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

Purgeable Space are removed by the Mac system automatically, but if can also be done manually, this article will teach how to do it.

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.

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.

System Settings on Mac
System Settings on Mac

2→ Select General from the left side > Storage.

storage-option-on-mac
storage-option-on-mac

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. 

manage-storage-on-mac
manage-storage-on-mac

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.
Storage settings on mac

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.

System Settings on Mac
System Settings on Mac

2→ Select General > Storage.

storage-option-on-mac
storage-option-on-mac

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.

get-storage-details-on-mac
get-storage-details-on-mac

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

delete-unused-data-and-files-on-mac
delete-unused-data-and-files-on-mac

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

macOS Monterey & Earlier

  1. Click on the Apple Logo from top menu
  2. Select About This Mac.manage-storage-on-mac
  3. Click Storage > Managemanage-data-storage-on-mac

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…

System Settings on Mac
System Settings on Mac

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

icloud-settings-on-mac
icloud-settings-on-mac

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

icloud-drive-settings-on-mac

4→ Then choose Options… > Document Menu.

icloud-option-with-syncing
icloud-option-with-syncing

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

enable-icloud-backup-for-app-on-mac
enable-icloud-backup-for-app-on-mac

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.

Apple ID under the System Preferences
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
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
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
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.

Clear Purgeable Space on Mac Using Terminal Command

Do you have any tricks or software to clear disk space on Mac? Then reply in the comments! You can get more ideas on the Apple website.

Use CleanMyMac Software

Get help from #1 mac software to clean up your Mac and Remove all unused and Junk, Trash, and Files from your Macs all around the corners.

free-up-purgeable-space-on-mac-using-clean-my-mac-software
free-up-purgeable-space-on-mac-using-clean-my-mac-software

Just, in a Signal Click find all Mac’s Data and Cleanup without any important Data loss.

cleanup-and-junk-file-removed-from-mac
cleanup-and-junk-file-removed-from-mac

Download and Read more about Clean My Mac Review.

Note: Clean My Mac is compatible with macOS Monterey with M1 Silicon & Intel mac.

Also Get Extra Storage Management, Fastboot, Make your MacOS Error-free in just one click.

  1. Smart Scan
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    • System Junk
    • Mail Attachments
    • Trash Bins
  2. Protection
    • Malware Removal
    • Privacy
  3. Speed
    • Optimization
    • Maintenance > Free Up Purgeable Space
  4. Applications
    • Uninstaller
    • Updater
    • Extensions
  5. Files
    • Space Lens
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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

2 thoughts on “How to Clear Purgeable Space on Mac (Sonoma, Ventura)”

  1. 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.

    Reply
  2. 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?

    Reply

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