There are no hard and fast rules for how often you should use CleanMyMac to keep a computer in good condition. The answer depends on many factors. How often and how much do you use your Mac? What is the size of your hard drive? Which applications do you use? Do you regularly install updates? With so many questions it is difficult to give general advice.
We think the best way is to experiment with CleanMyMac and ultimately set your own schedule. But fortunately, after many years of work, we have some universal recommendations.
1. Run Smart Scan every week
Why a week? In a nutshell, this is how long it takes for your Mac to accumulate enough system junk to slow down your daily tasks. The slowdown may be difficult to observe, but it will increase day by day if nothing is done about it. A weekly magazineSlimme scan, with its cleaning and maintenance controls, ensures that your computer runs stably and prevents performance degradation.
A weekly scan is reasonable if you use your Mac intensively every day. If not, you may need Smart Scan less often, for example every 2 weeks.
Smart malware detection is also part of Smart Scan. We update the malware database on average every 7-10 days (sometimes more often, especially when serious threats appear on the Internet). If you run Smart Scan every week, you have a good chance of discovering the latest versions of potentially unwanted apps in time before they damage or slow down your Mac.
To help you remember regular scans, we show reminders. You can set its frequency in the CleanMyMac settings under the Notifications tab. Reminders also contribute to a useful habit: take good care of your Mac to maintain its best performance.
2. Run malware removal and privacy scans at least once a month
Malware removaltakes more time and resources than malware detection in Smart Scan, but can find deep and hidden threats.
Security analysts say the best way to protect your privacy on the Internet is to erase the traces of your work every time you use a Web resource. With this approach, a monthlyClearing up privacyseems an acceptable compromise.
Monthly scans provide a minimum security guarantee - provided you perform regular checks month after month. If you take your digital security more seriously, or if your work involves a lot of apps and data from the internet, you might consider running a malware and privacy check every two weeks or even weekly. On the contrary, if you only visit a dozen trusted websites and rarely use new apps, you won't need these scans as often.
3. Run scans if you need to resolve specific issues
If your Mac runs slowly even after running Smart Scan, or if it takes longer to boot up than normal, continueOptimizationInMaintenancecheques.The extension checkcan help you speed up your browser by removing add-ons; ThatTo updatethey find new app versions that sometimes work faster than the old ones.
If the cleanup scans didn't free up enough disk space and you need a thorough cleanup, try these tools:
- Uninstallerto remove unnecessary apps
- Space lensto visualize your storage and discover the space eaters
- Large and old filesto find the heaviest files on hard drives without looking for them in folders
4. Use the CleanMyMac menu daily
The menuprovides an overview of your Mac's health and provides tools for everyday use. For example, the menu tells you when the system's junk and trash bins are getting big enough and allows you to clean them out with a single click. You can read more about Menuutilities inThis article.
It is also the menu where the real-time malware monitor shows potential threats or tells you that there are no problems and that your computer is safe.
The menu is a great tool for everyday use, but it can't replace CleanMyMac itself - with all its complex cleaning and protection controls. Therefore, we recommend using both Menu and CleanMyMac together and running scans as we wrote above.
And may your Mac be with you, as clean and powerful as new!
FAQs
No, Apple doesn't recommend it, and most experienced people in this forum would, as noted above, actively discourage you from using it.
Does Apple recommend using CleanMyMac? ›
No, Apple doesn't recommend it, and most experienced people in this forum would, as noted above, actively discourage you from using it.
Is MacPaw trustworthy? ›
To avoid untrustworthy apps, it's always a good idea to do some research on the software developer before downloading their product. MacPaw is a trustworthy software creator behind CleanMyMac X, ClearVPN, CleanMy®Phone, and many other award-winning apps.
How long does CleanMyMac take to scan? ›
The first click starts off the Smart Scan process which takes around 10 minutes to complete, although the time will vary depending on the size and speed of the Mac's drive. Once the Smart Scan is complete, a list of problems and files that are no longer needed will be presented on the screen.
What is the difference between CleanMyMac yearly and one time? ›
CleanMyMac X cost
With CleanMyMac X, you can cover multiple devices with annual subscriptions that cover two or five Macs. MacPaw also offers one-time purchase plans so you can purchase the antivirus once and use it forever. However, you'll have to pay for any major upgrades.
How often should I run CleanMyMac? ›
How often do I scan my computer with CleanMyMac?
- Run Smart Scan every week. Why a week? ...
- Run Malware Removal and Privacy scans at least once a month. ...
- Run scans when you need to solve particular problems. ...
- Use CleanMyMac Menu daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's advisable to clean your MacBook's screen and keyboard at least once a month. However, if your environment is dustier, consider cleaning it bi-weekly.
Is MacPaw a Russian company? ›
MacPaw was founded and operated primarily in Kyiv, Ukraine. For us, the security of our team members is paramount.
Is CleanMyMac really necessary? ›
After all, they say you don't need a cleaner app to remove junk from your Mac. Technically, that's the truth—it's not necessary to install a cleaner app to free up storage space. You can delete all the files that CleanMyMac X might remove yourself.
How many Macs can I use CleanMyMac on? ›
Get a plan for 1 or 4 Mac computers. With each plan, you can use all apps in the Setapp suite, including CleanMyMac X. For more information, see Setapp pricing and Subscription plans.
Scan for malware
Its Malware Removal module offers real-time protection from malware and virus threats. CleanMyMac X has a powerful in-depth scan designed for macOS that locates and removes malware in just a few clicks.
Will CleanMyMac speed up my Mac? ›
CleanMyMac X takes the all extra burden off your system. As a result, your computer gets noticeably speedier. Because life's too short for a slow Mac. Speed up your Mac and make it more responsive with CleanMyMac X.
Is CleanMyMac by MacPaw safe? ›
CleanMyMac X is a legitimate application created by MacPaw, a reputable software developer. The app has been keeping Macs clean, optimized, and secure for more than 15 years, proving its efficiency and reliability. However, you should only download CleanMyMac X from the official website or the App Store.
Is there an alternative to CleanMyMac? ›
Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to CleanMyMac X include features and storage. The best overall CleanMyMac X alternative is CCleaner. Other similar apps like CleanMyMac X are cleanmasterofficial, Treesize, WinZip System Utilities Suite, and Duplicate Photos Fixer Pro.
How many years should you keep your Mac? ›
Macs are typically on sale for around a year, though some models have been sold for much longer. That means a typical Mac lasts eight years from a hardware perspective.
Does Apple recommend MacPaw? ›
However, it does appear MacPaw is using that fact to mislead. Apple does not endorse any third party software of any kind.
What does Apple recommend to CleanMyMac screen? ›
To clean the display on your iMac, dampen the cloth that came with your iMac—or another clean, soft, lint-free cloth—with water only, and then wipe the screen. To clean hard-to-remove smudges, you can moisten the cloth with a 70-percent isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution.
What does Apple recommend to clean iPhone? ›
Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe, 75 percent ethyl alcohol wipe, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, you may gently wipe the exterior surfaces of your iPhone. Don't use products containing bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Avoid getting moisture in any openings, and don't submerge your iPhone in any cleaning agents.
