Alavu · Support
Get help with Alavu
Alavu is a free disk space analyzer for macOS. If something isn't working, write to me directly — it comes to a real person, not a queue.
I usually reply within two business days. If you're reporting a bug, it helps to include your macOS version, whether you're on Apple silicon or Intel, and what you were scanning when it happened.
Common questions
Why does Alavu ask for permission to a folder?
macOS requires an app to be granted access to a location before it can read what's inside. When you choose a folder or drive to scan, macOS shows the permission prompt. Alavu can only see the places you pick, and nothing else.
A scan is taking a long time.
Scan time depends on how many items are in the location, not how large they are. A drive with hundreds of thousands of small files takes longer than one with a few big ones. Scanning an entire drive the first time is the slowest case.
Where do deleted items go?
Deleting from Alavu moves the item to the Trash, so you can put it back if you change your mind. Nothing is permanently erased until you empty the Trash yourself.
Some folders show as smaller than I expected.
Alavu can only measure what macOS lets it read. System locations and other users' folders are protected and may report as empty or unavailable. This is a macOS restriction, not a limit you can turn off.
Does Alavu send anything over the internet?
No. Alavu makes no network connections at all. There is no account, no analytics, and no telemetry. See the privacy policy.
Is Alavu really free?
Yes. There is no paid tier, no in-app purchase and no subscription. Nothing in the app is locked, and you won't be asked to upgrade.