Top 10 Options to Clear Other Storage on Mac [Updated for 2019]

Storage on a Mac is a concerning yet irritating problem, which every Mac user faces. So, if you are undergoing the same issue, just read the rest of the article closely. Within this article, we will help you clear other storage easily and efficiently. So, you can enjoy that extra space and download files you want.  But before we get started, let us give you a clear understanding of what other is on Mac storage?

What Is Other On Mac Storage

Generally, it is presumed that other content is garbage. Trust me, it’s not!

Other Storage on a Mac is home to several files, cached data, and all those files that to do not fall into the category of photos, apps, documents, etc. Different types of data types are classified into as other on Mac storage, such as:

• Cache files – browsers, photos, system and apps
• Documents – PDF, DOC, PSD etc.
• Archives and disk images – zips, dmg, iso, tar, etc.
• Temporary files and system files – logs, preference files.
• Application plugins and extensions.

That’s not all. There is a lot of other junk that makes your system slow and uses your space. But all the above files may not contain junk; there may be a lot that would be of your interest. So, let me help you how to clear other storage on Mac without losing important information in this article.

How To View Currently Other Storage On Mac

Before we head down to clear other from mac storage, you need to check space on the mac. How do you know you are short of space? How much space do you need to download your files? How much data do you need to delete to get ample storage space?

Follow these simple steps and get hooked with all the information about your Mac storage space:

1. Click on Apple Icon.
2. Select About This Mac.
3. Click on Storage tab.

Now, your system will provide you with a complete breakdown of your mac storage. You will view a horizontal bar graph enlisting all the details of your hard drive in the form of photos, apps, movies, audio and others. So, from this information, you can discover which file occupies the most space. Now you are on firm ground; you know the starting point. Now let’s get our hands on next.

How to Delete Other Storage on Mac - 10 Options Available

Clear other storage is simple, however, as we mentioned above, you may end up deleting your useful files along with the unneeded ones too. There are abundant ways that can help you clear the other storage and help you get extra space. But, within this guide, we are enlisting you with the best, useful ways. We are enlisting 10 options, choose any and enjoyed to the fullest.

Option 1: A Feature-packed Mac Cleanup Software Can Help A Lot

Time Needed: 3 minutes

Release Space: Up to 40%

Difficulty: Very Easy

There is a powerful third-party software that can help you clean your Mac conveniently, quickly and easily. It is called Umate Mac Cleaner, that is a feature-packed Mac cleaning tool with competitive price. Umate Mac Cleaner can help you delete other storage on Mac without any hassle. It comes up with some incredible features that are outstanding and noteworthy to clear storage.

So what are you waiting for? Install this cleaning software and get yourself a piece of mind.

Step 1: Install Umate Mac Cleaner

Step 2: Select a Feature to clear other storage, like "Clean up Junk", "Manage Apps & Extensions", then hit the big Scan button.

Step 3: After scanning, choose the target files you want to remove and click on Clean button. So easy to get a younger Mac!

It’s a matter of three steps, but they are the most crucial ones. This cleaning software not only thoroughly scans your Mac storage but offers you a list of unwanted files. Deleting them will help you attain that extra space you were looking for. Want to know more? Let’s look into benefits of Umate Mac Cleaner.

• Automatic detection for junk files.
• Offers support to more than 40 types of junk files that can be cleaned easily.
• Easy to use. No professional knowledge required.
• Quick and efficient system; most of the operation takes 1 sec.
• Enjoys and offers a competitive edge as its scanning and cleaning services and speed is incredibly fast.
• Trusted by users and famous media sites with good reputation.

 If you are fully convinced with Umate Mac Cleaner; simply download and remove other storage on Mac in no time. However, if you want to still stick to the manual option, continue reading. The rest of the options feature a manual approach.

Option 2: Restart Your Mac

Time Needed: 2 minutes

Release Space: Up to 5%

Difficulty: Easy

Can restarting my mac help me delete other on mac? Well, it won’t delete ‘other’ but will help you clean up and clear some space. Restarting your mac will free up RAM, thereby making space in your Mac. So, you will accomplish your goal within no time.

