete unnecessary files.

    Will clearing system data delete my personal files? 

    No, clearing system data should not delete your personal files or documents. However, it’s important to ensure you are only deleting unnecessary system files, not any important ones.

    What happens if I accidentally delete a necessary system file? 

    If you accidentally delete a necessary system file, it can cause issues with your Mac’s performance or even prevent it from booting up properly. So, be careful when deleting system data and only delete files that are safe to remove. If you’re unsure, it’s best to seek professional help.

    Ojash

    Author

    Hi there! I'm Ojash, a tech journalist with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've had the privilege of contributing to some of the world's largest tech publications, making my mark as a respected Mac expert. My passion lies in exploring, using, and writing about MacBooks, and I enjoy sharing my expertise to help others make informed decisions and get the most out of their MacBook experience. Join me as we delve into the fascinating world of MacBooks together!

    Hashir Ibrahim

    Reviewer

    I'm Hashir, a tech journalist with a decade of experience. My work has been featured in some of the top tech publications like MakeUseOf and MakeTechEasier. I have a bachelor's degree in IT, a master's in cybersecurity, and extensive knowledge of Apple hardware, specifically MacBooks. As the senior writer at MacBook Journal, I write in depth guides that help you solve any issues you have with your mac and unbiased reviews that help you make the right buying decisions.

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