Six years old, using Catalina 10.15.7

Can't install newer OS because there is no space. When I look at the storage, of 121 GB there is only 2 GB available. 97 GB is shown as "Other" that I don't seem to have access to.

What can I do to fix it?

Buy a real hard drive. Hell, my phone has double the space of your computer.

https://www.howtogeek.com/348398/can-you-upgrade-the-hard-drive-or-ssd-in-your-mac/

What is "other"? Here's some help on that:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250002781

I'm puzzled....a MacbookPro with 121GB disk storage? That doesn't seem right.

I was going to suggest using the SD slot for extra storage, but it appears that the 2016 Macbook Pro doesn't have it: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204384

ETA: Maybe cleanup to restore disk space?
https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/free-space-mac-3504803/

Caesar4 said:

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I'm puzzled....a MacbookPro with 121GB disk storage? That doesn't seem right.

I was going to suggest using the SD slot for extra storage, but it appears that the 2016 Macbook Pro doesn't have it: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204384

ETA: Maybe cleanup to restore disk space?
https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/free-space-mac-3504803/

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Sorry, 7 years old. Retina 13", early 2015

I've done all the cleanup i can. It's ALL in that Other space that I can't get to. I'll look at the article MGS posted.

MooreTrucker said:

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Caesar4 said:

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I'm puzzled....a MacbookPro with 121GB disk storage? That doesn't seem right.

I was going to suggest using the SD slot for extra storage, but it appears that the 2016 Macbook Pro doesn't have it: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204384

ETA: Maybe cleanup to restore disk space?
https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/free-space-mac-3504803/

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Sorry, 7 years old. Retina 13", early 2015

I've done all the cleanup i can. It's ALL in that Other space that I can't get to. I'll look at the article MGS posted.

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Did you run boot camp and install a partition of windows that way? Is it a MacBook Pro? If so you can increase the internal storage by changing out the SSD inside for one with more storage. If it's a MacBook Air, but an external hard drive and move everything to it that isn't Os specific. Then update that way. Otherwise you can wipe everything clean and do a fresh install of macOS.

I've had this problem, it might be Time Machine snapshots. You'll have to use Terminal to delete them.
https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/06/26/how-to-delete-time-machine-local-snapshots-in-macos

I also recommend CleanMyMac X. I've been using it for 10 years. It's the easiest way to clear junk like large language files, browser cache, Time Machine snapshots, and Xcode cache. There's also tools like running maintenance scripts, scanning for viruses, scanning for large files, checking for non App Store app updates, and freeing up RAM.
https://macpaw.com/cleanmymac

I have a 2015 13" Pro and you can swap the hard drive. It's one of the last one's with that ability. I'd highly recommend doing so, because the 128GB hard drive in a Macbook Pro should have never been something that existed. A bare minimum upgrade would be 256GB, but I'd highly recommend going to at least 512GB. You'll need some special screwdrivers, but you can get them on amazon or ebay for cheap. Google which hard drives are compatible with your model.

Pman17 said:

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I've had this problem, it might be Time Machine snapshots. You'll have to use Terminal to delete them.
https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/06/26/how-to-delete-time-machine-local-snapshots-in-macos

I also recommend CleanMyMac X. I've been using it for 10 years. It's the easiest way to clear junk like large language files, browser cache, Time Machine snapshots, and Xcode cache. There's also tools like running maintenance scripts, scanning for viruses, scanning for large files, checking for non App Store app updates, and freeing up RAM.
https://macpaw.com/cleanmymac

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Is Terminal already part of the system or an add-on download thing?

ETA never mind, I found it

If you use iMovie to do a lot of video editing, that could be the culprit. The rendering files take up a lot of space, as does all the media you import into a project. Cleaning up iMovie after projects are completed is not intuitive.

Before you go deleting a bunch of stuff, use Disk Inventory X to get a detailed view of what is taking up space.

http://www.derlien.com/

I use it and it's super helpful to find things I didn't know were consuming a bunch of space. For instance, once you switch to APFS, Mac OS 11 will enable snapshots of the base install and save them off. They take up space and are great for doing restores if you run into issues, but most folks probably don't need them.

Run that utility and see what the largest blocks are and then start cleaning things up.

NM

MooreTrucker said:

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Caesar4 said:

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I'm puzzled....a MacbookPro with 121GB disk storage? That doesn't seem right.

I was going to suggest using the SD slot for extra storage, but it appears that the 2016 Macbook Pro doesn't have it: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204384

ETA: Maybe cleanup to restore disk space?
https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/free-space-mac-3504803/

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Sorry, 7 years old. Retina 13", early 2015

I've done all the cleanup i can. It's ALL in that Other space that I can't get to. I'll look at the article MGS posted.

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In that case, you can buy an SD card to add storage (without opening up the laptop). For example:
https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-JetDrive-Storage-Expansion-TS256GJDL330/dp/B09R4G9Z79/?th=1

per all the suggestions above. Get a 1TB SSD for cheap on the internet, and use Time Machine to backup your current harddrive, then you can use Time Machine to restore your content onto the new SSD. Once it's done, it'll be as if nothing has ever happened, except now you have much more room!

stardustag said:

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per all the suggestions above. Get a 1TB SSD for cheap on the internet, and use Time Machine to backup your current harddrive, then you can use Time Machine to restore your content onto the new SSD. Once it's done, it'll be as if nothing has ever happened, except now you have much more room!

