#Force empty trash mac terminal how to#

Also, cache files and temporary files are cleaned up in Safe Mode. When you start your Mac in Safe Mode, some unnecessary programs are blocked from launching. Safe Mode can fix various problems with your Mac. If you're still unable to empty the Trash, you can use Mac Safe Mode to fix the problem. Restarting your Mac will close the applications occupying the files, which will help you empty the Trash. The most straightforward way is to restart your Mac. If you failed to clear Trash because some of the files inside are in use, you should quit the applications or processes using the files you want to delete.

#Force empty trash mac terminal how to#

How to Fix “Mac Trash Won't Empty Because File in Use” The best way to fix the problem of Trash not emptying is to better understand the causes and fix them accordingly. Enter in your administrator password and press Return again.įorcibly emptying the Trash with the Terminal is risky.

(Replace sudo rm with sudo rm -rf if you want to delete folders.) In the Terminal, type the command: sudo rm followed by a space, drag the files in the Trash to the Terminal, and press the Return key.Open Terminal via Spotlight or Launchpad.You'd better recheck the files you want to get rid of before actually deleting them. But please note that this method will completely delete the files and cannot be recovered. Fortunately, there is a quick way to solve this problem: to use Terminal to force clear the Trash. It's frustrating to be unable to empty the Trash on Mac. The reason why your Mac won't empty Trash varies.

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