How to Clear Purgeable Space on Mac (Sonoma, Ventura)

🗓️ November 28, 2023 By ✍️ Jaysukh patel

The local space of the Mac computer is one of the essential things to manage. And usually pretty easy to do so. This is because your Mac computer is smart enough to comprehend what types of files are redundant and can be removed. It’s known as Purgeable files. Mainly, it’s a collection of duplicates and cache that can be handily deleted from the Mac without impacting the system.

We have mentioned how to purge Mac hard drive or delete purgeable space in the latest or older macOS in this article. So do read it.

Table of Contents

Delete/Clear Purgeable Space on Mac: Clear Disk Space on Mac

Before going for the steps to clear purgeable space on macOS Ventura, let’s first understand what purgeable space is on MacBook and Mac.

What is Purgeable Space on MacBook, and 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 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 were added to iCloud.
Cache and temporary files of applications that are necessary and of no use to us.
The font files that we don’t use.
Also, dictionaries haven’t been used for a long time.
I 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

macOS Ventura And macOS Sonoma

1→ Navigate to Apple Logo > System Settings.

2→ Select General from the left side > Storage.

4→ Go to Storage Settings… In the storage bar, the area with a grey cross line with white background is known as purgeable, aka other volumes on latest macOS.

On MacOS Monterey & Earlier

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 Optimize Storage increases the Purgeable Space or helps you clear the Purgeable Space. Try Optimizing Mac Storage on MacBook, and see if it works for you.

macOS Ventura And Later

1→ Click on the Apple Logo from the top left corner. Next, System Settings.

2→ Select General > Storage.

3→ In the storage screen, you will receive a Recommendation Menu. Right over there, you can optimize the Mac storage space. For instance, click “i” Button next to the Applications.

4→ Select the one you aren’t using, and click on Delete… Button.

5→ Furthermore, select Delete from a pop-up. At last, click Done.

macOS Monterey & Earlier

Click on the Apple Logo from top menu
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

macOS Ventura And Later

1→ Select Apple Logo. Click on System Settings…

2→ Choose Apple ID[Your Name]. Select iCloud from the right side of the screen.

3→ From the next screen, click on iCloud Drive.

4→ Then choose Options… > Document Menu.

5→ Uncheck the box next to all applications. Hit Done to save. Again select the Apple Logo, and then click on Restart Options.

Once you are done with it, go to Apple System Settings… Select the Backup Disk Drop down, and lastly, choose Manually.

macOS Monterey & Earlier

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.

4. Now, Nex to the Cloud Drive select options button and click on it.

5. Next, Uncheck all Apple Service using Cloud Drive. And Tap on done to save it.

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.

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.