How to Permanently Delete Files From a Mac

Elsie is a technology writer whose goal is to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. When she’s not writing or dabbling with gadgets and apps, Elsie loves to binge on her favorite series on Netflix, listen to music, or read a good book.

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

Method 1: Move Files to Trash and Empty Trash

This is the simplest way to remove files permanently from your Mac. Justselect your files> Right-click and selectMove to Bin. You can also pressCommand + Deleteto move the files to trash.

After that,right-click on the Bin iconand then chooseEmpty Bin.

When you empty the Bin on your Mac, you are shown a warning before you complete the action. In case you want to skip that notification, click onFinder>Settingsand then uncheck theShow warning before emptying the Trashbox under theAdvancedtab.

Use Mac Terminal

Mac’s Terminal is a command line tool that allows you to complete tedious tasks such as file deletion easily in just a few seconds. The program uses Unix commands to perform several functions easily and quickly without the operating system interfering with its processes. It’s efficient and powerful as it helps you remove files with ease, permanently.

OpenTerminal, typerm, space,drag the fileto the Terminal app window, and then pressReturn.

Use a Third-Party App

If deleting your files by emptying the trash doesn’t help, you can get a third party application to force the trash to empty. There are many such apps available likePermanent EraserorClean My Mac, which can help you empty your trash completely and permanently.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 25 July, 2024

Leave a ReplyCancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*

Name*

Email*

Comment*

Δ

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

More in Mac

How to Add and Remove Holidays in Outlook Calendar on Mobile and Desktop

How to Fix Apple Mail Stuck at Downloading Messages

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.