This can be done using the Option + Command + Delete keyboard shortcut or by using the Delete Immediately option in Finder’s File menu, which can be revealed by holding down the Option key. On Mac, it’s also possible to skip Trash and delete files directly. There, activate the “Remove items from the Trash after 30 days” option. Automatically: In newer versions of macOS, you can set the Trash can to empty automatically after 30 days by going to Finder Preferences > Advanced.

Confirm your decision to permanently erase all items in Trash by clicking the Empty Trash button.

Manually: To manually empty Trash, click the Trash icon in the Dock and click Empty.

To free up storage space on your hard drive or USB flash drive, you need to empty the Trash folder, which you can do either manually or automatically:

Using the keyboard shortcut Command + Delete.

Right-clicking on a file and selecting the Move to Trash option.

Dragging a file to the Trash can icon in the Dock.

It simply changes the file’s location, allowing you to clean up your computer while giving you the option to recover deleted files from Trash if you change your mind.įiles are moved to Trash on Mac when you perform any of the following actions: When a file is moved to Trash, the operating system doesn’t erase its data. To help you understand them, let’s take a closer look at the process of deleting files on Mac. Mac’s Trash can and Recycle Bin on Windows work quite similarly, but there are some minor differences you should keep in mind if you want to undo Recycle Bin or Trash. Windows has its own Trash can, called Recycle Bin. Moving files to the Trash can is convenient because you can easily get them back if you change your mind.

Like its name suggests, its functionality mimics the functionality of a real-life trash bin. The Trash can on Mac is a special folder for deleted files.

Tip 2: Show Warning Message Before Emptying the Trash.

Tip 1: Turn off Automatic Trash Emptying if You Have It Turned On.

How to Prevent Accidental Data Loss from Trash.

Method 3: Use “Put Back” in the Hidden.

How to Recover Data From Trash That Hasn’t Been Emptied.

Other Ways to Recover Deleted Files from Trash on Mac.

Alternative Third-Party Tools for Recovering Empty Trash.

How to Recover Files from Emptied Trash on Mac?.

Can i recover files from trash on mac