How to Increase Storage on Mac [Extra Disk Space]

As time passes, MacBooks can quickly run out of storage. Thus, we will share the efficient methods to help users free up and add extra space on Mac.

Running out of storage on your Mac can be a frustrating experience, especially as applications, photos, videos, and system files grow in size. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to reclaim or expand storage, whether you're using an older model or a sleek new MacBook. This EaseUS guide covers eight practical strategies to free up space or add storage capacity, tailored to different needs and budgets.

Check Current Storage Usage on Mac

Before making any changes, the first thing you should do is to ensure that how much of your Mac's storage is being utilized. Follow these steps to check your storage:

Step 1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.

Step 2. Select About This Mac.

Step 3. Click on Storage.

Step 4. Wait for the breakdown to load, showing how much space is used by different categories like System, Apps, Photos, and Other.

This analysis helps you determine what's consuming the most space so you can take targeted actions.

How to Get More Storage on Mac

If your Mac disk is out of space, follow this section and explore avaliable solutions to restore performance and flexibility.

Way 1. Free Up Mac Disk Space

If your internal storage is nearly full, the first step is to free up some space. Here are some effective ways to do it:

A. Delete Unnecessary Files

Remove old files, duplicate documents, and downloads you no longer need. Manually go through the Downloads, Documents, and Desktop folders to delete unwanted files.

B. Clear Cache and Temporary Files

Cache files accumulate over time and can take up significant space. To clear them:

• Open Finder.
• Click Go in the menu bar.
• Select Go to Folder and enter: ~/Library/Caches/.
• Delete unnecessary cache files.

Repeat the same process for /Library/Caches/ to remove system-level caches.

C. Empty Trash

After deleting files, make sure to empty the Trash to free up space:

• Right-click the Trash icon in the Dock.
• Select Empty Trash.

D. Use macOS Built-in Storage Optimization

MacOS provides built-in tools to optimize storage:

Step 1. Open About This Mac.

Step 2. Go to Storage.

Step 3. Click Manage and enable options such as:

• Store in iCloud – Offload files to iCloud.
• Optimize Storage – Delete watched movies and TV shows.
• Empty Trash Automatically – Remove items in Trash after 30 days.

E. Uninstall Unused Applications

Apps can take up significant space. To remove them:

• Open Finder > Applications.
• Drag unused apps to the Trash.
• Empty the Trash.

Way 2. Expand Storage with External Storage Devices

If freeing up space isn't enough, consider expanding your storage with external solutions.

A. External Hard Drive or SSD

Using an external hard drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) is a cost-effective way to add more storage. HDDs offer larger capacities at a lower price. SSDs are faster and more durable but more expensive.

Here is how to use an external drive:

First: Connect the drive via USB-C, Thunderbolt, or USB-A (with an adapter if needed).

Second: Format it using EaseUS Partition Master For Mac (choose APFS or Mac OS Extended for best compatibility).

Step 1. Run EaseUS Partition Master for Mac, right-click on a target disk drive and select "Format".

Step 2. Rename the volume, select a new format to the target volume and click "Continue" to confirm.

Step 3. Let the program to format the selected disk volume and click "Finish" when the formatting process completes.

Third: Move large files or create a Time Machine backup to free up internal storage.

B. SD Card or MicroSD Adapter (for MacBook Pro with SD Slot)

If your MacBook has an SD card slot, you can use a high-capacity SD card as semi-permanent storage. Buy a high-speed SD card (256GB, 512GB, or 1TB). Format the SD card with Disk Utility EaseUS Partition Master For Mac. Move files you don't need daily but want accessible.

Way 3. Try Cloud Storage Solutions

A. iCloud Drive MacBooks integrate seamlessly with iCloud Drive, which offers 5GB free, with paid plans for 50GB, 200GB, or 2TB. It enables Desktop & Documents folder syncing and allows users optimize local storage by keeping files in the cloud.

B. Other cloud storage services provide additional space:

• Google Drive (15GB free, paid plans up to 2TB+).
• Dropbox (2GB free, paid plans for more storage).
• OneDrive (5GB free, integrates with Microsoft 365).

Way 4. Upgrade Internal Storage (For Older MacBooks)

If you have an older MacBook with an upgradable SSD, replacing it with a larger SSD can increase storage dramatically. Before taking any actions, check If Your MacBook supports SSD upgrades - Most modern MacBooks (2016 and later) have soldered SSDs, making upgrades impossible. However, models like the MacBook Pro 2012-2015 and MacBook Air 2012-2017 allow SSD upgrades.

Then, purchase a Compatible SSD For compatible models, popular SSD upgrade options include: OWC Aura SSDs (specifically designed for MacBooks). Samsung 970 EVO NVMe (with an adapter for MacBooks).

Last, install the New SSD Back up your data with Time Machine. Open your MacBook and replace the SSD (check YouTube guides for your specific model). Use macOS Recovery Mode to install macOS on the new drive. Restore data from your backup. If this method sounds difficult to you, EaseUS Partition Master For Mac provides effective clone option:

Step 1. Install and connect another new disk to Mac computer, run EaseUS Partition Master for Mac, then, click "Clone" under the Abilities section. Click the "+" icon to browse and locate the macOS disk and target new disk.

Step 2. Select the Source and the Destination disk and click "Select" to confirm.

Step 3. Confirm if you've selected the correct macOS OS disk and the new target disk you'd like to clone and upgrade the macOS disk to. Then, click "Start" and click "Yes" to confirm if EaseUS Partition Master for Mac requests you to confirm the operation.

Step 4. Wait patiently and let EaseUS Partition Master for Mac to complete cloning the old macOS disk to the new target disk.  

Conclusion

Whether you're cleaning up files, investing in external hardware, or embracing the cloud, expanding your Mac storage is achievable at any budget. Combining methods can strike the perfect balance between convenience and capacity for most users. Always back up data before making changes, and choose solutions that align with your technical comfort and workflow needs. With these strategies, you'll never have to face the "Storage Full" warning again!

FAQs on How to Increase Storage on Mac

1. Why is my Mac disk full?

Your Mac disk is full due to various reasons, including:

• Large Files and Applications: Unused or oversized files and apps consume significant space.
• Cache and Temporary Files: System, browser, and application caches accumulate over time.
• Duplicate and Junk Files: Redundant files clutter storage.
• Old Backups: Time Machine snapshots and iOS backups use up space.
• Mail Attachments: Downloaded attachments remain stored locally.
• Large Media Files: Photos, videos, and music libraries grow over time.
• Hidden System Files: macOS stores logs, updates, and system files consuming space.

Checking storage usage helps identify and manage these issues effectively.

2. Can I add additional storage to a Mac?

Yes, you can add additional storage to a Mac. Here are some ways to do it:

• External Hard Drives (HDDs): Connect an external HDD via USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt ports. Models like the WD My Passport Ultra and SanDisk Professional G-Drive are popular choices for Mac users.
• External Solid-State Drives (SSDs): Faster than HDDs, SSDs are ideal for storing frequently used files and applications.
• Cloud Storage: Use services like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox to store files remotely and access them from your Mac.
• Internal Upgrades: For some Mac models, you can upgrade the internal SSD, though this is more complex and not possible for newer models with soldered SSDs.

3. Is 256 GB enough for a MacBook?

For basic tasks like web browsing, writing, and using office applications, 256 GB might be sufficient, especially if you utilize cloud storage for larger files.  However, if you work with large files such as photos, videos, or professional software, you may quickly run out of space.