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Amiasop's avatar
Amiasop
Brass Contributor
May 10, 2026

How to remove junk files on mac and free up storage space?

Hi everyone, My Mac has been getting slower recently and I noticed the storage is almost full. I think a lot of junk files, caches, old app data, and temporary files are taking up space, but I’m not...
Hassaniy's avatar
Hassaniy
Copper Contributor
May 11, 2026

How about using the built-in storage management tool. The tool is hidden in your System Settings, but it's easy to find. Follow these steps to start clear junk file for Mac:

1. Open Storage Settings

Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). Then, click General and choose Storage. You will see a colorful bar chart showing what is taking up space on your Mac.

2. Follow the Recommendations

Once the Storage page loads, look for the Recommendations section . This is the most beginner-friendly part of the tool. You will see a list of quick actions you can take with just one click. For example, it can help you:

  • Empty Trash Automatically: Automatically erase items that have been in the Trash for over 30 days.
  • Optimize Storage: Remove movies and TV shows you have already watched.
  • Reduce Clutter: A button that helps you find large files and old documents you may have forgotten about.

 

This method is the safest way to clear junk file for Mac if you are a self-described newbie. Apple designed the "Recommendations" section specifically to prevent you from accidentally deleting important system files. It only suggests removing items like cache files and old Trash items that are safe to erase, giving you peace of mind while you learn how to maintain your computer.