Free up some space, turn off Time Machine's Back Up Automatically option, restart your Mac, move the XIP file from the Downloads folder to another folder, and then back to the Downloads. Not enough space to update MacOS Catalina I went ahead and downloaded the latest update but when I tried to restart my computer it said “MacOS could not be installed” due to not enough space. Every time I restart the computer it takes me back to the same screen so I’m stuck with no way to go back and delete files to free up space.
If there isn't enough space to download and install an update, your device temporarily removes some downloadable parts of installed apps. You shouldn't need to remove or relocate any content. If you still need more space than you have on your device, there are a few ways you can update:
- Plug your device into your computer to update using your computer.
- Delete content from your device and try to update again.
- Manage the storage on your device with recommendations.
Update using your computer
To download the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, using your computer, follow these steps:
- On a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15, open Finder. On a Mac with macOS Mojave 10.14 or earlier, or on a PC, open iTunes.
- Plug your device into your computer.
- Locate your device on your computer. You might need to trust your device to continue.
- Click Check for Update.
- Click Download and Update.
If you see a different alert during an update, learn how to resolve it.
Delete content manually
You can check your storage to see how much space your apps use and delete the ones that you don't need. You can download your purchased apps or other content again later.
Mac Update Not Enough Space
- On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > General > [device] Storage.
- Select any app to see how much space it uses.
- Tap Delete App. Some apps, such as Music and Videos, let you delete parts of their documents and data.
- Install the update again. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Manage space with recommendations
In iOS 11 and later, and iPadOS, you can get tips for how to save space and how to offload or delete apps and content that you don't need. You can download your purchased apps or other content again later.
- Go to Settings > General > [device] Storage.
- Scroll to the Recommendations section to see tips.
Learn more
Mac Os Will Not Update
- You can also reduce the size of your Photo library by turning on iCloud Photo Library and optimizing your device storage.
- Learn how to save space on your device with Messages in iCloud.
- Learn about storage on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.