If your Mac is running low on storage, you’re not alone. macOS may be sleek and efficient, but over time, unnecessary files, caches, system logs, and duplicate data pile up—leaving you with that dreaded “Your disk is almost full” warning. For hackers, coders, and power users, storage isn’t just about saving space—it’s about keeping your system optimized for performance.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical and hacker-style tips to free up disk space on Mac without relying on paid third-party cleaners.
1. Analyze Disk Usage Like a Pro
Before deleting anything, identify what’s eating up space.
- Built-in macOS Tool: Click the Apple logo → About This Mac → Storage. This gives a quick breakdown (System, Apps, Documents, etc.).
- Advanced Approach: Use
duin Terminal to analyze directories:
sudo du -sh /*
Or check your home folder:
du -sh ~/*
This gives you a hacker’s view of what’s hogging space.
2. Clear System and User Caches
macOS generates caches for apps, browsers, and the system itself. Over time, these can balloon.
- Manual Method:
- Go to
~/Library/Caches/and delete unnecessary folders. - Empty
/Library/Caches/as well (system-level).
- Go to
- Terminal Hack:
sudo rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/*
sudo rm -rf /Library/Caches/*
(Be careful—don’t delete files outside caches.)
3. Remove Old iOS Backups and Updates
If you’ve synced iPhones or iPads, you may have gigabytes of backups sitting on your Mac.
- Navigate to:
~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/ - Delete old backups you no longer need.
Also, check ~/Library/iTunes/ for software updates eating space.
4. Clean Up Large Log Files
Log files are helpful for debugging but can grow unchecked.
- Check system logs in
/var/log/and~/Library/Logs/. - Use Terminal to find the largest files:
sudo find /var/log -type f -size +10M
Delete the unnecessary ones with sudo rm.
5. Purge Local Snapshots (for Time Machine Users)
If you use Time Machine, macOS creates local snapshots that consume hidden space.
- Check snapshots:
tmutil listlocalsnapshots /
- Delete them manually:
sudo tmutil deletelocalsnapshots YYYY-MM-DD-HHMMSS
This instantly frees gigabytes.
6. Hunt Down Large Files and Folders
Large forgotten files (ISOs, DMGs, videos) often sit idle.
- Finder Hack: Press
Command + F, select “File Size,” and filter for files > 500MB. - Terminal Method:
sudo find / -type f -size +500M
Delete or move unused files to an external drive.
7. Delete Old DMG Files and Installers
Downloaded apps often come in .dmg or .pkg files. After installation, these serve no purpose.
- Search in Downloads and Desktop for
.dmgor.pkg. - Trash them to reclaim space.
8. Clear Browser Data and Extensions
Hackers often use multiple browsers for testing. Each keeps cache and history.
- Chrome:
Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data. - Safari:
Preferences → Advanced → Show Develop menu → Empty Caches. - Firefox:
Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data → Clear.
9. Uninstall Unused Applications
Dragging apps to Trash doesn’t remove all files. Leftovers stay in ~/Library/Preferences/ and ~/Library/Application Support/.
- Pro Hack: Use
findto remove traces. Example for Zoom:
sudo find / -name "*zoom*" -exec rm -rf {} \;
10. Compress or Archive Rarely Used Files
Instead of deleting, compress files you rarely access:
zip -r archive.zip foldername
Or move them to an external SSD/cloud storage.
Final Thoughts
Freeing up disk space on a Mac isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about performance and control. By combining manual cleanup, Terminal hacks, and smart file management, you’ll not only reclaim storage but also ensure your system runs lean and fast.
Remember: Always double-check before deleting files, especially in system directories. For power users and hackers, the Terminal is your best friend in keeping macOS optimized.