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So if I get an SSD, that involves getting inside the computer, correct?

I can't use that external SDcard for the same thing, can I?

The problem with the SD card, in general, is that it would work if my issue was documents, etc. that I can control. But it's that "Other" stuff that I can't access.

No. The recommendation from stardust is to get an external SSD (LIKE THIS) and setup Time Machine (DIRECTIONS). Once you do that, you're whole computer will be backed up onto the external drive.

Then, delete everything you can (including files you want to save) so you have enough free space to download the update.

Side Note: You may want to check and see if your computer will even support a newer MacOS version. You said it's over 7 years old...that may mean 10.15 (which you are on) is the latest you can install anyways. Hate for you to go through all the trouble only to find out you can't install a later version. https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/what-version-macos-compatible-3776008/

TravelAg2004 said:

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No. The recommendation from stardust is to get an external SSD (LIKE THIS) and setup Time Machine (DIRECTIONS). Once you do that, you're whole computer will be backed up onto the external drive.

Then, delete everything you can (including files you want to save) so you have enough free space to download the update.

Side Note: You may want to check and see if your computer will even support a newer MacOS version. You said it's over 7 years old...that may mean 10.15 (which you are on) is the latest you can install anyways. Hate for you to go through all the trouble only to find out you can't install a later version. https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/what-version-macos-compatible-3776008/

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No I was talking about getting into the computer (yes, open it up) and replace the existing HDD with SDD. Yeh it may sound complicated but there are plenty of YouTube Videos and websites telling you how to do it.

I did that with my old 2010 MBP and it gave that old machine a few more years of life. I just retired it earlier this year when I got the new late-2021 MBP.

Physically swapping the SSD is as easy as powering down the computer. Unscrewing the screws with the special apple screwdrivers (ebay/Amazon maybe $20), then unplugging the SSD and plugging in the new one. It just slides in and out of the slot similar to an SD card. Then screwing the cover back on. Very easy, just make sure you touch something grounded before you start and don't do it in situations where you might build up static electricty while doing so. That is don't do it on top of your bed or while wearing fuzzy clothes.

Here's how to replace the SSD on your 2015 MBP Retina 13".


He's got part links in description. Looks like it costs around $150 to upgrade.

TravelAg2004 said:

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No. The recommendation from stardust is to get an external SSD (LIKE THIS) and setup Time Machine (DIRECTIONS). Once you do that, you're whole computer will be backed up onto the external drive.

Then, delete everything you can (including files you want to save) so you have enough free space to download the update.

Side Note: You may want to check and see if your computer will even support a newer MacOS version. You said it's over 7 years old...that may mean 10.15 (which you are on) is the latest you can install anyways. Hate for you to go through all the trouble only to find out you can't install a later version. https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/what-version-macos-compatible-3776008/

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Thanks. Looks like I can do Monterey.

TravelAg2004 said:

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No. The recommendation from stardust is to get an external SSD (LIKE THIS) and setup Time Machine (DIRECTIONS). Once you do that, you're whole computer will be backed up onto the external drive.

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Ugh. I can't even do this. IT's telling me that it needs to make a local snapshot to backup from, which I evidently dont have enough space to do.

MooreTrucker said:

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TravelAg2004 said:

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No. The recommendation from stardust is to get an external SSD (LIKE THIS) and setup Time Machine (DIRECTIONS). Once you do that, you're whole computer will be backed up onto the external drive.

Then, delete everything you can (including files you want to save) so you have enough free space to download the update.

Side Note: You may want to check and see if your computer will even support a newer MacOS version. You said it's over 7 years old...that may mean 10.15 (which you are on) is the latest you can install anyways. Hate for you to go through all the trouble only to find out you can't install a later version. https://www.macworld.co.uk/feature/what-version-macos-compatible-3776008/

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Thanks. Looks like I can do Monterey.

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Check to make sure your installed software is compatible. For example, I bought my computer used off of ebay and it came with an adobe suite. That suite is not compatible with Monterey, so I've been reluctant to upgrade.

Download Disk Inventory X and run it on the whole drive. Once you do that, it'll show you what all is in "other".

I'm sure there's a few things in there you can delete, it's just hard to know without seeing it.

Here's how I think I'd proceed:

• Get the SD card for as-needed backup storage. I wouldn't use the SD card as your main disk, where MacOS is installed/running. Reasoning is that the SD card, in my experience is not 100% reliable...more like 99.9%...it works of course, but every once in a while I've seen a pop-up message that says something like "disk ejected", but it's always available as far as I can tell...so it's just an instantaneous thing, I think. I haven't looked into it much. I'm thinking you could stick the SD card in and copy off any personal stuff from your main disk and then delete that personal stuff from your main disk to hopefully free up enough disk space to do a TM backup and then the upgrade.
• After that, hopefully, you can do a backup with TimeMachine (to an external disk)
• After that, I'd replace the internal disk with an SSD (go to ifixit and find the kit that you need...someone may have pointed to instructions above).
• After that, restore from TimeMachine backup to the new SSD.

