Last Updated on Jul 23, 2020
If you are Mac user from the beginning and well known about each corner of the macOS, then you should have noticed the difference between macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina, macOS Sierra, and macOS Mojave. In an earlier version of macOS, there wasn’t any term like purgeable file storage. If you have listened to the first time, then you are eager to know what does Purgeable means. It is nothing but files that can be safely deleted when you choose to optimize storage.
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Purgeable files can be like cached movies stored in iTunes, language files, and more. There is no harm in deleting these files, and in bonus, you will get free space on your MacBook. Moving forward to delete purgeable space in macOS Big Sur/Catalina/Mojave.
Delete/Clear Purgeable Space on Mac: Clear Disk Space on Mac
What is Purgeable Space on MacBook, Mac?
The concept of Purgeable Space on MacBook, Mac was introduced back with macOS Sierra. Purgeable space is nothing but the storage taken by the files and documents that haven’t been used in a while and targets to reduce redundancy from the Mac. Whenever the Mac is low on storage or needs some space, the files and documents may be removed from the Purgeable Space. Though, it won’t delete any important files as far as I know.
What does Purgeable Space Include? What Type of Files?
- The common files between the Mac local storage and iCloud storage.
- All the full-resolution pictures added in the iCloud.
- Cache and temporary files of applications that are necessary of no use for us.
- The font files that we don’t use.
- Also, the dictionaries that haven’t been used for a long time.
- Watched Movies and TV Shows. No worries, they are still available to download from iTunes.
- The Time Machine data on local Mac Storage, that is not part of the backup drive of Time Machine.
- All the data stored in the Trash may appear as Purgeable Space.
How to Check Purgeable Space on Mac
- Step #1: Click on the “Apple” menu.
- Step #2: Open “About This Mac”.
- Step #3: There, click on the “Storage” tab. Grey Allotted space showing purgeable space. Delete Data from purgeable space we can release Without Terminal Command or Using Terminal Command. Let’s check it out one by one. Also, don’t miss to share the solution that works for you in the comment box.
Optimize Mac Storage
Many folks are confused about whether the Optimize Storage increases the Purgeable Space or helps you clear the Purgeable Space. Try Optimizing Mac Storage on MacBook, see if it works for you.
- Click on the Apple
- Select About This Mac.
- Click Storage > Manage
Find out the way to optimize Mac storage in the best way possible.
Clear Purgeable Space on Mac Without Terminal Command
1. Go to the Apple logo on mac menu.
2. Now, Click on the System Preferences option.
3. Next, Click Apple ID under the System Preferences window. Click on iCloud from the sidebar.
Apple ID under the System Preferences
4. Now, Nex to the Cloud Drive select options button and click on it.
Cloud Drive settings on Mac
5. Next, Uncheck all Apple Service using Cloud Drive. And Tap on done to save it.
Remove Cloud Drive use
6. Now, Restart your Mac. Go to the Apple Logo > Restart.
7. Now again open System preferences [Apple logo > System Preferences] and Click on Time machine.
Time Machine Backup settings for mac
8. From the Time Machine window, uncheck Time Machine Backup automatically. Now the result is showing under the Mac Storage option. Check Purgeable Space using the above steps. Still not clear then try the second method. [Also Check Video Turorial for more help] Clear Purgeable Space Using Terminal Command line.
If the object was to clear disk space of files that can be stored on the cloud this article would be perfect. If you have almost the whole disk taken up with purgable files yet they don’t appear through the route above then it is of no help. When you go in through the route above I have 300gb+ Indicated free. When you look in finder I have 12gb free the difference all in purgable files. When I try and install it says no room.
When I click on about this Mac/storage I currently have 348.7 GB in my Mail and 22.8 GB free of the 500 GB SSD. A few days ago (and before upgrading from High Sierra to Mohave) I had about 8 GB on Gmail. I generally delete email that is not work related and there has not been a significant increase in activity in recent months.
Also use MS Outlook (for Mac) for a separate email address where there is very little activity.
Using CMD i in “Applications” in Finder reports 40.6 GB in Mail, 1.5 GB in Outlook and 9.5 GB in System.
My system folder that was >100 GB in High Sierra is now at 8.68 GB.
Running a 15″ MBP 2015 vintage.
Any recommendations please?