Why MacBook Air M4 Incorrectly Shows Memory

Incorrect Memory Display Issue on MacBook Air M4 in macOS

The problem of incorrect available memory display on MacBook Air M4 in macOS occurs due to errors in system storage calculations, data caching, or SSD malfunctions. This is a common situation that can be resolved by checking disk permissions, using third-party memory analyzers, or diagnosing the drive itself.

Contents

• Main Causes of the Problem
• Diagnosis and Storage Check
• Solutions to the Problem
• Prevention and Recommendations

Main Causes of the Problem

Incorrect display of free space on MacBook Air M4 can occur for several reasons:

System calculation errors
macOS sometimes incorrectly calculates used space due to errors in counting algorithms. As users note on Habr Q&A, the system may show impossible values - for example, 201GB free while applications occupy 204GB on a disk totaling 238GB.

Caching and temporary files
The system creates numerous cache files and temporary data that aren’t always properly accounted for in the overall count. In Unix systems (including macOS), the du command shows the actual disk space usage, unlike system utilities.

SSD issues
Physical malfunctions or firmware-level errors with the SSD can lead to incorrect information display. One user described a case where the built-in diagnostic program detected an error in block 24, which led to incorrect calculation of free space.

Conflicting data
Sometimes data in different system files isn’t synchronized, leading to contradictory information about occupied space.

Diagnosis and Storage Check

Before solving the problem, it’s necessary to accurately diagnose its scale and exact causes.

Checking through system settings

1. Open System Settings → General → Storage
2. Look at the memory distribution diagram
3. Pay attention to any discrepancies in the numbers

As noted by Apple Support, if multiple drives are displayed, this may indicate the presence of multiple volumes or containers on the internal drive.

Using the command line

For accurate diagnosis, use Terminal:

# Check actual disk usage
du -sh /

# Check specific directories
du -sh ~/Library
du -sh /System
du -sh /Library

The du command shows the actual size, unlike system utilities source.

Checking through Activity Monitor

Open the Activity Monitor app and go to the Memory tab. Here you can see:

• Memory provided to applications
• Compressed memory
• Frequency of data movement from RAM to disk

Apple Support explains that having free memory doesn’t always guarantee improved performance.

Solutions to the Problem

Using third-party analyzers

The most effective solution is to use specialized programs for disk space analysis:

DaisyDisk - a popular analyzer that visually shows which files and folders are taking up space on your disk. Professionals recommend using such tools for accurate determination of occupied space.

Alternatives:

• DiskXray
• GrandPerspective
• OmniDiskSweeper

Checking and repairing disk permissions

1. Open the Disk Utility app (can be found via Spotlight)
2. Select your startup disk
3. Go to the First Aid tab
4. Click Run to check and repair disk permissions

As reported by a user from LiveJournal, after checking and repairing permissions, free space is sometimes corrected.

Clearing system cache

macOS accumulates many cache files that take up space:

# Clear user cache
rm -rf ~/Library/Caches/*

# Clear system cache (requires admin password)
sudo rm -rf /System/Library/Caches/*

SSD diagnostics

If the problem persists, check the SSD status:

1. Restart your MacBook in Recovery Mode (hold Cmd+R when turning on)
2. Open Disk Utility
3. Select the disk and run First Aid
4. If necessary, use Repair

One user shared an experience where diagnostics revealed an error in block 24, and replacing the SSD solved the problem.

Prevention and Recommendations

Regular system maintenance

To avoid similar problems in the future:

1. Check free space regularly - at least 10% of the disk should be free for normal system operation source

2. Use automatic cleanup - macOS has built-in tools for cleaning unnecessary files

3. Control application installation - many programs create large cache files

Monitoring memory usage

Develop a habit of checking storage status:

• Through System Settings → Storage
• Through the Activity Monitor app
• Using third-party utilities for monitoring

Backup

Regular backups will help restore the system in case of serious storage problems:

• Time Machine
• iCloud Drive
• External hard drives

macOS updates

Ensure you have the latest version of macOS installed - Apple often releases fixes for such issues.

Conclusion

The problem of incorrect memory display on MacBook Air M4 is solvable and usually related to system calculation errors or accumulation of temporary data. The main steps to solve it include using third-party analyzers, checking disk permissions, and clearing cache. For prevention, it’s recommended to regularly check storage status and maintain at least 10% free space on the disk. If the problem persists after all actions, it’s worth contacting a service center for drive diagnostics.

Sources

1. Why Mac constantly reports lack of space. Finding and removing the cause - iPhones.ru
2. View information about used and free space on Mac - Apple Support
3. macOS incorrectly determines free disk space - LiveJournal
4. Why MacOS incorrectly shows remaining storage? - Habr Q&A
5. View memory usage data in Activity Monitor on Mac - Apple Support
6. Where does free space go on MacBook? Clearing caches in macOS - mdex-nn.ru
7. How to free up space on Mac - Maxmobiles