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macOS⏱ 1 min

How to Check Available Storage on macOS

See total, used, and free storage before downloading or installing anything.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

macOS displays storage information in the About This Mac overview, but the real detail lives one click deeper in System Settings > General > Storage, which presents a colour-coded horizontal bar chart breaking usage into Documents, Apps, iOS Files, Mail, Media, and Other. The Other category is often the most confusing — it contains system caches, VM swap files, Time Machine snapshots, and developer tools content that macOS doesn't categorise elsewhere. Hovering each colour band in the storage chart shows an exact size breakdown, and clicking Manage opens the full Recommendations panel with actionable suggestions.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Click the Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage to view a detailed colour-coded breakdown by category.
  2. 2Note free space before downloading large files or installing new apps.
  3. 3If free space is below 10%, follow the Free Up Storage guide before proceeding with your task.

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Verify the Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check storage on macOS?
Click the Apple menu > About This Mac > More Info, or go to System Settings > General > Storage for a full colour-coded breakdown.
What is the difference between storage and memory (RAM) on macOS?
Storage (also called disk space or internal storage) is the permanent space where your files, apps, photos, and OS live. RAM (memory) is the temporary working space the device uses while apps are actively running. They are completely separate — running low on storage does not directly mean you have low RAM, and vice versa.
Why does my macOS show less storage than its advertised size?
All devices reserve space for the operating system, pre-installed apps, and manufacturer files that are not accessible to you. A device advertised as 128 GB typically shows 110–118 GB available after these system partitions. This is normal and expected across all manufacturers.
How do I check how much storage a specific app uses on macOS?
Go to System Settings > General > Storage, click the info icon, find the app in the list and click it for a size breakdown.

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