#Mac force empty trash terminal how to
#Mac force empty trash terminal install
#Mac force empty trash terminal mac

I hope the post was easy to follow, and you can now fix the problem that did not allow you to empty the Trash on your Mac.9. So drag and drop the files from Trash to Desktop, and then use the above-mentioned shortcut to delete the files. However, you will have no option to recover the file. One of the best ways, though a bit risky, to delete the files without getting the Trash in between is to use Command + Option + Delete to delete with confirmation. If you cannot delete a file directly or through the Trash, then use this feature to erase the file securely. It will also avoid any Finder errors, which restricts removing the trash.Īnother included feature is Shredder. It will then scan and empty all the bins, including mail and photo library trash, at once.

#Mac force empty trash terminal install

Once you install the software, switch to the Trash Bins section. It keeps an eye on the Trash, and if it exceeds the configured limit, it prompts and then deletes the file. There are a lot of apps that can help you fix the problem, and one such is CleanMyMac.

Once it’s done, try to empty the trash.

Click on the Run button and let the process complete.

It will then prompt that the volume be checked for errors, and repairs will be made if necessary.

Click on the First Aid utility on the top left.

Select the disk or partition on which macOS is installed.

Type Disk Utility and click to launch when it appears.

Use Command key + Spacebar to open Spotlight.

The best way to fix this is to run the First Aid Tool. It is possible that you cannot delete the file because of disk permission issues. MacBook offers a Disk Utility tool that one can use to manage and fix issues around Disk. It is handy when you cannot find the menu no matter how many times you right-click on it. Choose Empty Trash, and the files should be gone. Hold the Option + Shift key and then double click to bring up the menu for Trash.

#Mac force empty trash terminal mac

If you have been using Mac for some time, you already know its usage when it comes to forcing it to quit any running application. The option key in Mac comes in hand to reveal hidden menu options.

Once verified, it will forcefully remove the file.

Press the Enter key, and you will be prompted for the password.

This will paste the exact path of the file in the trash.

Then type Sudo rm and drag and drop one of the files into the terminal.

Open Trash or Bin Window to see the list of files.

Type Terminal and press Enter to launch when it appears.

Press Command + Spacebar to bring up Spotlight.

You can forcefully use the “sudo rm” command to delete all files stuck in your Mac’s trash. The Terminal is a powerful tool on your Mac that can let you do numerous things beyond your imagination.

You should now see Safe Boot text on the top left of the screen.

When you see the Apple logo, release the Shift key.

Hold down the Shift key during startup.

Click on the Apple icon on the top-right, and then click on Restart.

Below is how you can boot your Mac in Safe mode. So, if you cannot delete files in Trash, boot your Mac in Safe Mode and try deleting the files from there. Safe Mode in Mac makes sure not to load any third-party apps and services which could lock the files in Trash from being deleted. Once you are back, right-click on the Trash icon followed by the Empty Trash option. The files may be locked for a reason, and a restart should solve the problem.

#Mac force empty trash terminal how to

Can’t Empty the Trash on Your Mac? Here’s How to Fix ItĬlick on the Apple icon on the top-right of the menu, and then click Restart. Check out some possible fixes for the problem below. This guide will show how you can fix the problem where you can’t empty the Trash on your Mac.ĭepending on the file you are trying to delete, there can be multiple reasons why your Mac cannot delete all the files from Trash. However, there will be times when the trash on your Mac gets stuck while trying to delete all the files, or it just refuses to delete some files. It gives you an option to recover files and documents you deleted. The Trash on your Mac acts just like a dustbin.

When you delete a file in Mac, it is moved to Trash, where it is stored until you empty it.