Keep my Mac Mini's system drive from storing iPhone's Messages data?

Question

Level 1

5 points

Keep my Mac Mini's system drive from storing iPhone's Messages data?

Hi all!

I am trying to free up space on my Mac mini and it looks like Messages is a hog that I don't even need my Mac for. In General>Storage it says I have 13gb from Messages being used on my MacHD's 250gb flash storage (mini's system drive). I have done several things to try and keep my Mac from physically storing Messages data that's all coming from my iphone including Disabling Messages in iCloud checkbox and Signing Out my Apple ID in Messages. Nothing changes in the usage bar.

When I do the recommended Store in iCloud, it enables the Messages in iCloud setting and my Mac's Messages app starts downloading stuff to sync up. Am I misunderstanding the concept here or is there actually a way keep my Mac's physical drive free and clear or disconnected from my iPhone Messages data?

Thank you for any help you can provide!

Mac mini, macOS 13.7

Posted on Nov 25, 2025 10:39 AM

Reply

Answer 1

6x6

Level 6

19,107 points

Nov 25, 2025 11:04 AM in response to audio99

Another thing you need to do is to turn off your Mac on your iPhone in Settings > Apps > Messages > Text Message Forwarding.

Reply

Answer 2

audio99 Author

Level 1

5 points

Nov 25, 2025 12:45 PM in response to 6x6

I actually moved/transferred all these attachments to an external hard drive last night. I took them from MacHD>User>me>library. It transferred but this usage bar still doesn't reflect that. Maybe I need to just delete all the convos in the Mac's Messages app that are still appear there even though the big attachments are already removed.

Reply

Answer 3

6x6

Level 6

19,107 points

Nov 25, 2025 12:52 PM in response to audio99

The Mac can take some time to adjust its storage information after deleting data. I'm suspecting that some cached files are not cleared immediately.

Start your Mac in Safe Mode: Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support. You seem have a Mac with an Intel processor. If so, follow the instructions to the letter, in particular keep pressing the Shift key until you see the logon screen. This can take several minutes.

Wait 5 minutes or so for the Mac to clear some of the cached files (no guarantees that the Messages cache file is one of them, though) and restart your Mac in normal mode.

Reply

Answer 4

6x6

Level 6

19,107 points

Nov 25, 2025 12:29 PM in response to audio99

Now, to purge the Messages data on your Mac, click the ⓘ icon (to the right of Messages in your screenshot.) You may see attachments (pictures...) that were saved. Select them and delete them.

Reply