How to check storage on Mac

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To check storage on a Mac, you can use the built-in 'About This Mac' feature or the 'Disk Utility' application. These tools provide insights into your storage usage, allowing you to manage space effectively.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before checking your storage on a Mac, ensure you meet the following requirements.
  • •A Mac computer running macOS Sierra (10.12) or later.
  • •Administrator access to view and manage storage settings.
  • •No specific software is required, as built-in tools are sufficient.
  • •Backup important data using Time Machine or another backup solution before making changes.

Method 1: Using 'About This Mac'

This method is straightforward and provides a quick overview of your storage usage.
  • •Step 1: Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • •Step 2: Select 'About This Mac' from the dropdown menu.
  • •Step 3: Click on the 'Storage' tab in the window that appears.
  • •Step 4: You will see a visual representation of your storage usage, including categories like Apps, Documents, and System.
  • •Step 5: To verify, check the capacity and available space displayed. If it doesn't match your expectations, consider cleaning up your storage.

For macOS Monterey (12) and later

In macOS Monterey and later, the storage overview includes recommendations for optimizing storage.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: Click on 'Manage...' to view storage recommendations and options to optimize your storage.

For macOS Big Sur (11) and earlier

The interface may differ slightly, but the steps remain the same.
  • •Step 1: Follow the same steps as above.
  • •Step 2: The storage categories may not include optimization recommendations.

Method 2: Using 'Disk Utility'

Disk Utility provides a more detailed view of your storage and allows for disk management.
  • •Step 1: Open 'Disk Utility' by searching for it in Spotlight (press Command + Space and type 'Disk Utility').
  • •Step 2: Select your main hard drive from the list on the left side.
  • •Step 3: Click on the 'Info' button in the toolbar to see detailed information about your disk, including total capacity and available space.
  • •Step 4: To verify, check the 'Capacity' and 'Available Space' fields. If you encounter discrepancies, consider running First Aid to check for errors.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while checking your storage, consider the following solutions.
  • •Error: 'Disk Utility could not verify the disk' - Solution: Restart your Mac and try running First Aid again.
  • •Issue: 'Storage not updating' - Fix: Restart your Mac to refresh the storage information.
  • •Problem: 'Storage categories not accurate' - Workaround: Use third-party applications like DaisyDisk or CleanMyMac for more detailed analysis.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Here are some power user tips and shortcuts for managing storage on your Mac.
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Command + Space - Opens Spotlight for quick access to applications.
  • •Command line: 'df -h' - Displays disk space usage in the terminal.
  • •Hidden feature: 'Storage Management' - Access it via 'About This Mac' > 'Storage' > 'Manage...' for optimization options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regularly monitoring your storage can help prevent performance issues and ensure your Mac runs smoothly.