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FAQ
Something not working as expected? Start here.
CleanMyMac CLI is currently in Public Beta, so commands and behavior may evolve. When something feels wrong or unsafe, stop before confirming cleanup and share the example with us.
First, verify that CleanMyMac CLI is installed:
brew list --cask | grep cleanmymac-cliIf it is not installed, run:
brew install --cask macpaw/taps/cleanmymac-cliIf it is already installed, reinstall it:
brew update
brew reinstall --cask macpaw/taps/cleanmymac-cliThen close and reopen Terminal and check:
cleanmymac --versionYou can also try the shorter alias:
cmm --versionUpdate Homebrew and check its configuration:
brew update
brew doctorThen retry the installation:
brew install --cask macpaw/taps/cleanmymac-cliWhen reporting the problem, include the complete Homebrew error message, but remove usernames, paths, tokens, or other sensitive information.
Check the installed version:
cleanmymac --versionThen view the commands supported by your build:
cleanmymac --helpCleanMyMac CLI is in Public Beta, so documentation may occasionally describe behavior introduced in a newer version.
Update the installed build with:
brew update
brew upgrade --cask cleanmymac-cliThis does not necessarily mean something is wrong. The selected category may not contain removable items.
Try scanning all cleanup categories:
cleanmymac cleanOr scan a specific category:
cleanmymac clean junk
cleanmymac clean dev
cleanmymac clean ai
cleanmymac clean trashTo understand what is consuming storage, run:
cleanmymac analyzeBy default, purge scans common development folders.
When your projects are stored somewhere else, provide the path explicitly:
cleanmymac purge ~/WorkOr scan one specific project:
cleanmymac purge ~/Work/my-projectUse quotes when the path contains spaces:
cleanmymac purge "~/Work/Client Projects"Pass the folder path directly:
cleanmymac analyze ~/ProjectsFor a path containing spaces, wrap it in quotes:
cleanmymac analyze "~/Library/Application Support"You can press O inside the analyzer to reveal the selected item in Finder.
A file may be in use by a running application or process.
Try the following:
- Review the path and confirm that it is safe to remove.
- Close the related application.
- Run the command again.
- If the item is still not removed, restart your Mac and retry.
Do not use --force as the first troubleshooting step.
Warning
--force skips interactive confirmation. Use it only when you already understand what the command detects and removes.
Do not confirm the cleanup.
Deselect the item and add its path to the ignore list:
cleanmymac ignore add ~/Projects/important-projectReview protected paths:
cleanmymac ignore listIgnored paths remain excluded from future clean, purge, and analyze results until you remove them.
Check your installed version:
cleanmymac --versionThen compare it with the latest version available through Homebrew:
brew info --cask macpaw/taps/cleanmymac-cliBecause CleanMyMac CLI is in Public Beta, commands, output, navigation, and default selections may evolve.
Please collect:
- CleanMyMac CLI version
- macOS version
- The command you ran
- The path you scanned, when applicable
- Expected behavior
- Actual behavior
- Complete error message
- Screenshot or screen recording, when useful
Check the CLI version:
cleanmymac --versionNo polished bug report required. A command, screenshot, or short explanation of what felt wrong is enough to start.
For security vulnerabilities, follow the Security Policy instead of posting publicly.