30GB of Stored Messages

[NRubino]

So, Im wondering, what, if anything, I can do with these stored messages... I've tried manually deleting them but that takes forever.

The issue is I have the 128GB 2018 MacBook Air, and the "system" is using over 50GB and I have 30GB of "Messages" and the last time I tried to store the messages on the cloud, it severely slowed down my machine.

I'm wondering what I can do to resolve this issue, as I'd rather not have to manually delete my messages on a regular basis. I'm currently needing to now delete messages just to update to OS Catalina

 

[richard2]

It's possible to make Messages automatically delete messages older than 30 days or 1 year:

1. Create a backup of your conversation history:
   1. In Finder, press shift-command-L.
   2. Copy the folder Messages to an external storage device or remote server (such as Dropbox).
2. In Messages, press command-comma.
3. Open the General tab.
4. Set Keep messages to the desired value.

Alternatively, you could delete the contents of the folder.

 

[Fishrrman]

I'd just delete the entire folder and start over.
How many times have you actually gone back to read an old message from months ago?

 

[JHZR2]

The thing is often the pictures. Especially when kids/grandkids and active families are involved.

Sure, should save the ones you like to the camera roll... doesn’t always happen.