Running out of space on a Mac or about to complete its memory may seem like a problem. This is especially palpable on Macs with more limited capacities of 128 GB or 256 GB and that cannot be expanded in any way. Even some users with more capacity can suffer it. However, there are certain tricks with which to optimize a Mac’s memory to the maximum. Which ones? We tell you.
Tricks to not run out of space on the Mac
iCloud, the best option for Apple computers
There is a way to expand the memory of your Mac without making any internal changes. It can be achieved thanks to iCloud cloud storage . Well, it may not be an extension as such, but of course having memory in the cloud can be essential to free up computer space by transferring the heaviest files to iCloud Drive .
When a new Apple ID is registered, 5 GB of free storage is automatically obtained in iCloud. However, this amount is quite short if we store copies of other devices such as an iPhone or iPad. Also if we want to save a good amount of files it will be necessary to have more storage.
Apple offers several monthly rates to expand the iCloud plan . The most standard is the 50 GB for only € 0.99 , but it is likely to remain short. Therefore, one of the most recommended is 200 GB for € 2.99 per month. If you still consider that it can fall short we can find up to 2 TB for € 9.99 . No doubt with that storage you will not fall short.
Remove apps you don’t use and disable some features
Every day we use quite a few applications, both on our mobile phone and on our computer, but in many cases we download an application that we do not use and do not uninstall it. It may also be the case that we have installed applications that we do use, but whose use is not essential or we use them with a very low frequency.
For all this, we recommend that you do a review of all your applications and decide which are those that you really need to keep on the Mac. There are some applications that can occupy a really remarkable space on our computer if we take into account that, in addition to the app, some folders with files of this are installed.
Another way to save memory considerably is by deactivating some services . For example the iCloud Photo Library, which is loading all the photos of the rest of the devices and thus occupying unnecessary space. Disabling it will not affect the use of iCloud Drive for other files.
A recurring way that macOS has to help free up space is sorting files, emptying the trash and performing another series of functions that you can review. To do this you must go to the top bar and go to Apple Menu Acerca> About this Mac> Storage> Manage . Once inside you can see these functions that we have mentioned.
Use external storage
This is the option that is probably more expensive and more expensive if an external hard drive is not available. However, it can be one of the most efficient long-term ways to save memory on the Mac thanks to the extra storage it can provide.
As opposed to iCloud Drive, external hard drives will require a unique investment. And although it is still a physical support, which can be broken or lost, there are many of very good quality. On some occasion we have made our particular compilation with the best hard drives for Mac , which surely could be very useful.
Another option that can help you expand the storage of your device is to purchase a NAS . The definition of these could be summed up as a server that, thanks to a set of hard drives running in parallel, allows you to create your own cloud to store your Mac files there and all the devices you want. The downside is that its price is higher, but if you are willing to make the investment it will last for many years.
Last option: restore the Mac
In a moment of despair in which you do not find a way to save space that is feasible for you, you can end up restoring the Mac. To do this you must take certain precautions before, such as safeguarding the important files that you have stored to be able to Bring them back when you restore the equipment. This will help you to make a thorough cleaning and in the new installation have only what you need.
And what is the most optimal way to restore it? Well, the same way you would if you wanted to restore the Mac to sell it . In this way you guarantee that there is no residual file that can be used in the new installation to occupy censer space.