How do I clear purgeable data?
I have 140GB of purgeable data. It's preventing me from loading new software on my computer. I've cleared many files, but it seems to just increase my purgeable data and not cleared data. What do I do here?
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The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state.
You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site.
We want to thank the community members who have contributed their time and expertise to help others with their Apple products.
I have 140GB of purgeable data. It's preventing me from loading new software on my computer. I've cleared many files, but it seems to just increase my purgeable data and not cleared data. What do I do here?
If you're running macOS Sierra; from What is 'Other' and 'Purgeable' in About This Mac? - Apple Support
"In macOS Sierra, “Purgeable” content appears when you've turned on Optimize Mac Storage. It's storage space that your Mac can automatically make available when storage space is needed. Files marked as purgeable can always be downloaded again on demand."
rdb233 - turn OFF all of the optimize storage settings (iTunes, Mail, Photos, iCloud).
Then do a reindex of your Spotlight.
After doing these 2 things my "purgeable" data went from 60GB to less than 10GB. I too couldn't install some 3rd party software until I did this.
Cheers!
How do you turn off "Optimize Storage" though? And where do I go to do this?
You can follow the article : Free up storage space on your Mac - Apple Support
More information would help. What type of files are showing up as purgeable data? Where are you seeing the data is purgeable?
How do I clear purgeable data?