Remove system junk

Over time, your Mac accumulates files that it generates automatically and no longer needs, such as old caches and logs, unused languages, excessive versions of documents, and Xcode junk. This system junk usually makes up the biggest share of unneeded files, can occupy gigabytes of storage, and impedes optimal performance. CleanMyMac finds these files so you can review them and remove them safely.

To find and remove system junk:

1. In CleanMyMac, click Cleanup in the sidebar, then click Scan.

   

   After scanning, CleanMyMac shows you the scan summary.

2. In the scan summary, click Review All Junk to review all junk categories.

   Alternatively, in the System Junk tile, click Review to go directly to the category, or click Clean to delete all found system junk without reviewing.

   

   Tip

   To scan again, click Start Over on the upper left, confirm, then click Scan.

   CleanMyMac opens the Cleanup Manager.

3. In the System Junk category, browse and review files and folders organized in junk groups.

   

   You can search for specific files and folders and sort them by size or name in ascending or descending order.

   Right-click a file or a folder to:

   • Select it for removal
   • Reveal it in Finder
   • Get its info
   • Add it to the ignore list
   • Preview the file in Quick Look

   

   Also, when something looks unfamiliar or you're not sure about an item, click the Smart Insights icon next to that item to get more details. (This works in macOS Tahoe 26 or later and if you have Apple Intelligence turned on.)

   

4. Select items to delete, then click Clean Up.

   • To select all items in a junk group at once, right-click a group or click Select above the list of items, then choose Select All.

   • To select items in bulk automatically, right-click a junk group or click Select above the list of items, then choose to apply Smart Selection. CleanMyMac automatically selects:

     • Broken Login Items, Broken Preferences, User Log Files, System Log Files, System Cache Files, and Language Files — all items
     • iOS Device Backups — all except the most recent backup
     • Document Versions — versions saved less than four hours apart, except the latest version in each range
     • User Cache Files — all except Gradle cache
     • Xcode Junk — all except module caches and archives

   • To select an item, select the checkbox next to it or right-click it, then choose "Select [item]".

   

   Note

   CleanMyMac only removes items in the currently viewed category. For example, if you select items in the AI Clutter category, then switch to the Trash Bins category and click Clean Up there, CleanMyMac only deletes files in the Trash Bins category.

5. Check the results.

   • To explore the details, click View Log.

   • To continue reviewing other categories, click Review Remaining Items to return to the Cleanup Manager.

   • To return to the scan summary, click Done.