Option 3: Delete System Files

Time Needed: 5 minutes

Release Space: Up to 10%

Difficulty: Easy

System files are those that become outdated over time and gradually occupying your disk space. So, it’s necessary to delete these files to regain more storage for your device. Don’t know where to start? Follow the steps below:

1. Locate those applications that use the maximum space.
2. Delete the unwanted files manually.

Option 4: Use Smart Folder Finder

Time Needed: 5 minutes

Release Space: Up to 10%

Difficulty: Easy

Still wondering how to delete other on Mac? Use smart folder finder and clear mac other storage with ease. Follow the trick below:

1. Click Cmd+F on the desktop.
2. Search for ‘Other’ folder in ‘This Mac’.
3. Choose ‘Other’ in the drop-down menu.
4. Click the Desired File Size and click Ok button.
5. Once you have specified the file size, a list of files will appear.
6. Delete Files you no longer need.

Option 5: Use Optimized Storage On Mac 

Time Needed: 8 minutes

Release Space: Up to 10%

Difficulty: Medium

Do you know MacOS comes up with new handy feature ‘optimized storage’? With the help of this storage feature, you can automatically delete the old and useless files by transferring them to iCloud. However, if you have an urge to use them again, you can re-download them back from iCloud. So transfer some of your least preferable files on iCloud and enjoy free space.

Option 6: Delete Old Device Backup in iTunes

Time Needed: 10 minutes

Release Space: Up to 10%

Difficulty: Medium

iTunes is good; however, they may groin on your backup storage that takes at an average 4-5 GB. So, do you want to hold that unnecessary space if you no longer use it? So, get rid of these old device backups and enjoy free space with the following simple steps:

1. Open iTunes.
2. Tap Preferences.
3. Select Devices.
4. Choose the Backup (don’t delete the latest backup; it might be useful for you).
5. Select Delete Backup.

Option 7: Remove Downloaded Files

Time Needed: 10 minutes

Release Space: Up to 15%

Difficulty: Medium

Your download files may also consume a lot of space of your Mac. So, to clear the other storage on the Mac, you need to get rid of the downloaded files.  

1. Go To The Finder Icon from your dock or by clicking on the desktop.
2. Select Go.
3. Click Downloads.
4. Select Download Files you want to remove.
5. Select Move To Trash.
6. Empty Trash

Option 8: Delete Temporary Files

Time Needed: 20 - 30 minutes

Release Space: Up to 15%

Difficulty: Hard

Temporary files are similar to system files; these files also create clutter within Mac space storage. The operating system produces temporary files but fails to delete them automatically. This is where you step in, and you need to clean them from time to time.

Free the clutter with the following steps:

1. Go to ~/User/User/Library/Application Support/ .
2. Search for temporary files and old backups in the mobile sync folder.
3. Delete the files you select.

Option 9: Delete Application Plugins And Extensions

Time Needed: 30 minutes

Release Space: Up to 10%

Difficulty: Hard

Everyone is fond of plugins and extensions; so we tend to install many, and in the end, we never use them again. We do the same, but it is advisable to remove that application and plugins that you no longer use. After all, they are only occupying space. How to decrease other storage on Mac by removing extensions from safari, chrome and Firefox? Just follow the simple steps:

Safari:

1. Click Preferences.
2. Go to Extension. 
3. Select the extension you want to delete.
4. Click Uninstall.

Chrome:

1. Click the Three-Dot Icon.
2. Go to Tools> Extensions.
3. Remove the extensions you don’t need any longer.

Firefox:

1. Click Burger Menu.
2. Click Add-Ons. 
3. Remove extensions and plugins.

Option 10: Delete Cache Files

Time Needed: 30 - 40 minutes

Release Space: Up to 15%

Difficulty: Hard

Cache files not only halt your system process but also exploits the storage capacity on your Mac. So, if you are on short of space; look into your cache files. Deleting them is definitely an efficient method on how to get gid of other storage on Mac.

1. Search - Go to a folder (~/Library/Caches, ~/ Library/Logs, /Library/Caches) you want to scan and delete cache files.
2. Click Go.
3. Click- Hold Option; drag caches folder to desktop (create a backup).
4. Select Files in the cache folder.
5. Drag them to trash.
6. Empty trash.
7. Delete The Backup once assured.  

Wrapping up

That was all! So, do you want to still clear other storage on Mac manually? Do you know there is a wide population that ends up deleting something special that they really value or your Mac needs? That is why thousands of users prefer Umate Mac Cleaner. It is a powerful Mac cleaning app with an all-in-one package that efficiently cleans and optimized your Mac. Install this cleaning software and give your Mac a new storage space look!