Time Machine Snapshots Manager
Take control of Time Machine local snapshots and reclaim disk space
Overview
Time Machine creates local snapshots on your Mac's internal drive to protect your data between backups. While useful, these snapshots can consume significant disk space. DiskCleanKit's Time Machine Snapshots Manager gives you full visibility and control over these hidden space consumers.
What Are Time Machine Local Snapshots?
Time Machine automatically creates local snapshots on your Mac's internal drive:
- Hourly snapshots stored locally between Time Machine backups
- Hidden from Finder - you can't see them in normal file browsing
- Space-consuming - can use substantial disk space
- Automatically managed by macOS, but not always optimally
These snapshots are meant to protect you, but when disk space is low, they can become a problem rather than a solution.
Why Manage Snapshots?
The Hidden Space Problem
Many Mac users wonder "where did my disk space go?" only to discover that Time Machine snapshots are consuming massive amounts of storage. macOS shows this as "purgeable" space, but it doesn't always purge when you need it.
When to Delete Snapshots
- Your disk is running low on space
- You've already backed up to an external Time Machine drive
- You need immediate space for large files or installations
- macOS isn't automatically cleaning old snapshots
Key Features
Visual Snapshot Overview
See all local snapshots at a glance with clear timestamps and size information. Understand exactly how much space Time Machine is using on your internal drive.
Safe Deletion
Delete individual snapshots or clear all at once. DiskCleanKit uses the proper system commands to safely remove snapshots without affecting your Time Machine backup drive.
Space Reclamation
Instantly see how much space you'll recover before deleting. Get detailed breakdowns of snapshot ages and sizes.
Smart Recommendations
DiskCleanKit analyzes your snapshots and recommends which ones are safe to delete based on age and your backup status.
Key Benefits
Reclaim Hidden Space
Recover gigabytes of disk space consumed by local Time Machine snapshots that macOS keeps hidden.
Visual Overview
See all snapshots with timestamps and sizes. No Terminal commands needed to understand snapshot usage.
Safe Deletion
Delete snapshots safely using proper system methods. Your Time Machine backup drive remains unaffected.
Instant Space Recovery
Unlike 'purgeable' space, deleted snapshots free up space immediately for your use.
Smart Recommendations
Get intelligent suggestions on which snapshots are safe to remove based on age and backup status.
No Terminal Required
Manage snapshots with a friendly interface instead of complex tmutil commands in Terminal.
How It Works
Open Time Machine Manager
Navigate to DiskCleanKit's Time Machine Snapshots Manager from the main menu or sidebar.
View Local Snapshots
See a complete list of all local snapshots with creation dates, ages, and estimated sizes.
Analyze Space Usage
View total space used by snapshots and identify the largest or oldest ones consuming your disk.
Select Snapshots to Delete
Choose individual snapshots to remove, or use bulk actions to clear old snapshots at once.
Confirm and Reclaim Space
Review your selection, confirm deletion, and watch as disk space is instantly recovered.
Pro Tips
Always ensure you have a recent Time Machine backup to an external drive before deleting local snapshots.
Older snapshots are generally safer to delete - focus on removing snapshots more than a week old first.
If you're not using Time Machine at all, you can safely delete all local snapshots.
After major macOS updates, check for old pre-update snapshots that may be consuming space.
Consider disabling local snapshots entirely if you always have your Time Machine drive connected.
Local snapshots will be recreated automatically - this is normal Time Machine behavior.
Try Time Machine Snapshots Manager Today
Download DiskCleanKit and experience the power of time machine snapshots manager for yourself.