My System Data is out of control. I read tips about what to do, and I get to a point where it's "Don't delete any files that may impact your Mac." I'm at my wits end. Any help would be immensely appreciated.
[Edited by Moderator]
Original Title: Please help; it's closing in and I can't breathe
iMac 24″
FWIW personally I never look at System Data because it is so misleading.
Instead, I look at "available" in some Finder window's Status bar at the bottom (View > Show Status Bar).
Or via Disk Utility's "Free" info which is more accurate. While you are in Disk Utility, also set View > Show APFS Snaphots and check if, for example, Time Machine has accumulated them when its backup drive has been disconnected.
Extra mobile device backups might also accumulate at ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup and extra mail attachments taking space at ~/Library/Mail.
Why is my system data taking up so much s… - Apple Community
System data on Mini Mac 1 - Apple Community
What is system data and why I can't clean… - Apple Community
FWIW personally I never look at System Data because it is so misleading.
Instead, I look at "available" in some Finder window's Status bar at the bottom (View > Show Status Bar).
Or via Disk Utility's "Free" info which is more accurate. While you are in Disk Utility, also set View > Show APFS Snaphots and check if, for example, Time Machine has accumulated them when its backup drive has been disconnected.
Extra mobile device backups might also accumulate at ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup and extra mail attachments taking space at ~/Library/Mail.
Why is my system data taking up so much s… - Apple Community
System data on Mini Mac 1 - Apple Community
What is system data and why I can't clean… - Apple Community
Matti Haveri wrote:
FWIW personally I never look at System Data because it is so misleading.
Instead, I look at "available" in some Finder window's Status bar at the bottom (View > Show Status Bar).
Or via Disk Utility's "Free" info which is more accurate. While you are in Disk Utility, also set View > Show APFS Snaphots and check if, for example, Time Machine has accumulated them when its backup drive has been disconnected.
Extra mobile device backups might also accumulate at ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup and extra mail attachments taking space at ~/Library/Mail.
Why is my system data taking up so much s… - Apple Community
System data on Mini Mac 1 - Apple Community
What is system data and why I can't clean… - Apple Community
+1
I would strongly suggest follow both the advise from @ Matti Haveri as well as reading from the link they were so kind to supply
The computer in question appears to be a 24" iMac ? that can come figured with a 256GB SSD as it can come configured with a larger drive
Would we be correct in thinking, because you are so concerned with /System/Volume/Data taking 222.11 GB of space
That this machine has the Entry Level 256 GB drive or possible the 512 GB drive ?
In either case and only after you have exhausting All possibilities provided by my colleague
The more popular and effective ways to address this issue is to Start Over from Scratch
For Apple Silicon computer >> Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon.
Always make a Time Machine Backup before proceeding
It is also suggest to Only Migrating the User Account and nothing more.
Emphasis on User Account Only
Reinstall the Needed, not the Wanted applications from the Apple Apps Store or Directly from the Developers
Thank you both for the insight. Yes, a 512 SSD. I was hoping for an easier alternative, but will push through with your recommendations. Thank you again.
You are welcome
How to clear 'System Data' taking up too much space on my iMac?