ETA: 2015 Early Macbook Pro disk replacement https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+Pro+13-Inch+Retina+Display+Early+2015+SSD+Replacement/38520

ETA2: I haven't tried this, but if your backup via TimeMachine doesn't/wont work, maybe create a bootable USB so that you can bootup and install MacOS from scratch onto the new SSD. https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+create+a+bootable+USB+drive/66371

ETA3: In reading more of above comments, I like the idea of first running the Disk Inventory X. You might be able to free up enough space by finding and deleting files that you don't want/need. You might also remove applications that you don't want/need.

I ran Disk Inventory X and found lots and lots of files whose names are a jumble of letters and numbers that don't seem to mean anything.

I guess I'm not savvy enough to do this. Might need to take it to Geek Squad or some place like that.

MooreTrucker said:

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I ran Disk Inventory X and found lots and lots of files whose names are a jumble of letters and numbers that don't seem to mean anything.

I guess I'm not savvy enough to do this. Might need to take it to Geek Squad or some place like that.

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What about the path to those files? Do the paths look recognizable?

Here are 2 more support resources:

• Apple Support Communities --> https://discussions.apple.com/welcome

• Apple Support --> https://getsupport.apple.com/

I've had pretty good luck going to the Genius Bar at an Apple Store just to get advice/help for way-out-of-warranty issues.

If it comes to it, you could copy off the files that you want/need and do a Catalina re-install.

I ended up taking it in to get fixed and get the 256 GB drive. We talked about updating the OS and he said what probably caused my issue is that when I ran an update that didn't work for whatever reason usually not enough space the update ends without deleting the files and since I tried multiple times it just kept adding files but not deleting them.

Also found out that I needed a new battery.

I had this issue. When I checked on the storage (Apple top left corner->About this Mac-->Storage, then hover over the largest part of the bar), it showed I had a HUGE amount of "System Data".

I tried everything I could find on the internet but could not get it to reduce by much.

Then, my Touch Bar started going out and since it was under warranty, I sent it in to get fixed. When it came back, the drive had been wiped and I updated it from a back up. "System Data" problem is gone for now.

Moral of the story: Back up your Mac using Time Machine on an external HD. I bought a 2TB SSD that's half the size of my iPhone for $37.

Then, erase and restore it from the back up.

MooreTrucker said:

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I ended up taking it in to get fixed and get the 256 GB drive. We talked about updating the OS and he said what probably caused my issue is that when I ran an update that didn't work for whatever reason usually not enough space the update ends without deleting the files and since I tried multiple times it just kept adding files but not deleting them.

Also found out that I needed a new battery.

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How much lighter is your MacBook now that you got rid of those extra files on your harddrive?

Ag with kids said:

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I had this issue. When I checked on the storage (Apple top left corner->About this Mac-->Storage, then hover over the largest part of the bar), it showed I had a HUGE amount of "System Data".

I tried everything I could find on the internet but could not get it to reduce by much.

Then, my Touch Bar started going out and since it was under warranty, I sent it in to get fixed. When it came back, the drive had been wiped and I updated it from a back up. "System Data" problem is gone for now.

Moral of the story: Back up your Mac using Time Machine on an external HD. I bought a 2TB SSD that's half the size of my iPhone for $37.

Then, erase and restore it from the back up.

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I didn't even have enough storage to do a Time Machine backup. It evidently creates some kind of local file and works from that.

Several pounds. LOTS of extra junk.

YouBet said:

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MooreTrucker said:

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I ended up taking it in to get fixed and get the 256 GB drive. We talked about updating the OS and he said what probably caused my issue is that when I ran an update that didn't work for whatever reason usually not enough space the update ends without deleting the files and since I tried multiple times it just kept adding files but not deleting them.

Also found out that I needed a new battery.

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How much lighter is your MacBook now that you got rid of those extra files on your harddrive?

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That has to be calculated using the metric system. Therefore, it's Un-American, so the answer is FREEDOM!

MooreTrucker said:

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Ag with kids said:

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I had this issue. When I checked on the storage (Apple top left corner->About this Mac-->Storage, then hover over the largest part of the bar), it showed I had a HUGE amount of "System Data".

I tried everything I could find on the internet but could not get it to reduce by much.

Then, my Touch Bar started going out and since it was under warranty, I sent it in to get fixed. When it came back, the drive had been wiped and I updated it from a back up. "System Data" problem is gone for now.

Moral of the story: Back up your Mac using Time Machine on an external HD. I bought a 2TB SSD that's half the size of my iPhone for $37.

Then, erase and restore it from the back up.

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I didn't even have enough storage to do a Time Machine backup. It evidently creates some kind of local file and works from that.

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You could also make sure you've got iCloud Backup on auto. Then erase and back up from that. I've done that on another Macbook. In fact, you should probably do the iCloud AND Time Machine backups for redundancy. The iCloud Backup won't get you everything but it'll give you the 90% solution. But...make sure you save a lot of your **** on iCloud before you do this...