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Clear diagnostic logs

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on macOS.

These changes use Mac system commands to update your settings.

This script removes diagnostic logs.

These logs document system and application activities 1 2. The data is stored in a compressed format called tracev3 1 2 3. They include detailed data about processes, libraries, and events 2.

The logs are stored in the /private/var/db/diagnostics directory 2 3. You can also access them via /var/db/diagnostics/ 1 2, since /var links to /private/var 2.

These logs are used in forensic analysis to study your behavior, posing a privacy risk 1 2. Unauthorized access to these logs poses security risks. By clearing these logs, the script reduces the risk of sensitive data exposure, improving user privacy while maintaining system functionality.

Caution

Deleting these logs may hinder system troubleshooting and monitoring.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Implementation Details

  • Language: bash

  • Required Privileges: Administrative (sudo) access

  • Compatibility: macOS only

  • Reversibility: Some changes may be permanent

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Clear unified system and app logs category. This category contains scripts for clearing unified logs on macOS. This system is referred to as the unified logging system, macOS Unified Logs, or Apple Unified Logging and Activity Tracing. It was introduced with macOS Sierra, version 10.12. This system centralizes all logs, providing a... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Clear diagnostic logs.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Reversible

This script is reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state. The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

If something goes wrong, use the Revert script provided above.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Terminal app

  2. Copy the following code:

Code to apply changes
# Clear directory contents: "/private/var/db/diagnostics"
glob_pattern="/private/var/db/diagnostics/*"
sudo rm -rfv $glob_pattern
  1. Paste the code into terminal.
  2. Press Enter to apply the code.

Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

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